Charley and Yukon River Raft
Whitewater Rafting in Alaska with Arctic Wild
Highlights
- Fun and fast whitewater rafting
- Paddling on the storied Yukon River
- Watching wildlife like wolves, bears, moose and beaver
Full Description
A four-seater plane will land you, your trip-mates and guide(s) on a gravel strip in the upper Charley River, a remote Wild and Scenic River flowing through the vast mountains and forests of interior Alaska. The National Park Service created this park because of its rich human history and its stunning natural beauty.
The Charley River flows first through an open valley where tundra covered peaks in the distance are over 6,000 feet high. Vistas are impressive and the distant peaks shine in the midnight sunlight. The river valley narrows and the river has cut its way through the bedrock, flowing swiftly past bluffs and cliffs. We will enjoy navigating through boulder strewn rapids as the river plummets towards the Yukon Valley. After leaving the mountains the current slows and we will have more time to stare through the crystal clear water to the colorful pebbles below and to gaze up at the moss filled woods in hopes of seeing wildlife. After enjoying this wild and scenic river for over 100 miles we will paddle out on to the mighty Yukon River.
The adventure is far from over when we reach the Yukon River. Along the Yukon we will see tall bluffs with nesting raptors, car size chunks of ice left stranded on the sandbars, historic cabins and wildlife such as grizzly bears, lynx and moose. The Yukon is huge even here in its upper reaches, both its size and speed are impressive.
This is a moderately difficult river trip, with stretches of Class II and III rapids, and steady paddling, in total 150 miles. No experience is required for paddle rafting, as instruction is provided. Everyone joins in the fun of paddling the boats under the guidance of a raft captain.
Early June is a magical time this far north. The land is waking from its long winter sleep. The sun shines and the birds sing nearly all night long. The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve has one of North America’s highest densities of nesting peregrine falcons. You may also see caribou, moose, wolves, black and grizzly bears and a wide variety of waterfowl and songbirds (including Northern Shrikes and Rusty Blackbirds).
Includes:
- Transportation beyond Fairbanks
- Outstanding guide service
- Wholesome, delicious, and mostly-organic food while in the wilderness
- Stoves, cooking & eating utensils
- Repair and safety equipment such as firearm (guide will carry) and one bear spray per guest
- All boating gear, including boats and paddles
- The use of one life jacket and one medium-sized dry bag per guest
Excludes:
- Non-camp lodging
- Non-camp meals
- Personal clothing, backpack, and footwear
- Sleeping bag & sleeping pad
- Three-season tent
- Large waterproof dry bag (one with shoulder-straps works best)
- Waterproof camera case
- Fishing gear and fishing license
- Gratuity for guide(s)
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Meet with your guide at 4 pm for a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks.
Day 2: Fly into a gravel landing strip in the headwaters of the Charley River. Spend the afternoon hiking through the alpine tundra and settling into the country.
Day 3: Spend the morning inflating our rafts and preparing for the river. After a river safety briefing we will set out on the clear and beautiful Charley River with Mountains all around.
Days 4 - 7: Paddle down the Charley, navigating rapids and enjoying the country. Though we have many miles to cover, we will make time for one non-travel day to explore on foot and enjoy the quiet and solitude of this spectacular area.
Days 8 - 9: Float the mighty Yukon River. Broad and strong the Yukon flows between forested banks and rocky bluffs. As the river nears the village of Circle the valley broadens to the horizon and our world becomes one of just sky, water and gravel. Once we arrive by raft to the Yukon River village of Circle, pack our gear, and climb in a van for the 4-hour drive to Fairbanks. Time for a hot shower!
About The Operator:
Arctic Wild
Headquarters:
Fairbanks, AK
Established:
January 1998
Arctic Wild is a wilderness guiding company based in Fairbanks, Alaska. We specialize in 1 to 3 week, fully guided and outfitted adventures in arctic Alaska. Our professional guides can take you to the most remote, beautiful and wildlife rich areas in Alaska. Our dedication to your enjoyment and learning is why people return year after year to enjoy the arctic with us. Groups are small, we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. Whether you join us for a basecamp trip, river rafting, canoeing or backpacking adventure, there is plenty of free time for you to explore, bird watch, photograph, fish or do whatever pleases you most. Our simple and efficient camps are comfortable, and wholesome camp meals are as filling as delicious. Our itineraries are as varied as our clients. Rigorous mountain expeditions, serene lake paddling, wildlife photography, whitewater rafting—we are always thinking of fun new trips and new ways to experience one of the largest wilderness areas on earth.
Arctic Wild is fortunate to have an astoundingly skilled, informed and passionate group of guides working with us. Some only work one trip a year while others have hiked and paddled with us all summer long for decades. Our guides' skills are born of both experience and solid training. In addition to completing our annual in-house training all of our lead guides carry a Wilderness First Responder medical certificate and many of them are have Swiftwater Rescue training as well. Some guides also work as biologists or mountaineers, professional conservationists, and educators. All of our guides have the experience and knowledge to make your trip safe, fun, and educational. Since 1998 Arctic Wild has been the leader in Natural History and adventure travel in northern Alaska.