Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Please read these Terms of Service (“Terms”) carefully before using the McCarthy River Tours website or booking any services. These Terms contain important information regarding limitations of liability, assumption of risk, and your legal rights.

Your access to and use of this website and all services offered by McCarthy River Tours is conditional upon your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. By accessing our website, making a reservation, or participating in any trip or service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you disagree with any part of these Terms, you do not have permission to use our website or services.

About McCarthy River Tours

McCarthy River Tours is a professional guiding company based in McCarthy, Alaska, operating within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and surrounding areas. We offer guided rafting trips, glacier hiking, kayaking tours, and related outdoor adventure services in remote Alaska wilderness.

Business Information:

  • Legal Name: McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters, LLC
  • Location: McCarthy, Alaska
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 93044, Anchorage, AK 99509
  • Phone: (907) 302-0688
  • Email: raftthewrangells@gmail.com

Services Offered

We offer the following services, which may be booked individually or in combination:

Multi-Day Rafting Expeditions

  • Copper River (7 days)
  • Tana River (4, 6 or 12 days)
  • Upper Chitina River (5, 8 or 14 days)
  • Nizina River (4, 6 or 12 days)
  • Lower Chitina River (The Rivers to Riches) (3 or 4 days, add 6 more days for source to sea)

Day Trips

  • Kennicott River Rafting & Glacier Lake Tour (half-day)
  • Float & Fly Rafting Trip (full-day)
  • Private Root Glacier Guided Hike (half-day or full-day)
  • Private Glacier Lake Kayak Tour (half-day)
  • Nizina Lake Iceberg Kayak & Fly (full-day)

Custom and Private Trips

Custom itineraries, private group departures, and combined multi-river expeditions available upon request.

All services are subject to availability, weather conditions, and operational requirements as determined by McCarthy River Tours in our sole discretion.

Pricing and Payment

Published Pricing

Prices for all services are listed on our website and are subject to change without notice. Published prices include:

  • Professional guide service
  • All necessary safety equipment (drysuits, helmets, PFDs)
  • Meals as specified for each trip
  • Camping equipment for multi-day trips
  • Transportation as specified (bush plane flights where indicated)

Prices do not include:

  • Transportation to/from McCarthy
  • Pre/post-trip lodging
  • Gratuities for guides (15-20% recommended)
  • Personal gear and clothing
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages

Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • Bank transfers

Payment processing is handled securely. We do not store complete credit card information on our systems.

Booking and Payment Schedule

To Reserve Your Trip:

  1. Initial Deposit: 20% of total trip cost required at booking (non-refundable)
  2. Final Payment: Due 60 days prior to trip departure (non-refundable within 60 days of launch)
  3. Late Bookings: Trips booked within 60 days of departure require full payment at time of booking

Payment Processing

By providing payment information, you represent and warrant that:

  • You have the legal right to use the payment method provided
  • All information supplied is true, correct, and complete
  • You authorize McCarthy River Tours to charge the specified amounts

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations by Guest

Deposits: All deposits are non-refundable once paid. This deposit secures your space, commits guide resources, and reserves specific trip dates.

Final Payment Refunds:

  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund of payments beyond the deposit
  • 60 days or less before departure: No refund
  • No-shows: No refund

Medical or Emergency Cancellations: We understand that emergencies occur. However, we cannot offer refunds outside the policy stated above. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment.

Cancellations by McCarthy River Tours

We reserve the right to cancel any trip for reasons including but not limited to:

  • Insufficient enrollment
  • Unsafe weather or river conditions
  • Equipment failure
  • Guide illness or emergency
  • Government closure of access or areas
  • Any other circumstance that compromises safety or trip quality

If we cancel your trip:

  • Full refund of all payments made, including deposit
  • No liability for consequential expenses (flights, lodging, etc.)
  • Reasonable effort to reschedule or offer alternative dates

Trip Modifications

McCarthy River Tours reserves the right to modify trip itineraries, routes, or activities due to:

  • Weather conditions
  • River levels and water conditions
  • Wildlife encounters requiring route changes
  • Participant safety concerns
  • Government restrictions or requirements
  • Unforeseen circumstances

Trip modifications made for safety or operational reasons do not constitute grounds for refund or compensation.

