Rivers to Riches Rafting Expeditions – 3 & 4 Days
per person
Raft Four Incredible Rivers in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Steeped in Alaskan history and scenic beauty, this unforgettable river trip is a Wrangell – St. Elias National Park must do! The River to Riches rafting adventure is a perfect introduction to multi-day river trips and the Alaskan backcountry. Our raft trip begins in the small town of McCarthy, just downstream from the Kennicott Glacier. As the Kennicott River leaves the lake at the toe of the glacier it picks up speed as it moves along its unstoppable course towards the ocean. We’ll get to experience the Kennicott, Nizina, Chitina, and Copper Rivers, all in one amazing trip. Come experience the rivers with our expert, knowledgeable, and fun guides as we take you on a journey through history and natural wonder! Perfect for some classic family fun or a peaceful escape from the daily grind – see you on the river soon! We offer both three and four day trips on our “River to Riches” float, allowing for more hiking and exploration of the excellent side drainage with the extra day.
Difficulty Level: Relaxed
This trip is considered relaxed because it is the classic laid-back Alaskan river experience for families and friends. This trip is great for new adventurers on river trips. There is easy access to the river right in McCarthy, and you’ll experience Class II-III whitewater with large volumes and braided river channels. You will see lots of wildlife and the amazing Alaska scenery of the Wrangell-St. Elias region.
From McCarthy, Alaska rafting on the Kennicott, Nizina, Chitina, and Copper Rivers thought Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. You’ll end your trip in Cordova, where you’ll be shuttled back to McCarthy.
- Raft Four Alaska Rivers on One Trip: Kennicott, Nizina, Chitina, & Copper Rivers
- Trace the same route that prospectors used over 100 years ago on their way to copper & gold riches
- Great hiking & exploring opportunities
- Scenic rafting great for families and groups
- Gourmet meals that Include locally sourced meats & veggies
- Highest quality river gear in the Wrangell Mountains
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- Dry-suit
- Rafts
- Expert guides
- Personal floatation device (PFD)
- Helmet
- River shoes
- Food from lunch day one until take-out day
- Group gear (kitchen, group shelter, river toilet, etc.)
- All bush plane flights
- Tents assigned on double occupancy. You may request a private tent for an additional cost.
- Lodging pre/post river
- Transport to/from McCarthy
- All Items Listed on our Packing List
- STURDY WATER BOTTLE!
- Adventurous Spirit
- Any Medications you may require plus 2 days extra in case of delays
- Gratuity for your Guide (10-20% of trip cost is recommended)
- 3 Day Expedition: $1250 Per Person
- 4 Day Expedition: $1450 Per Person
Custom launch dates are also available. Call us @ 907-302-0688 to inquire.
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Departure Time
10am
From Our Gallery
Be our guest and see this tour for yourself
Raft 4 iconic Alaska rivers in one 3 - 4 day trip! Great for all experience levels.
3 Day River to Riches
- Day 0 - Travel Day
- Arrive in McCarthy no later than 6pm
- Mandatory 6pm pre-trip meeting conducted at our main office.
- Day 1 - Launch Day
- Raft the Class III Kennicott River
- Float through the Nizina Canyon
- Camp on the banks of the Chitina River
- Day 2 - River Day
- Spot for Grizzly's at the Tebay River
- Explore the Kuskulana Delta & Historic Remnants
- Camp within 10 miles of the Copper River
- Day 3 - Take-Out Day
- Merge with the Copper River
- Float two miles of Copper River to take out
- Arrive by noon at Take Out.
4 Day River to Riches
- Day 0 - Travel Day
- Arrive in McCarthy no later than 6pm
- Mandatory 6pm pre-trip meeting conducted at our main office.
- Day 1 - Launch Day
- Raft the Class III Kennicott River
- Float through the Nizina Canyon
- Camp near the confluence of the Nizina and Chitina Rivers
- Day 2 - River Day
- Negotiate the braids of the Chitina River
- Fill up water from a pristine mountain creek
- Enjoy stunning sunset colors from camp
- Day 3 - Take-Out Day
- Spot for Grizzly's at the Tebay River
- Explore the Kuskulana Delta & Historic Remnants
- Camp within 10 miles of the Copper River
- Day 4 - Take-Out Day
- Merge with the Copper River
- Float two miles of Copper River to take out
- Arrive by noon at Take Out.
Malcom & Sam
We Will Truly Remember These 4 Days As One Of The Best Trips Ever
We met Nik to get outfitted for our trip the next morning and were supplied with dry suits and old tennis shoes for wading in the water. We filled our water bottles at the nearby spring and headed out to the rafts. A party of 4 guests, with two guides and Loma, a beautiful German Shepherd, we had two rafts and put in after an hour or so of packing up. Four spectacular days followed, which were the highlight of our Alaskan trip. Our guides, Nik and Kyle, were experienced rafters, and we felt safe as we made our way from McCarthy to Chitina. They were great company and the only other human beings we saw for four days. The scenery was magnificent; we saw mountains with and without snow, wildlife (eagles, bears, moose, seal), and the most stunning sunsets.
The pace was perfect for leaving behind the world’s cares, but despite the remoteness, we were very well provided for. Nik provided all the camping equipment (including a portable toilet) and planned a great menu for our trip. A cooked breakfast kicked us into action every morning with an ample lunch about 3 or 4 hours later and finally, 3-course dinners every night, including grilled salmon (caught by Kyle before the trip) and beautiful salads with edible flowers, and brownies cooked in a Dutch oven. While our guides cooked, we put up our tents and explored the area, gathering wood for our nightly campfire. We enjoyed rivers with salmon, driftwood piles like sculptures, animal tracks, and stunning views, all the perfect backdrop for conversations with our daughter (14) and son (11).
We will truly remember these four days as one of the best trips ever and can only thank Nik and Kyle for everything they did for us to make it so special.
Mark D.
Outdoor Experience Unlike Any Other
Fun, safe adventure done with the utmost care for the safety and a sense of warmth, leaving you feeling good all over. A river adventure with MRTO will have a lasting impression on you in a profound way. My 1-day river trip in the town of McCarthy was a warm-up for a multi-day adventure in the backcountry. The owner, Nik Merlino, is hands-on. His concern for your safety is a top priority. His investment into Dry Suits for every customer counteracts the effects of the cold glacial water making up the rivers. The result is that you have a safe, comfortable outing few people get a chance to experience. His guides are hand-picked and trained in a rigorous environment to ensure you are well taken care of.
My four-day trip down the Kennecott, Nizina, and Chitina rivers got me into some of the most untouched and unspoiled wilderness you could ever imagine. I was taken aback by this backcountry experience. Though I didn’t see that large grizzly bear, there were bald eagles, porcupines, and signs of wildlife everywhere. I felt very at ease in the backcountry with guidance and knowledge from the MRTO guides. Many people, including myself, are very intimidated by the Alaska wilderness. This can be overcome by using the right people. I feel very lucky to have found MRTO, a very solid company that will keep you safe while allowing you to experience a lifetime. I give them my highest recommendation and will use them again for future adventures.
Taylor B.
Amazing 4-Day Rivers to Riches Experience
My group went on a private “Rivers to Riches” 4 Day trip at the end of August. This trip was amazing in all aspects. The guides are skilled & knowledgeable. The food is amazing. The campsites are breathtaking, and the scenery/ time spent on the river was unparalleled. Be sure to spend a day or more in McCarthy exploring the town and the Kennicott Mine, as this was an awesome addition to our river trip. We stayed at the Kennicott River Lodge while in town (also run by McCarthy River Tours). The lodge offered breathtaking views of the glacier right outside your cabin door!