Nizina River Rafting Expeditions – 4 & 6 Days
per person
Nizina River Rafting: Where Icebergs Meet Wild Rapids
Begin your adventure with a breathtaking bush plane flight to Nizina Lake, where massive icebergs drift silently beneath towering peaks. This extraordinary expedition combines the surreal experience of paddling among house-sized icebergs with the thrill of navigating the chocolate-brown waters of one of Alaska’s most scenic rivers. For 4 or 6 days, immerse yourself in a landscape where mile-high limestone cliffs frame your journey and waterfalls cascade from towering walls.
From Glacier Lake to Canyon Rapids
The Nizina River offers a perfect progression of adventure. Spend your first day exploring the otherworldly realm of Nizina Lake, where ancient glacier ice creates a constantly shifting maze of floating towers. As you begin your river journey, the Nizina reveals its character through increasingly exciting Class III rapids, dramatic canyons, and the historic remnants of Alaska’s copper rush era.
Where History Meets Wilderness
Float beneath the skeletal remains of the historic Nizina River Bridge, a testament to the determination of early pioneers who connected the small towns of McCarthy and May Creek. Today, nature has reclaimed this territory, leaving you to explore a wilderness where bears roam the shoreline and eagles soar between canyon walls.
Get Ready to Be Stunned by the Nizina River’s Majestic Landscape!
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Perfect for adventurous spirits seeking a balance of excitement and scenic wonder. Features Class III rapids with impressive volume and braided channels. Suitable for first-time rafters with an adventurous attitude or experienced paddlers seeking unique Alaskan wilderness.
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.
- Bush plane flight to spectacular Nizina Lake
- Paddle among towering icebergs
- Navigate the dramatic Five Mile Gorge
- Float past Mile High Cliffs & Chitistone Gorge
- Float under the historical skeleton of the Nizina River Bridge
- Witness countless waterfalls
- Experience Class III whitewater
- Enjoy gourmet backcountry meals
- Small group size for personalized experience
Your expedition begins with a scenic flight to Nizina Lake, where massive Glaciers calve icebergs into the glacier lake waters. After a day exploring this spectacular environment, launch onto the Nizina River for an adventure through some of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes. Choose between our 4-day expedition with a flight back to McCarthy, or extend to 6 days to experience the mighty Chitina River.
Our professional guides bring extensive experience to every expedition:
- Swiftwater rescue certification
- Wilderness First Responder certification
- Extensive local knowledge
- Professional-grade equipment including dry suits
- Comprehensive safety briefings
- Small guide-to-guest ratios
Create your perfect wilderness experience:
- Choose 4 or 6-day journey options
- Combine with our Copper River expedition for an unforgettable Source to Sea adventure
- Custom dates available for private groups
- Special photography-focused trips available
Contact us at 907-302-0688 to discuss your ideal Nizina River experience.
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What We Provide:
- Professional guide service
- High-quality dry suits
- All rafting and safety equipment
- Camping equipment (double occupancy tents)
- All meals from lunch day one through take-out
- Bush plane flights as specified
- Group camping gear
- Expert interpretation of natural and human history
What to Bring:
- Personal items from packing list
- Sturdy water bottle
- Pre/post trip accommodations
- Transportation to McCarthy
- Medications (plus 2-day backup supply)
- Adventurous spirit
- Guide gratuity (15-20% recommended)
4-Day Nizina River Expedition: $3,245 per person
- Includes bush plane flights in and out
6-Day Nizina-Chitina Expedition: $3,560 per person
- Includes bush plane flight in, ground transport out
2025 Launch Dates:
- June 13 (Combine with Copper Expedition for 12-day Source to Sea)
- July 19
- August 17
Custom dates available upon request. Price includes all necessary gear and meals – no hidden fees.
McCarthy Lodging Options
Make it a full McCarthy, Alaska Vacation! From quaint cabins at the foot of a glacier to riverside camping – we have the perfect place to rest your head after a day of Alaskan adventure.
