Chitina River Rafting Expeditions – 5 & 8 Days
per person
Chitina River Rafting: Through the Heart of Wrangell-St. Elias
Where Giants Meet the River
Launch your expedition at the terminus of the massive Chitina Glacier, where your first days offer stunning upstream views of Mount Logan – North America’s second-highest peak and a mountain so massive its base circumference surpasses any non-volcanic mountain on Earth. Choose between our 5-day fly-out adventure or the extended 8-day journey to witness one of Alaska’s most dramatic and least-traveled river corridors.
A River Valley Unlike Any Other
As you navigate the Chitina’s remarkable braided channels – spanning up to four miles across – each day reveals new wonders. Float past the towering faces of Barnard and Hawkins Glaciers, their ancient ice meeting the river in a dramatic confluence of geological forces. Watch as Gibraltar Hill rises 600 feet directly from the riverbed, a natural sentinel marking your passage through this spectacular landscape.
Where Wildlife Roams Free
This isn’t just another river trip – it’s a journey through one of Alaska’s most remote river ecosystems. Navigate around the haunting “Ghost Trees,” standing like sentinels mid-river, and prepare for possible “traffic jams” as wild bison herds cross between channels. Near Flower Lake, scan the extensive gravel bars for bison tracks and grazing herds, while bears fish in crystal-clear side streams and Dall sheep traverse high mountain cliffs.
A Journey Through Three Mountain Ranges
The Chitina rivers path winds between the Wrangell, St. Elias, and Chugach ranges, offering a unique perspective on Alaska’s most dramatic mountains. From the serpentine bends behind Bryson Bar to the countless braided channels that create an ever-changing maze of water and gravel, each day brings new discoveries in this pristine wilderness.
Difficulty Level: Moderate Perfect for adventurous spirits seeking a balance of excitement and scenic wonder. Features Class III+ rapids with impressive volume and extensive braided channels. Suitable for first-time rafters with an adventurous attitude or experienced paddlers seeking unique Alaskan wilderness. You should be aware that this river trip is “out there” in very remote terrain.
Ready to experience Alaska’s legendary rivers? Reserve your expedition dates now – call us at 907-302-0688 or click below to start planning your journey through America’s largest national park.
- Launch near the massive Chitina Glacier
- Views of Mount Logan’s commanding presence
- Navigate past the Barnard and Hawkins Glaciers
- Float beneath 600-foot Gibraltar Hill
- Witness wild bison herds crossing the river
- Float past the mysterious Ghost Tree stands
- Experience one of Alaska’s most braided rivers
- Spot bears fishing in clear tributary streams
- Â Backcountry gourmet meals
- Expert guides with extensive local knowledge
Beginning at the terminal moraine of the Chitina Glacier, your expedition traverses one of Alaska’s most dramatic river valleys. Navigate Class III+ rapids in the upper section before the river transforms into an intricate maze of channels spanning up to four miles wide. Choose between our 5-day expedition with a bush plane exit at Jake’s Bar, or continue for 8 days to experience the full grandeur of this remarkable watershed.
Our professional guides bring extensive experience to every expedition:
- Swiftwater rescue certification
- Wilderness First Responder certification
- Extensive local knowledge
- Professional-grade equipment including dry suits
- Comprehensive safety briefings
- Small guide-to-guest ratios
Create your perfect wilderness experience:
- Choose 5 or 8-day journey options
- Combine with a Copper river expedition for a multi-week source to sea trip
- Custom dates available for private groups
- Special photography-focused trips available
-
What We Provide:
- Professional guide service
- High-quality dry suits
- All rafting and safety equipment
- Camping equipment including sleep kits
- All meals from lunch day one through take-out
- Bush plane flights as specified
- Group camping gear
- Expert interpretation of natural history
What to Bring:
- Personal items from packing list
- Sturdy water bottle
- Medications (plus 2-day backup supply)
- Adventurous spirit
- Guide gratuity (15-20% recommended)
5-Day Chitina River Expedition: $4,550 per person
8-Day Chitina River Expedition: $4,850 per person
2025 Launch Dates:
- July 1
- July 28 (Combine with August Copper Expedition for 14-day Source to Sea)
Custom dates available upon request. Price includes all necessary gear and meals – no hidden fees.
-
Departure Time
10am
From Our Gallery
Be our guest and see this tour for yourself
Great Adventure Trip for Intermediate and Experienced Adventurers!
5-Day Chitina River Expedition
Day 0: Welcome to McCarthy
Join us in historic McCarthy for our mandatory 6pm pre-trip meeting. Meet your guides and fellow adventurers as we review gear and prepare for tomorrow's journey into one of North America's most dramatic river valleys.
Day 1: Launch into Wilderness
Your journey begins with a morning bush plane flight to Hubert's Landing along the Chitina River. Here, surrounded by some of the continent's most remote wilderness, you'll launch onto waters that immediately showcase their playful character with Class III+ rapids. As the day progresses, the river's energy settles, leading to your first camp in this spectacular landscape.
Day 2: Glaciers & Giants
A layover day allows for deep exploration of this remarkable territory. Hike to the retreating terminus of Barnard Glacier, where ancient ice meets raw earth. On clear days, gaze upstream at Mount Logan, whose massive bulk dominates the horizon. As you return to the river, witness its transformation into the intricate braided channels that will define the coming days.
Day 3: Riverside Monuments
Today's journey passes two active glaciers as your guides navigate past Gibraltar Rock, a 600-foot sentinel rising dramatically from the riverbed. Thread through the graceful S-curves of Bryson Bar, with opportunities for short hikes to gain perspective on this vast landscape. Each bend reveals new views of the three mountain ranges that frame your journey.
Day 4: Bison Country
Navigate the most extensively braided section of river in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, where channels weave across a riverbed up to four miles wide. Watch for the famous Chitina River bison herd and discover their distinctive bedding middens - evidence of these incredible animals adapting to life in the glacier plains. Float past Canyon Creek as you prepare for tomorrow's final leg.
Day 5: Final Float & Flight
Your last day brings you past the confluence of the mighty Tana River to Jake's Bar, where historic trapper cabins tell tales of earlier adventurers. Listen for the approaching bush plane that will provide one final, spectacular aerial view of your journey as you return to McCarthy.
8-Day Chitina River Expedition
Days 1-4: Follow the 5-day itinerary above
Day 5: Geological Transitions
After passing the Tana River confluence, explore the historic remains at Jake's Bar. Watch for bears fishing at the mouth of the Chakina River. Today marks a fascinating geological transition as the river leaves the hard rock of the upper valley for the more erodible cliffs of the lower Chitina.
Day 6: Mountain Vistas
Join forces with the Nizina River's chocolate-brown waters. The day offers expansive upstream views of the towering St. Elias mountains. Stop to replenish water supplies from crystal-clear mountain streams, a reminder of the pure wilderness surrounding you.
Day 7: History & Wildlife
Scan for bears near the Tebay River and float past the distinctive Lightning Bolt Rock. Explore the Kuskulana River Delta and discover historical sites that tell tales of the region's copper rush era. Your final wilderness camp offers time to reflect on nearly a week of remarkable experiences.
Day 8: Journey's End
Join the mighty Copper River for your final day on the water. Float past traditional fish wheels and contemporary dipnetters practicing time-honored salmon harvesting methods. Arrive at O'Brien Creek in Chitina by noon, completing your epic journey through the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Note: This itinerary may vary based on water levels, weather conditions, and group interests. Your expert guides will adapt the journey to maximize both safety and the quality of your experience.