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Copper River Rafting Expeditions – 7 Days

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Copper River Rafting Expeditions – 7 Days

per person

Copper River Rafting: A 7-Day Journey Through Alaska's Mightiest River Valley

Embark on an epic Copper River rafting expedition through the heart of Alaska’s dramatic Chugach Mountains. For seven unforgettable days, immerse yourself in a wilderness so vast and untamed it defies description. Float beneath towering glaciers that calve directly into the river, witness bears and eagles hunting legendary Copper River salmon, and explore historic remnants of Alaska’s copper rush era.

This signature expedition showcases Alaska at its wildest, where each bend in the river reveals new wonders. Navigate past the massive Childs Glacier, explore the remarkable Bremner Sand Dunes, and camp along shores that few humans ever visit. From the historic launch point in Chitina to the journey’s end near Cordova, you’ll experience one of Alaska’s most remarkable river corridors.

Premier Wildlife Viewing on Alaska’s Greatest River

The Copper River stands alone as one of Alaska’s premier wildlife corridors. Watch bears prowl the shoreline hunting for famous Copper River salmon, witness eagles soaring overhead in unprecedented numbers, and spot seals that follow salmon runs miles upriver from the ocean. This isn’t just a rafting trip – it’s an immersion into one of North America’s most vibrant ecosystems.

World-Class Adventure, Unmatched Expertise

Our professional guides bring decades of combined experience to every expedition. With a focus on safety and comfort, we provide top-quality gear including dry suits for every guest. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience as you navigate this mighty river’s Class III+ rapids and braided channels.

Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Copper river rafting expedition is considered a Moderate trip for those adventurers looking to journey a little further into the Alaskan Bush. Great for folks with previous river experience or newcomers with an increased desire for adventure. Incredible chances to spot wildlife, very remote, mostly Class II with up to class III whitewater and large volume, braided river channels.

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.

Duration

7 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Age

10+

  • Navigate one of Alaska’s most legendary rivers
  • Witness Childs Glacier calving directly into the river
  • Explore the historic Copper River Northwestern Railroad route
  • Experience premier wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Hike around the remarkable 5-mile Bremner Sand Dunes
  • Camp in pristine wilderness settings
  • Enjoy gourmet meals featuring local ingredients
  • Travel with the most experienced guides Wrangell St Elias National Park!

River Map Copper River McCarthy River ToursFrom our launch in historic Chitina, spend seven days exploring the mighty Copper River’s most spectacular features. Navigate Class II & III water, witness dramatic glacier calving, and camp along pristine shorelines. This journey follows the historic route of the Copper River Northwestern Railroad, offering unique perspectives on Alaska’s copper rush era while showcasing the region’s abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes.

Our professional guides bring decades of combined experience to every expedition. Each undergoes:

  • Swiftwater rescue certification
  • Wilderness First Responder training (80-hour minimum)
  • Extensive local knowledge testing
  • Wildlife safety training

Make this epic journey your own. Whether you’re seeking:

  • Custom launch dates
  • Extended wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Photography-focused expeditions
  • Combined Source to Sea adventures

Contact us at 907-302-0688 to discuss creating your perfect Copper River experience

  • What We Provide:

    • Professional guide service
    • High-quality dry suits and safety equipment
    • All rafting gear
    • Camping equipment including tents (double occupancy)
    • Sleep kits (sleeping bag, pad, pillow)
    • All meals from lunch day one through take-out
    • Group camping gear (kitchen, shelter, toilet)
    • Expert interpretation of local history and ecology

    What to Bring:

    • Personal items from packing list
    • Sturdy water bottle
    • Pre/post trip accommodations
    • Transportation to Chitina
    • Medications (plus 2-day backup supply)
    • Adventurous spirit
    • Guide gratuity (15-20% recommended)

7-Day Copper River Expeditions: $4,175 per person

2025 Launch Dates:

  • June 18 (Combine with Nizina Expedition for 12-day Source to Sea)
  • July 16 (Combine with Tana Expedition for 12-day Source to Sea)
  • August 4 (Combine with Chitina Expedition for 14-day Source to Sea)
  • August 25 (Special Northern Lights Float)

Custom dates available upon request. Price includes all necessary gear and meals – no hidden fees.

7 days
10+ Age
  • Departure Time
    10am
0
Day 0 - Welcome to McCarthy 

Your wilderness journey begins in historic McCarthy. Join us at 6pm for a mandatory pre-trip meeting where you'll meet your guides and fellow adventurers. We'll review the expedition ahead, check gear, and answer any questions as anticipation builds for tomorrow's launch.

1
Day 1: Launch Day - Woods Canyon
After breakfast, we shuttle to our launch point in Chitina. Your guides provide comprehensive safety orientation and equipment familiarization before we begin our journey. By afternoon, you'll be floating through the dramatic Woods Canyon, where the mighty Copper River begins to reveal its character. Tonight's camp offers your first taste of pristine riverside wilderness.
2
Day 2: Railroad History
Today's journey follows the historic Copper River Northwestern Railroad route, where determination and engineering once carved a path through this untamed landscape. A highlight includes exploring a remarkable riverside railroad tunnel, a testament to the industrial ambition that once shaped this valley. Your guides share tales of the copper rush era as you drift past remnants of this ambitious railway.
3
Day 3: Waterfalls & The Peninsula
The day brings encounters with impressive unnamed waterfalls cascading from towering cliffs. These pristine falls, accessible only by river, demonstrate the untouched nature of this wilderness. Make camp at "The Peninsula," a spectacular site offering panoramic views of the river valley. Watch for bears fishing along the shoreline and eagles soaring overhead.
4
Day 4: Bremner Dunes & Glaciers
Today offers a stunning contrast of landscapes. Explore the remarkable Bremner Sand Dunes, a surprising 5-mile expanse of desert-like terrain amid the Alaskan wilderness (hiking dependent on weather). Later, witness the dramatic face of Heney Glacier and float past the confluence of the glacier-fed Wernicke River, each adding their unique mineral signatures to the Copper's flow.
5
Day 5: Rapids & Icebergs
Challenge the Abercrombie Rapids before entering the otherworldly realm of Miles Lake, where Miles Glacier presents an imposing wall of ice. Navigate through an empire of icebergs - each a unique sculpture carved by sun and water. Tonight's camp by the Childs Glacier offers a front-row seat to nature's ice sculpture garden.
6
Day 6: Childs Glacier & Million Dollar Bridge
Prepare for a day of historic and natural wonders. Witness the raw power of Childs Glacier as massive ice blocks calve directly into the river - one of Alaska's most dramatic natural displays. Walk across the engineering marvel of the Million Dollar Bridge, where human ingenuity and wild nature meet. Your guides share the fascinating history of this remarkable structure while you soak in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
7
Day 7: Delta Journey & Farewell

Your final day showcases the rich ecosystem of the Copper River Delta, where the river braids through wetlands teeming with wildlife before meeting the Gulf of Alaska. After take-out, we shuttle to Cordova, carrying with us unforgettable memories of one of Alaska's most remarkable river journeys.

Note: This itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, water levels, and group interests. Your experienced guides will adapt the journey to maximize both safety and the quality of your experience.