Chitina River Rafting Expeditions – 5 & 8 Days
per person
Dive into the heart of Wrangell St Elias National Park on our ultra remote Chitina River rafting expedition. Choose between our 5-day fly-out option, boarding a bush plane at Jake’s Bar airstrip, or the extended 8-day voyage concluding in Chitina, Alaska.
Embark on a wild ride as the Chitina River propels you through swift Class III+ rapids before transitioning into a mesmerizing, tranquil float during the second half of the journey. Glimpse the geological narrative rafting between three distinct mountain ranges (Wrangell, St Elias & Chugach) etched along the river’s shores, a testament to its origins in the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountain Range. Marvel at the convergence of glaciers and river, and keep watch for Alaska’s diverse wildlife, including elusive wild bison. This expedition caters to intrepid explorers seeking the extraordinary, offering an opportunity to forge enduring memories amidst Alaska’s untouched grandeur.
Ideal for: Seasoned adventure enthusiasts, drawn to remote destinations and the allure of unspoiled landscapes. If you resonate with the call of the wild, have a fondness for the national park system, and seek an unparalleled journey, our Chitina River rafting experience is tailor-made for you.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Chitina River 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, and up to Class III+ whitewater with large volume and braided river channels.
2025 Group Tour Launch Dates (5 & 8 Day)
- July 1
- July 28 – Combine with our August Copper Expedition and make it a 14 day Source to Sea!
2025 Group Tour Price – our prices contain no hidden fees, the price here is what you will pay at booking
- 5 Day Expedition: $4550 Per Person
- 8 Day Expedition: $4850 Per Person
Custom Dates & Pricing Available
- Scenic bush plane flight deep into Wrangell-St Elias National Park
- Stunning views of 16,000-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
Starting on the Chitina River, funneling into the Copper River and ending in the Chitina River. We offer two trips a summer with 16 total available spots.
- 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.
- Sleep Kit (Sleeping Bag, Pad, Pillow)
- 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)
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
Great Adventure Trip for Intermediate and Experienced Adventurers!
5 Day Chitina
- 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
- Morning Fly Out to Hubert's Landing area along Chitina River
- Take in some of the most remote countries in America.
- Enjoy Class III+ whitewater before it mellows by camp.
- Day 2 - River Day
- Float past 2 riverside glaciers.
- Upstream views of massive Mount Logan.
- Begin the Braids on the River.
- Day 3 - River Day
- Layover and Hiking Day
- Get up close to riverside glaciers
- Spot for the Chitina river Bison Herd, look for their beding "middens" that they leave in the glacier plains along the river.
- Day 4 - River Day
- Negotiate the most braided stretch of river in Wrangell St Elias National Park.
- Float past the confluence of the Tana.
- Explore Jakes Bar and the old trapper cabins located there.
- Day 5 - Take Out Day
- Spend the morning exploring the trails around Jake's Bar.
- Listen for the sounds of an approaching airplane
- Load your personal gear onto a small bush plane and enjoy the short but spectacular flight back to McCarthy.
8 day Chitina
- Day 0 - Travel Day
- Arrive in McCarthy no later than 6pm
- Mandatory 6pm pre-trip meeting conducted at our main office.
- Day 1 - Fly-Out Day
- Morning Fly Out to Hubert's Landing area along Chitina River.
- Hike & Explore the unique geography of the upper Chitina River valley.
- First Night BBQ, Fire & S'mores.
- Day 2 - River Launch Day
- Great 1st morning breakfast.
- Float past 2 riverside glaciers.
- Fast moving Class III+ Whitewater to start the trip.
- Day 3 - River Day
- Begin the river braids.
- Upstream views of massive Mount Logan.
- MacColl Ridge dominates the Northern side of the River
- Day 4 - River Day
- Negotiate the most braided stretch of river in Wrangell St Elias National Park.
- Float past the confluence of the Tana.
- Camp at Jake's Bar by the old trapper cabins located there.
- Day 5 - Layover Day
- Spend the day exploring the multiple hiking trails around Jake's Bar.
- Enjoy a Riverside Sauna.
- Relax and enjoy the fire and afternoon happy hour.
- Day 6 - River Day
- Spot for bears at the mouth of the Chakina River.
- Float past the Nizina River confluence.
- Refill Water Jugs with crystal clear mountain water.
- Day 7 - River Day
- Spot for bears at the Tebay River
- Explore the Kuskulana River Delta
- Check out riverside historical sites.
- Day 8 - Take-Out Day
- Float onto the Copper River.
- Float past dipnetters and fish wheels.
- Take out at O'Brien Creek in Chitina at noon.