Travel Insurance Requirement

We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Medical expenses and evacuation
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Travel delays

Alaska’s remote location, weather variability, and dependence on bush plane flights create risks that may affect your travel plans. Travel insurance protects your financial investment and provides emergency coverage in remote areas where medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability

You Agree to sign and complete an Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability prior the start of your trip. 

Inherent Risks

Wilderness adventure activities involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. By participating in any McCarthy River Tours service, you acknowledge and accept these risks, which include but are not limited to:

Environmental Risks:

  • Cold water immersion and hypothermia
  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Remote location far from medical facilities
  • Wildlife encounters (bears, moose, etc.)
  • Unstable terrain (glaciers, riverbanks, gravel bars)
  • River hazards (rapids, strainers, rocks)

Activity Risks:

  • Capsizing or falling from rafts
  • Collisions with obstacles or other boats
  • Equipment failure
  • Physical exertion and fatigue
  • Injuries from paddling, hiking, or camping activities

Access Risks:

  • Bush plane travel in variable weather
  • Road conditions on McCarthy Road
  • Communication limitations in remote areas

Release and Waiver

In consideration for being permitted to participate in McCarthy River Tours services, you agree to the following:

  1. Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, whether foreseen or unforeseen, including risk of serious injury or death.
  2. Release of Liability: You release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue McCarthy River Tours, its owners, guides, employees, contractors, and affiliates from any and all liability for injury, death, property damage, or other loss arising from your participation.
  3. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless McCarthy River Tours from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from your participation or your violation of these Terms.
  4. Medical Authorization: You authorize McCarthy River Tours guides to obtain emergency medical treatment on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Limitations

This release does not extend to liability arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct by McCarthy River Tours.

Participant Requirements and Responsibilities

Age Requirements

Minimum ages vary by trip:

  • Day trips: Generally 8-10 years old (see specific trip descriptions)
  • Multi-day moderate trips: 10-14 years old depending on trip
  • Tana River: 18 years old minimum

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who accepts responsibility for the minor’s conduct and safety.

Health and Fitness Requirements

Participants must:

  • Be in good general health appropriate for the trip difficulty level
  • Disclose any medical conditions that may affect participation
  • Bring adequate supplies of any required medications (plus 2-day backup)
  • Be capable of following guide instructions
  • Be able to swim or float comfortably (swimming ability required for Tana River)

If you have any medical conditions, injuries, or physical limitations, you must disclose them to McCarthy River Tours prior to your trip. Failure to disclose relevant medical information may result in trip termination without refund.

Participant Conduct

You agree to:

  • Follow all guide instructions and safety protocols
  • Respect other participants and maintain appropriate conduct
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Respect wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles
  • Refrain from possessing or using illegal drugs
  • Consume alcohol only in moderation and when not engaged in activities

McCarthy River Tours reserves the right to remove any participant whose conduct endangers themselves, others, or compromises trip quality. Removal for conduct violations results in no refund.

Swimming Requirement (Tana River Only)

All Tana River participants must complete a swim assessment in the Kennicott River while wearing full safety gear prior to launching. This requirement ensures participants understand how to self-rescue if separated from the raft in Class IV whitewater.

Guide Authority and Decision Making

Guide Discretion

Guides have sole and final authority regarding all safety decisions, including but not limited to:

  • Route selection and navigation
  • Timing and pacing of activities
  • Equipment use and requirements
  • Weather-related decisions
  • Participant capability assessments
  • Emergency response

Failure to follow guide instructions may result in trip termination without refund.

Trip Modifications

Guides may modify or cancel portions of trips based on conditions, safety concerns, or operational requirements. These decisions are made in good faith based on professional judgment and do not constitute grounds for refund.

Equipment and Personal Property

Provided Equipment

McCarthy River Tours provides all necessary technical and safety equipment in good working condition. This equipment remains our property and must be returned in reasonable condition at trip conclusion.

