Raft 160 miles down the Alsek River, through the largest contiguous protected wilderness in the world - including Kluane National Park & Reserve in the Yukon, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. Float past stunning glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife, from marmots to moose. Camp riverside and enjoy delicious meals while listening to river lore around the campfire. Take a helicopter portage over a risky stretch of river at Turnback Canyon and navigate past icebergs, whimsically sculpted as the river of ice formed in winter melts. With raw nature on display at every bend, this is a unique river trip through one of the last great American frontiers—and a true wilderness expedition.
Raft 160 miles down the Alsek River, through the largest contiguous protected wilderness in the world - including Kluane National Park & Reserve in the Yukon, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. Float past stunning glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife, from marmots to moose. Camp riverside and enjoy delicious meals while listening to river lore around the campfire. Take a helicopter portage over a risky stretch of river at Turnback Canyon and navigate past icebergs, whimsically sculpted as the river of ice formed in winter melts. With raw nature on display at every bend, this is a unique river trip through one of the last great American frontiers—and a true wilderness expedition.
MT Sobek operates under Special Use Permits and Concession Contracts granted by Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. We are an equal opportunity recreation service provider. All trips operate on a non-discriminatory basis.
Float past the largest icebergs in all of Glacier Bay National Park and raft Class II-IV rapids
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Take an exciting helicopter portage for a bird's-eye of the Alsek's treacherous Turnback Canyon
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Enjoy meals and legends told around crackling campfire each night, beneath star-studded Alaskan skies
Arrive in Haines, Alaska to check in for your pre-trip meeting at the Halsingland Hotel. Stroll past totem poles to our rafting equipment warehouse located in the former barracks of historic Fort Seward. After the trip orientation and handing out your personal river equipment and dry bags, walk to a casual eatery for dinner. Cap off the night with an optional toast for good luck and good weather at Southeast Alaska's first distillery, before returning to your room to pack your river gear.
Accommodation: Hotel Halsingland
Meals: Dinner
Travel to Haines Junction in Yukon Territory, Canada
Day 2
After breakfast, board a van for a beautiful drive up the Chilkat River Valley through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, crossing the border into British Columbia, Canada, then on to Haines Junction in Yukon Territory. At the Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stop at the visitor center to learn about this vast wilderness and its indigenous peoples. After lunch, drive over Haines Pass to the Serpentine Creek put-in on the Dezadeash River. (You may choose to hike part of the way on this rough 4x4 road.) After recapping our critical safety considerations, begin floating down a gentle section of the Dezadeash to your first campsite.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Yukon, Canada
Activity: 3 hour/5 mile scenic float
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Raft the Mighty Alsek
Day 3
Today the river begins big and braided into many channels until the confluence with the Kaskawulsh River, where the Alsek River begins. Spend the morning with your binoculars watching for wildlife along the shore and overhead. As the day progresses the river picks up speed, past ancient lava flows and wild rock formations. You'll float further into the wilderness and camp near the Lowell Glacier, part of the vast St. Elias icefields. The river flows into Lake Lowell, formed by the terminal moraine of the glacier; often you can camp on the moraine for a striking view of the glacier. Here in the 1870s, Lowell Glacier dammed the river, creating a monumental lake. As the Glacier receded, the dam broke unleashing an epic deluge exceeding the volume of the Amazon River. Tonight, sleep in a valley surrounded by soaring glaciated peaks.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Yukon, Canada
Activity: 4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paddle Amidst the Icebergs of Lowell Lake & The Lowell Glacier
Day 4
If the winds are calm, make your way across Lowell Lake to where the Lowell Glacier ends. The lake is teeming with icebergs that have calved and fallen off the glacier on the other end of the lake. It's a spectacular sight to raft through these glacier chunks, and to hear and watch the glacier's movement through the night.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Yukon, Canada
Activity: 4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recharge with a Layover Day & Hike Goatherd Mountain
Day 5
Awaken this morning nestled against the majestic backdrop of Goatherd Mountain. With options to tailor your day, whether scaling the plateau or strolling through meadows, excitement awaits. Explore the iceberg-dotted shoreline, keeping an eye out for wildlife. Whichever path you choose, be prepared for unrivaled vistas of Lowell Glacier and the awe-inspiring peaks of the St. Elias Range. From Mount Kennedy to the towering Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak at 19,850 feet, witness the grandeur of Kluane National Park's icy realm.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Yukon, Canada
Activity: Optional Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Run the Rapids of the Challenging "Lava North"
Day 6
As you leave the lake the pace of the river picks up dramatically. It's an exciting day, but you'll don dry suits and keep safety as your primary focus as you approach the trip's most challenging rapids, including the infamous Lava North. Tonight, celebrate your thrilling passage in camp.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, British Columbia, Canada
