Multi-Day Alaska Rafting Trips
Premier River Camping Trips in Alaska’s Wilderness – Copper, Tana, Chitina, Nizina Rivers & Beyond
Experience True Wilderness That Goes Beyond the Ordinary
Multi-day Alaska rafting trips through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offer something day trips cannot: the rhythm of river time. Morning light catching on glacier ice. The sound of water moving past your tent at night. Days that unfold without urgency, allowing you to truly see what’s around you.
Our expeditions range from 3 to 14 days, each designed to maximize your connection with one of North America’s most dramatic wilderness landscapes. You’ll witness brown bears fishing in clear tributary streams, glaciers calving into rivers with thunderous cracks, and valleys so expansive they challenge your sense of scale. From the chocolate-brown waters of the Nizina to the braided channels of the Chitina spanning four miles wide, each river reveals distinct character and beauty.
This is extended river camping in Alaska as it should be: professional, comfortable, and deeply immersive.
The McCarthy River Tours Difference
Award-Winning Standards
In 2025, McCarthy River Tours was named Best River Rafting in the United States by the World Luxury Travel Awards. This recognition reflects our commitment to safety protocols, professional training standards, and thoughtful guiding practices in one of North America’s most remote landscapes.
What Sets Our Multi-Day Expeditions Apart
We’re the only outfitter in the region providing professional-grade dry suits to every participant. In Alaska’s glacial rivers, this isn’t a luxury—it’s essential safety equipment that allows you to focus on the experience rather than the cold.
We maintain the lowest guide-to-guest ratio in the Wrangells, with a maximum of 10 guests per trip. This isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about ensuring personalized attention, genuine wilderness immersion, and the flexibility to adapt each day to conditions and interests.
As pioneers of many backcountry river routes in this region, our expertise runs deep. Our guides know these rivers in every season, at every water level, and can read the subtle signs that make the difference between good and exceptional.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, seeking specific photography opportunities, or pursuing particular wildlife viewing goals, we design each journey to align with your interests. Our veteran guides understand that the best trips are those tailored to the people taking them.
Have Questions? Check out our Multi-Day Alaska Rafting FAQ page.
The Quality of Your Days: Food & Comfort
Backcountry Gourmet Cuisine
Our guides bring culinary expertise to match their river skills. Each meal features quality ingredients transformed into satisfying dishes that fuel your days and become part of the experience itself.
What to Expect:
- Fresh-baked Dutch oven entrees and desserts
- Local Alaskan salmon and meats
- Organic produce from Copper Valley farms (when in season)
- Quality coffee and hot drinks to start each morning
- Full accommodation of dietary needs without compromise
River Camp Comfort
Thoughtful camp setup enhances rather than distracts from wilderness immersion. We provide quality gear so you can rest well and wake ready for the next day.
Camp Features:
- Complete sleeping kit: comfortable bag, liner, pillow, and insulated pad
- Spacious tents positioned for optimal views and weather protection
- Covered dining area for all-weather meals
- Professional camp kitchen with hot drinks always available
- Comfortable camp chairs for evening relaxation
Our Multi-Day Alaska Rafting Expeditions
From 3-day adventures to epic 14-day journeys, each trip offers its own magic:
Copper River Rafting Expedition
7 Days | Moderate (Class II & III rapids) | Age 10+
Journey through Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness on this week-long Alaskan adventure. Float beneath actively calving glaciers, hike the surreal 5-mile Bremner Sand Dunes, and explore historic Copper River Northwestern Railroad remnants including the Million Dollar Bridge. Witness brown and black bears fishing for legendary Copper River salmon alongside abundant bald eagles and harbor seals. Experience moderate family-friendly rapids, camp under vast untouched skies, and discover Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes where few humans venture.
Highlights: Childs Glacier calving, Bremner Sand Dunes, railroad history, diverse wildlife, moderate rapids suitable for families
Tana River Rafting Expedition
4, 6 or 12 Day Options | Challenging (Class IV rapids) | Age 18+
Alaska’s premier whitewater expedition accessible only by bush plane. Explore the otherworldly Tana River Sand Dunes before launching into Class IV rapids with massive waves and technical drops rivaling the Grand Canyon. Designed for experienced rafters, this adventure includes comprehensive safety training, professional dry suits, and expert guides specializing in big water navigation. Camp under star-filled skies surrounded by untouched wilderness and soaring 16,000-foot peaks in one of North America’s most remote and spectacular settings.
Highlights: Class IV technical rapids, Tana Sand Dunes, bush plane access, extreme remoteness, 16,000-foot peaks
Upper Chitina River Rafting Expedition
5, 8 or 14 Day Options | Moderate (Class III+ rapids) | Age 14+
Launch near Chitina Glacier and navigate Alaska’s most extensively braided river system, with channels spanning four miles across. Float past towering Barnard and Hawkins Glaciers and Gibraltar Hill’s 600-foot cliffs while spotting wild bison herds crossing channels—a sight unique to this region. Watch bears fishing tributaries, Dall sheep traversing cliffs, and mysterious bleached “Ghost Trees” standing in the current. Choose a 5-day expedition with bush plane exit or extend to 8 days for this immersive wilderness odyssey with expert guides.
Nizina River Rafting Expedition
4, 6 or 12 Day Options | Moderate (Class III rapids) | Age 12+
Begin with a dramatic bush plane arrival at Nizina Lake, paddling among house-sized icebergs calving from Nizina Glacier. Experience serene glacier exploration and photography before Class III rapids develop through stunning limestone canyons. Float beneath the historic Nizina River Bridge skeleton and spot bears, eagles, and abundant birdlife against cascading waterfalls. This expedition perfectly balances gentle exploration with heart-pounding whitewater, accessible for families with children yet compelling for experienced rafters seeking a unique Alaskan adventure.
Highlights: Iceberg paddling, Nizina Lake, limestone canyons, historic bridge ruins, waterfall scenery, balanced difficulty
Lower Chitina River Rafting Expedition
3, 4 or 10 Day Options | Mild-Moderate (Class II-III rapids) | Age 8+
Follow this historic route through four iconic rivers: Kennicott, Nizina, Chitina, and Copper, while guides share copper rush stories that challenged early pioneers. Experience Alaska’s most approachable multi-day rafting with family-friendly whitewater, excellent bear and eagle viewing along historic shorelines, and comfortable riverside camps with gourmet meals. The shorter duration makes this “Rivers to Riches” journey ideal for rafting newcomers or families with younger children seeking an accessible yet deeply evocative wilderness adventure.
Costa Rica Rafting Expedition
8 or 9 Days | Moderate or Challenging (Choose between two trips) | All Ages
Experience our only international offering: tropical adventure contrasting Alaska’s wilderness. Raft the legendary Pacuare River—consistently rated among the world’s best—through lush rainforest canyons, then relax on the Caribbean coast. Days include waterfall hikes, optional ziplines and Tarzan swings, stand-up paddleboarding, and yoga sessions. Spot abundant wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. All logistics are handled: private guides, gear, meals, and transport included, blending adrenaline with pura vida seaside bliss for the ultimate tropical river adventure.
Ready to Experience Alaska’s Rivers?
Multi-day expeditions require thoughtful planning. We’re here to help you choose the right river, the right length, and the right timing for your goals and experience level.
Call us at 888-609-RAFT to discuss which expedition matches your vision.
Our small group sizes mean departures fill quickly, particularly for July and August dates. Early booking ensures you secure your preferred trip and dates.
Professional guiding. Quality equipment. Small groups. Deep wilderness immersion. These are the elements that define exceptional multi-day river expeditions in Alaska.
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.