You are responsible for:

  • Reasonable care of provided equipment
  • Costs of repair or replacement for lost or damaged equipment beyond normal wear
  • Following proper use instructions

Personal Property

McCarthy River Tours is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal property during any trip. We recommend:

  • Leaving valuables at home
  • Using waterproof bags for items you bring
  • Purchasing insurance for expensive equipment (cameras, etc.)

Photography and Media Release

By participating in our trips, you grant McCarthy River Tours permission to photograph and video record you during activities and to use such images and recordings for:

  • Marketing and promotional materials
  • Website and social media content
  • Educational purposes

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, inform your guide at the beginning of the trip.

Intellectual Property

All content on the McCarthy River Tours website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, photographs, videos, and trip descriptions, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

This content is the property of McCarthy River Tours or used with permission from copyright holders. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without express written permission.

Website Use and Prohibited Conduct

By using our website, you agree not to:

  • Impersonate McCarthy River Tours or our employees
  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the website
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
  • Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
  • Interfere with website functionality
  • Use the website for any unlawful purpose
  • Violate any applicable federal, state, or local laws

Disclaimer of Warranties

WEBSITE AND SERVICES PROVIDED “AS IS”

McCarthy River Tours website and all services are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

We do not warrant that:

  • Services will be uninterrupted or error-free
  • Website information is complete, accurate, or current
  • Defects will be corrected
  • The website or servers are free from viruses or harmful components

Weather, river conditions, wildlife behavior, and other factors beyond our control affect trip experiences. We make no warranties regarding specific outcomes or experiences.

Limitation of Liability

MAXIMUM LIABILITY LIMITED TO FEES PAID

To the fullest extent permitted by law, McCarthy River Tours’ total liability for any claims arising from your use of our website or participation in our services shall not exceed the amount of fees you actually paid to us for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

McCarthy River Tours shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

  • Lost profits or revenue
  • Loss of use or data
  • Cost of substitute services
  • Travel expenses (flights, lodging, etc.)
  • Property damage beyond equipment provided by us

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (negligence, contract, strict liability, etc.) and even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

ESSENTIAL PURPOSE

These limitations reflect the allocation of risk between you and McCarthy River Tours. They will survive and apply even if any limited remedy fails of its essential purpose.

EXCEPTIONS

These limitations do not apply to liability arising from our gross negligence or willful misconduct, or where prohibited by applicable law.

Force Majeure

McCarthy River Tours is not liable for failure to perform obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God (earthquakes, floods, fires)
  • Severe weather conditions
  • Government actions or restrictions
  • Public health emergencies
  • Labor disputes
  • Equipment or facility failures beyond our control

In such events, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule or provide alternatives but are not liable for consequential expenses or damages.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Applicable Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alaska, United States, without regard to conflict of law provisions.

Jurisdiction and Venue

Any legal action or proceeding arising from these Terms or your use of our services shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Alaska, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Class Action Waiver

YOU AND MCCARTHY RIVER TOURS AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION.

Arbitration

For claims, the parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation before pursuing legal action. Either party may propose mediation through a mutually agreed neutral mediator.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any separate trip-specific agreements you sign, constitute the entire agreement between you and McCarthy River Tours regarding our services and supersede all prior agreements or understandings.

Changes to Terms of Service

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Material changes may be communicated through email or website notification.

Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

For reservations made prior to Terms changes, the Terms in effect at the time of booking shall apply unless changes are required by law.

Contact Information

Questions about these Terms of Service should be directed to:

McCarthy River Tours

Phone: (888) 609-7238
Email: raftthewrangells@gmail.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 93044, Anchorage, AK 99509

For general inquiries, trip planning, or booking assistance, contact us through the same channels.

Acknowledgment

BY USING OUR WEBSITE, MAKING A RESERVATION, OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY MCCARTHY RIVER TOURS SERVICE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

  1. You have read and understood these Terms of Service
  2. You agree to be bound by these Terms
  3. You understand the inherent risks of wilderness adventure activities
  4. You voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation
  5. You release McCarthy River Tours from liability as stated herein
  6. You are at least 18 years old or have parental/guardian consent

These Terms protect both you and McCarthy River Tours by clearly establishing expectations, responsibilities, and limitations. We encourage you to read them carefully and contact us with any questions before booking.