Activity: 4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II-IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Alsek Canyon
Day 7
Today the water is swift with continuous rapids as the river cuts through the Alsek Range. Soon the valley constricts, and tributary waterfalls pour of the cliffs. As you approach this namesake mountain, the guides will regale you with stories of Walt Blackadar. A surgeon and graduate of Dartmouth and Columbia, at age 43 he fell in love with river running and was the role model of a whole generation of paddlers. He transformed the image of paddling from pure competition to outdoor recreation and exploration. As you approach Tweedsmuir Glacier you'll stop above unnavigable Turnback Canyon, filled with sharp drops and horrendous currents.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, British Columbia, Canada
Activity: 4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II-III rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Tweedsmuir & Prepare to Portage
Day 8
Awaken to more other-worldly scenery near the foot of Tweedsmuir Glacier. Today you can hike to the glacier, plus rest and relax. However, your main objective is to prepare for the helicopter assisted portage over Turnback Canyon. You'll consolidate your gear and fall asleep anticipating tomorrow's aerial adventure.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, British Columbia, Canada
Activity: Optional Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Delight in a Helicopter Ride Over Turnback Canyon
Day 9
Prepare the gear for transport, and board a helicopter for a short flight to the gravel flats south of the canyon. From the chopper, see every hairpin turn and the churning water crashing into the canyon walls. The scenery changes on the other side - the river is wider, there are numerous braided channels and more vegetation, and bald eagles perch along the mossy cliffs of the Icefield and Noisy Ranges. The rafts are relaunched and drift through the wide valley towards the majestic confluence of the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Alaska
Activity: 4 hours/15 miles on Class II-III rapids
Transportation: 25-minute helicopter flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue Down the Tatshenshini River
Day 10
Continue down the river, crossing back into the United States and Glacier Bay National Park. On the southern horizon, a dozen glaciers flow down from the 15,000-foot Fairweather Range, while the Alsek disappears back to the north and east into the symmetrical peaks and waterfalls of the Noisy Range. Closer to the Gulf of Alaska, the climate becomes more maritime and the glaciers more numerous. Today the Alsek joins forces with another great expedition river, the Tatshenshini. After the confluence, pass the Walker Glacier, which has sprawled down its valley and time permitting you will hike and camp here.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Alaska
Activity: 4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Float Towards Alsek Lake
Day 11
Continue to float towards Alsek Lake, encircled in an amphitheater of soaring peaks and colossal glaciers which comprise the world's largest non-polar icefield. The river is braided and wide, but now massive in volume as you approach the Pacific coast.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Alaska
Activity: 4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paddle Among Sculpted Ice Flows of Alsek Lake
Day 12
Formed at the confluence of glaciers, Alsek Lake is one of the most spectacular spots on earth and the largest lake in Glacier Bay National Park. Watch and listen as giant chunks of ice calve into the water from the 7-mile face of the Alsek glacier. Some icebergs are 75 feet high, indicating a depth below the surface at least twice as great. The guides will row among ice floes sculpted into bizarre, fluted, ever-changing phantasmagoric shapes - a veritable "iceberg garden." Tonight, celebrate the near completion of your epic expedition.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, Alaska
Activity: 4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Dry Bay by Bush Plane
Day 13
After floating into the flat, forested plains beyond Alsek Bay, arrive at the Dry Bay Fishing Company outpost along the estuary of the Alsek River. Bid fond farewell to your guides on this remote airstrip, then board a small aircraft for a spectacular charter flight to Yakutat in time for the scheduled Alaskan Airlines service to Juneau (the trip is tailored around this flight, and Juneau is your gateway city to other destinations).
Activity: 4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Transportation: 1-hour charter flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Some Trips get a Bonus Day!
Day 14
Each year we are assigned our commercial take-out dates by Glacier Bay National Park (US) and our put-in dates by Kluane National Park (CA), who together regulate our operations. One quirk of this two-country system is each year we are assigned one trip that is 14 days in duration rather than our standard 13 days. On our 14-day trip we follow the same itinerary, but at the guide's discretion we add an abbreviated river day or even an additional layover/hiking day to the itinerary. This decision is made in real-time based on the guide's expert assessment of the weather, water flows, and each unique group's interests, abilities, and desires. Please make special note of the trip dates if you have selected our 14-day expedition, the above description for day 13 will apply to the 14th day of these trips.
MT Sobek has been a pioneer in Alaska adventure travel since 1972, always placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
Praised by National Geographic Adventure, this spectacular 13-day rafting expedition features wilderness paddling, riverside camping, tasty meals, and tales told by seasoned guides around a crackling campfire.
