A Chitina River trip is your chance to follow one of the great waterways of Alaska in its entirety.

The Chitina River, larger than the Copper River when the two meet, is a large volume river offering swift Class III+ whitewater to start and mellows 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.  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.

A remote, wild, and untamed stretch of river, we often do not see another soul for the entirety of our journey.  A Chitina River Expedition is an adventure seekers dream!

Starting with an unbelievably scenic bush plane flight from the airstrip in McCarthy, our journey begins just downstream from the terminus of the Chitina Glacier.  With massive Mount Logan framing the backdrop just across the Canadian border, we will be ready to launch onto one of the greatest wild Alaska river adventures that Wrangell St. Elias National Park has to offer.

Chitina River Trip Highlights

• Scenic Bush Plane Flight deep into Wrangell St Elias National Park
• Stunning views of 16,ooo foot mountains
• Raft a remote Alaska River that hardly anyone has ever done
• Spot for Dall Sheep along riverside cliffs
• Watch Grizzly Bears looking for salmon along the clear side creeks
• Some of the biggest moose we’ve ever seen have been on this stretch of river!
• Back-country gourmet meals

Trip Options

We offer two trips a summer with 16 total available spots.  Choose a 6 day trip launching on June 28th or take the ultimate adventure on an 8 day expedition launching July 30th.