Why Choose McCarthy River Tours
Award-Winning Alaska Wilderness Guides
Alaska river rafting and glacier hiking with McCarthy River Tours has earned national recognition, including being named Best River Rafting in the United States by the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards. That recognition reflects what guests experience on the ground every day. In Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, changing weather, glacier-fed rivers, and remote terrain demand careful planning and deep local knowledge.
Since 2010, we have focused on running well-designed wilderness trips built around small group sizes, professional equipment, and experienced guides who live and work in the Wrangells. As a result, our trips adapt to real conditions and move at a natural pace. By keeping trips small and guide ratios low, we are able to deliver Alaska rafting and wilderness experiences that feel personal, well-prepared, and grounded in strong safety practices.
Explore McCarthy, Alaska
McCarthy
McCarthy is a small, remote town inside Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. For this reason, it’s the jumping-off point for rafting, glacier hikes, and exploring the historic Kennicott mining district. This is where most of our trips begin, and where you’ll find the closest access to the rivers we run.
For a deeper look at the town, its history, and travel logistics, visit Explore McCarthy, a local resource dedicated to everything McCarthy, Alaska.
Local Adventures
The area around McCarthy offers a lot to do. At the same time, visitors can raft the Kennicott and Chitina Rivers, hike on the Root or Kennicott Glacier, explore the mill building in Kennicott, or take a flightseeing tour over the mountains and icefields. It’s a great place to base your Alaska adventure.
You can learn more about activities, lodging, dining, and other local businesses through Explore McCarthy, which highlights what’s available throughout the McCarthy area.
Where to Go in Alaska for the Best Rafting Adventures
Popular Alaska Rafting Trips
Raft Alaska’s Best Rivers in America’s Largest Wilderness
Featured Alaska Expedition:
The Copper River
One of Alaska’s most iconic multi-day trips, the Copper River expedition takes you through a week of big mountains, wild water, and unforgettable backcountry moments. Starting in Chitina and ending near Cordova, this route winds through the Chugach Mountains, past active glaciers, and along one of the most wildlife-rich corridors in Alaska.
Highlights of the Copper River Trip
• Childs Glacier
Experience the thunder of ice calving into the river from a safe, up-close vantage point. A rare and unforgettable Alaska moment.
• Exceptional Wildlife Viewing
See bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, and migrating salmon throughout the Copper River corridor.
• Historic Railroad Route
Travel along the old Copper River Northwestern Railroad and visit landmarks like the Million Dollar Bridge.
• Bremner Sand Dunes
Walk through a surreal, desert-like landscape tucked deep in Alaska’s wilderness.
River Scenes and Testimonials
This place was amazing! We did a four hour tour, a little bit out on the peaceful lake to look at the glacier and then went on the rapids! Our tour guide was absolutely amazing! She was so much fun and very knowledgeable about information on Alaska!
– Jimmy H.
Everything was great, and our guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the history of Kennicott and the nature around it.
– Julien B.
Our guide was wonderful!!!! Very knowledgeable and lots of fun.
– Ariel A.
READY TO PLAN YOUR TRIP?
We’ve got you covered with day and multi-day trip guides for McCarthy, Alaska.
Planning that bucket list trip to the Last Frontier can be a little daunting. But not to worry – We’ve made it easy with our trip planning guides! These guides cover everything from how to get to McCarthy, Alaska, what to pack for a trip, and our most frequently asked questions from past guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most guests reach McCarthy by driving the McCarthy Road from Chitina, followed by a short footbridge walk into town. You can also fly into McCarthy on a small bush plane from Anchorage or nearby communities.
For detailed travel planning, road conditions, and local transportation options, visit Explore McCarthy, which offers up to date information about getting to and around McCarthy.
Multi-day trips typically include professional guides, rafting and safety equipment, dry suits for water travel, meals during the trip, group camping gear, and all on-trip logistics. Specific inclusions vary by trip.
Each trip page lists detailed inclusions and expectations, such as the Copper River Expedition or other multi-day adventures.
Our operating season generally runs from late spring through summer. Early season trips often feature higher water and dramatic scenery, while mid to late summer offers longer days and excellent wildlife viewing.
Each trip page notes the best timing for that specific experience. For seasonal events, lodging, and local activities, Explore McCarthy provides a helpful overview of what to expect throughout the summer.
Not always. Some trips are well suited for first time rafters or hikers, while others are designed for guests with previous experience. Each trip page outlines the recommended experience level so you can decide what fits best.
You can browse our Multi-Day Rafting Trips for longer expeditions, or explore our Day Trip Adventures for shorter experiences like whitewater rafting, glacier hiking, and glacier lake kayaking. If you are unsure which option is right for you, feel free to reach out and we can help you decide.
Packing needs vary by trip and time of year, but most guests should plan on bringing personal clothing layers, sturdy footwear, rain gear, and personal items for camp.
After booking, we provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific trip. You can also find general travel and lodging information through Explore McCarthy if you are planning time in town before or after your trip.
Yes. We provide professional dry suits and required safety equipment for water based trips. Before heading out, our guides review proper equipment use and emphasize safety practices on the river.
If you would like to learn more about how dry suits are used and why they are an important part of cold water travel in Alaska, you can visit our Dry Suits for Alaska Rafting page for additional details.
Trip specific equipment information is also listed on each individual trip page.
For more detailed information about our trips, logistics, and travel planning, visit our day trips FAQs and our multi-day rafting expeditions FAQs.
Ready to plan your Alaska adventure?
Start exploring our rafting, hiking, and wilderness trips in Wrangell–St. Elias.