This trip is your chance to follow one of the great waterways of the Wrangell’s in its entirety. Start just below the end of the Chitina Glacier with massive Mount Logan framing the backdrop just across the Canadian border. After a short bush plane flight from the airstrip in McCarthy, Alaska we will be ready to launch onto one of the great wild river adventures that Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve has to offer.

Flowing West to East, the Chitina river is the natural divider between the Wrangell Mountains to the North and the Chugach Mountains to the South. With it’s headwaters deep in the St. Elias Mountain Range the geological history of three different mountain ranges can be observed along the beaches of the river.

The Chitina River, larger than the Copper River when the two meet, is a large volume river offering good Class III whitewater days to start the trip and mellowing into a wild and scenic float as we reach the second half of the journey. Large braided stretches of river giving way to gorges that funnel the river into one channel alternate as we wind our way towards the confluence with the Copper River and our take out at Chitina, Alaska.

Along the way, wildlife viewing is available at every turn. With a large number of Copper River Salmon making there way up the side creeks of the Chitina to spawn, Grizzly Bears and there tracks can be spotted at any moment. Eagles soar over head and the occasional Moose makes its way onto the river bar as well. Furthermore, Dall Sheep can be spotted with binoculars walking along the mountain cliffs that surround the area.

A remote, wild, and untamed stretch of river, we often will not see a single soul for the entirety of our journey. For those with the adventurous spirit, looking for fun whitewater and breathtaking views, the Upper Chitina is sure to please.