Our Alsek trip is led by the most capable and knowledgeable guides on the river. Our crew has over 100 combined years of experience on Alaska rivers.
Itinerary The itinerary may vary, depending on river and weather conditions, and group abilities.
Dietary Restrictions Due to the remote nature of the areas visited on this trip, dietary restrictions are more difficult to accommodate due to limited resources. Please contact a member of our Trip Consultant team to inquire about your dietary restriction.
Dates & Prices
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Kevin M.
Kevin —a.k.a. "Thirsty"—has been guiding since he was 17 years old and has been an integral part of MT Sobek's Arctic rivers program for decades. His laid-back manner puts everyone at ease, and he has a wealth of knowledge about Arctic rivers. Although he normally spends his winter months in Colorado's Telluride ski area, he has climbed Denali three times, reaching the summit in 2000. Thirsty is a legend in the MT Sobek circle and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor.
Clint F.
Clint is a true explorer and has been guiding trips from the Arctic to Latin America for 20 years. Well known for being calm, conscious, and curious, Clint is always up for an adventure-and is seldom at a loss for words. MT Sobek guests can count on him to entertain in front of some of the most beautiful backdrops in North America. He has an exquisite ability to combine wilderness meals and a keen eye for the unseen. Clint's group characterize his leadership as positive, cohesive, and feeling at ease in the wild.
Lynne W.
Lynne began guiding in 1996 on the Kern River, California where she packed boats on mules into the Forks of the Kern in the Golden Trout Wilderness. She has since guided all over the West and internationally including the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Futaleufu in Patagonia, the Zanskar in India, and the Grand Canyon. You can find her smiling big in any sort of river craft, such as whitewater kayaks, dories, duckies, rubber rafts, packrafts and pool toys. Her love of mountains and rivers has led to her involvement with conservation across the West. She founded the Cloud City Conservation Center in Leadville, Colorado.
Arrive in Haines, Alaska to check in for your pre-trip meeting at the Halsingland Hotel. Stroll past totem poles to our rafting equipment warehouse located in the former barracks of historic Fort Seward. After the trip orientation and handing out your personal river equipment and dry bags, walk to a casual eatery for dinner. Cap off the night with an optional toast for good luck and good weather at Southeast Alaska\'s first distillery, before returning to your room to pack your river gear.
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Today the river begins big and braided into many channels until the confluence with the Kaskawulsh River, where the Alsek River begins. Spend the morning with your binoculars watching for wildlife along the shore and overhead. As the day progresses the river picks up speed, past ancient lava flows and wild rock formations. You\'ll float further into the wilderness and camp near the Lowell Glacier, part of the vast St. Elias icefields. The river flows into Lake Lowell, formed by the terminal moraine of the glacier; often you can camp on the moraine for a striking view of the glacier. Here in the 1870s, Lowell Glacier dammed the river, creating a monumental lake. As the Glacier receded, the dam broke unleashing an epic deluge exceeding the volume of the Amazon River. Tonight, sleep in a valley surrounded by soaring glaciated peaks.
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If the winds are calm, make your way across Lowell Lake to where the Lowell Glacier ends. The lake is teeming with icebergs that have calved and fallen off the glacier on the other end of the lake. It\'s a spectacular sight to raft through these glacier chunks, and to hear and watch the glacier\'s movement through the night.
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As you leave the lake the pace of the river picks up dramatically. It\'s an exciting day, but you\'ll don dry suits and keep safety as your primary focus as you approach the trip\'s most challenging rapids, including the infamous Lava North. Tonight, celebrate your thrilling passage in camp.
Today the water is swift with continuous rapids as the river cuts through the Alsek Range. Soon the valley constricts, and tributary waterfalls pour of the cliffs. As you approach this namesake mountain, the guides will regale you with stories of Walt Blackadar. A surgeon and graduate of Dartmouth and Columbia, at age 43 he fell in love with river running and was the role model of a whole generation of paddlers. He transformed the image of paddling from pure competition to outdoor recreation and exploration. As you approach Tweedsmuir Glacier you\'ll stop above unnavigable Turnback Canyon, filled with sharp drops and horrendous currents.
