Packraft          Trip Reports

Why packraft the Refuge?: Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a massive area at the eastern end of the Brooks Range between Gates of the Arctic National Park and the U.S.-Canadian border. The Brooks Range is often cited as one of the landscapes that propelled the development of packrafts due to thousands of navigable miles of wilderness rivers complemented by excellent tundra walking. Situated north of both the Arctic Circle and treeline, the Refuge offers e

Crossing the Kennicott Glacier during a September '21 traverse. Why do the Lakina Traverse?: The Lakina River is less of a destination river trip and more of a convenient exit point for packrafters as part of a stunning traverse in the southern Wrangells. While the river is an enjoyable float with some moderate whitewater, the real draw of this traverse is the alpine lakes, tundra hiking and glacial vistas along the way. This route offers a little bit of everything in a conde

Why do the "Extra-Happy"?: While the name might not stick, it seems appropriate given how this route made us feel. Alaska's Happy river is a worthy destination in and of itself but given it is a fly-in and out adventure, we wanted to get some extra value for the cost. By adding the Styx and Kuskowim Rivers, you get some excellent bonus whitewater while seeing more of the Alaska Range and adding some hiking to the trip to make it a week-long expedition. Winding canyon scenery

The put-in for the Bull River framed by the Alaska Range. Why this route?: Broad Pass is the height of land between the watersheds flowing south to the Gulf of Alaska and north and west to the Bering Sea. As a result, there are a number of excellent, easy access packrafting routes that depart from the Parks Highway not far from Cantwell, Alaska. This route is a great option for packrafters looking for an overnight trip with a high paddle to hiking ratio, fun whitewater, good

A vent within the Aniakchak caldera. Why Aniakchak?: The Aniakchak River is a legendary Wild and Scenic River in a remote part of the Alaska Peninsula. The main draw of paddling this section is its unique setting. The river flows out of a lake nestled inside a caldera and then passes through steep volcanic walls as it breaches the crater and tumbles toward the Gulf of Alaska. While the paddling is a highlight, groups should prioritize spending time the crater and exploring t

Paddling with icebergs on Lowell Lake Why Alsek?: This river corridor is stunning.  The Alsek drains the eastern edge of the largest non-polar icefield in the world.  As a result, traveling along the Alsek feels like traveling back into the ice age.  The coastal mountains are dramatic and paddling around icebergs at the toe of a glacier is a definitive highlight. In addition to the sheer beauty of the scenery, the whitewater is fun and the wildlife is abundant. As far as

Packing up at the toe of the Chisana Glacier. Why Wrangells?: The Wrangells traverse is an Alaskan classic and is often the first route that gets recommended when discussing packrafting in the Last Frontier. Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the largest National Park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route is a true wilderness adventure offering a wide variety of hiking and paddling terrain, from alpine meadows to glacial moraines, and from clear creeks

Why packraft the Firth?: Flowing out of the British Mountains on the eastern flank of the Brooks Range in Canada's Yukon Territory, the Firth is a one-of-a-kind Arctic River trip. The landscape of Ivvavik National Park largely escaped glaciation, which has left behind all sorts of geologic remnants such as the craigy rock towers, or tors, that line the surrounding ridgelines. Unlike many arctic rivers that flow through broad, braided valleys, the Firth cuts a breathtaking l

Big scenery on the Susitna. Why Talkeetnas?: I often contrast this route with the classic Nabesna to McCarthy Wrangells route. While the Talkeetnas lack the sheer scale and dramatic alpine scenery of the Wrangells, this route is more river-centric with better whitewater and excellent fishing. That is not to say the Talkeetna route lacks alpine appeal. The Terrace Lakes offer excellent scrambling and scenery, and both hiking sections of the route offer imposing views of Den