SEE LODGING OPTIONSFrom Our Gallery
Be our guest and see this tour for yourself
Great Fly Out Backcountry Adventure for Intermediate Skill Levels!
4-Day Nizina River Expedition
Day 0: Welcome to McCarthy
Your wilderness journey begins in historic McCarthy. Join us at 6pm for a mandatory pre-trip meeting at our main office. Meet your expert guides and fellow adventurers as we review gear and prepare for tomorrow's flight into glacier country.
Day 1: Nizina Lake & Iceberg Exploration
Your adventure starts with a spectacular morning bush plane flight to Nizina Lake, where massive icebergs drift in the shadow of towering peaks. After establishing camp, paddle among these ancient ice giants and search for signs of the area's trapping history, including a long-lost cabin. Spend the afternoon hiking the Doubtful Creek drainage and take in striking views of this stunning landscape.
Day 2: Whitewater Begins
Experience your first taste of Nizina whitewater as you leave the lake behind. The river immediately shows its playful character with Class III rapids. Take a break from the water to hike to a magnificent waterfall, one of countless cascades that make this river journey unique. Make camp beneath the impressive Mile High Cliffs, where vertical walls soar above your riverside home.
Day 3: Canyons & Rapids
Today's journey takes you past the dramatic Chitistone Gorge, where limestone walls tell geological stories spanning millions of years. Navigate the river's braided channels, where your guides' expertise shines in choosing the optimal route. The day culminates with an exciting run through Nizina Canyon before making camp upstream of the Chitina confluence.
Day 4: Final Float & Flight
Begin your final day with a short float to the confluence of the Chitina River. Your bush plane arrives at the riverside airstrip for a mid-day flight back to McCarthy, offering one last aerial view of your river journey.
6-Day Nizina-Chitina Expedition
Day 0: Welcome to McCarthy
Arrive in McCarthy for our 6pm mandatory pre-trip meeting at the main office. Meet your guides and fellow adventurers while reviewing gear and preparations for tomorrow's wilderness journey.
Day 1: Nizina Lake & Iceberg Exploration
Your adventure begins with a morning bush plane flight to spectacular Nizina Lake. Spend the day exploring this otherworldly environment, paddling among towering icebergs and hiking the Doubtful Creek drainage. Search for traces of the area's trapping history while soaking in views of the surrounding peaks.
Day 2: Into the Rapids
Leave the stillness of Nizina Lake behind as you enter the river's playful rapids. Navigate Class III whitewater before taking time to hike to a stunning waterfall. Make camp beneath the towering Mile High Cliffs, where the scale of Alaska's wilderness becomes breathtakingly apparent.
Day 3: Gorges & Canyons
Float past the impressive Chitistone Gorge, navigating entertaining braided channels that showcase your guides' river-reading expertise. The excitement builds as you enter Nizina Canyon, where clear waters from countless waterfalls join the chocolate-brown river. Make camp with views of tomorrow's confluence.
Day 4: Joining the Chitina
Merge onto the mighty Chitina River, where the waterway doubles in size. Experience the changed character of this larger river system, with its sweeping views and broad gravel bars. Replenish water supplies from pristine mountain streams while scanning the shoreline for bears and eagles.
Day 5: Wildlife & History
Pass the Tebay River, a prime location for bear viewing where clear water meets the glacier-fed main stem. Explore the impressive Kuskulana River Delta and discover historical sites that tell tales of the copper rush era. Your final wilderness camp offers time to reflect on the journey's diversity.
Day 6: Journey's End
Join the mighty Copper River for your final day on the water. Float past traditional fish wheels and contemporary dipnetters practicing time-honored salmon harvesting methods. Arrive at O'Brien Creek in Chitina by noon, completing your journey through some of Alaska's most dramatic river country.
Note: This itinerary may vary based on water levels, weather conditions, and group interests. Your expert guides will adapt the journey to maximize both safety and the quality of your experience.