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[ActivityHighlight] => This is a moderate to strenuous river rafting trip. You should be comfortable rafting up to 15 miles over the course of 4 hours per day for 11 days on class II - IV rapids. Previous river rafting experience is recommended, and you should be in good physical condition. There will be shorter (1-3 miles) and longer (4-5 miles) hiking options, possibly on rocky terrain or in areas with dense vegetation. Due to the remote nature of this trip, no vehicle support is available during our activities.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. This is a moderate to strenuous river rafting trip. You should be comfortable rafting up to 15 miles over the course of 4 hours per day for 11 days on class II - IV rapids. Previous river rafting experience is recommended, and you should be in good physical condition. There will be shorter (1-3 miles) and longer (4-5 miles) hiking options, possibly on rocky terrain or in areas with dense vegetation. Due to the remote nature of this trip, no vehicle support is available during our activities. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3 hour/5 mile scenic float
Day 3
4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Day 4
4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Day 5
Optional Hiking
Day 6
4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II-IV rapids
Day 7
4-7 hours/15 miles on Class II-III rapids
Day 8
Optional Hiking
Day 9
4 hours/15 miles on Class II-III rapids
Day 10
4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Day 11
4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Day 12
4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
Day 13
4 hours/15 miles on Class II rapids
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
After the first evening in a Jeffersonian style hotel, MT Sobek riverside camps, with meals served around the campfire beneath the stars.
On each night of your Alsek adventure you will enjoy camping in spectacular spots right next to the river, often with views of glaciers. Included in our expedition-style trip are three-person four-season tents for every two people, plus Thermarest pads and fresh sleeping bags. At lunch and dinner time you will enjoy gourmet meals carefully prepared by the guides.
MT Sobek Camp-Alsek River, British Columbia, Canada
Your riverside camping experience includes nightly camps on the banks of Alsek River. Included in our expedition-style trip are four-season three-person tents for every two-people and includes a Thermarest pad and fresh sleeping bags. All camping spots are in spectacular locations right next to the river, with often views of glaciers. At lunch and dinner time you'll enjoy gourmet meals.
Your riverside camping experience includes nightly camps on the banks of Alsek River. Included in our expedition-style trip are four-season three-person tents for every two-people and includes a Thermarest pad and fresh sleeping bags. All camping spots are in spectacular locations right next to the river, with often views of glaciers. At lunch and dinner time you'll enjoy gourmet meals.
Nestled between the jagged peaks of the Chilkat Mountains and the waters of the beautiful Lynn Fjord, the Hotel Halsingland offers an authentic historic experience in a setting of natural beauty. This unique hotel is located in Historic Fort Seward and is designed in Jeffersonian style architecture. Many rooms are adorned with original decorative Belgian tile fireplaces and claw foot tubs.
Weather
Enjoy long Alaska days, with potential rain & chilly winds near glaciers. Daytime 55°-65°F. Evenings 40°-55°F.
Jun
Jul
Alsek River
High
Low
High
Low
Alsek River
55
43
59
47
Haines
High
Low
High
Low
Haines
64
48
64
51
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Meet your MT Sobek guides at your Haines, AK hotel on Day 1. Kick off your adventure with a welcome dinner and trip orientation.
Will I need a passport?
We are making a border crossing into Canada, so you will need a passport as proof of nationality. Please check visa requirements for entering Canada if you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen.
What if I do not have a sleeping bag or tent that will withstand Alaska weather?
MT Sobek provides synthetic sleeping bags, sleeping pads and expedition tents at no extra cost. We also provide rain gear, dry suits, and boots.
How does this trip compare to other long river trips, such as the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River?
The Alsek River is deep in the heart of the largest wilderness area in the world, and there are less than 200 people who raft this river annually. This is more of an expedition trip due to its remote wilderness.
What if it is rainy on the trip? Will be still be hiking and rafting each day?
Not necessarily. We can make adjustments to our itinerary if the weather is not cooperating. This means sleeping in, delaying departure from camp, or other adjustments. We carry a large group tarp with us that allows for rain shelter and our tents are expedition quality.
I've never been river rafting before. Is this trip too much for me?
Prior rafting experience is not essential. However, this trip is an expedition with wilderness camping, so being an active participant willing to be caught in variable weather with a positive attitude is a must.
What is the hiking like on this trip?
While this trip is primarily focused on rafting, it also offers incredible hiking opportunities! We'll have both shorter, relaxed hikes (1-3 miles) and more challenging options (4-5 miles) that can include up to 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Most of our hikes are off-trail or along game trails, so the terrain will be varied. You'll encounter sandy paths, rocky stretches, and dense vegetation with birch, alder, and willow trees. At higher elevations, the tundra becomes rocky, while lower areas are spongy and may have standing water. Glacier moraines feature everything from fine sand to large boulders.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
Are there any group savings?
Yes, we offer two ways to enjoy group savings on many adventures in North America, including this one. Either bring a group of 10 and receive 10% off per person or opt for an eleventh person to go for free! Call our expert Trip Consultants on 800-974-0300 to discuss group savings options.
