|
 |
|
ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper River Rafting Tour |
|
|
|
|
|
 Because of its great location, vast wilderness, spectacular scenery and wildlife, the Copper River rafting trip is a adventure of a lifetime. Offering an abundance of wildlife, cascading waterfalls, glaciers that often calve right into the river, and mild white water, this river trip floats 100 miles towards the sea, allowing for a classic passage from the heart of Alaska's majestic mountains to the sparkling Prince William Sound. Simply put, there is no better way to experience the Alaskan wilderness than on this Alaska river rafting trip.
Each day of this Alaska river rafting trip brings new topography and vistas, all spectacular and awe-inspiring. Glaciers crowd the river, trees pepper the hillsides, wildlife roams the shore, and side-canyon rivers spill crystal clear water into the glacially-silted Copper. The river grows and grows, eventually reaching flows up to ten times those regularly found in the Grand Canyon. Day after incredible day we are able to enjoy the power of the Copper and observe the wild nature of this region.
Just a few hours into the trip you will realize the spectacular nature of this place and revel in an Alaska river rafting trip pace that allows for hikes up to glaciers, walks to towering waterfalls, fishing for tasty Salmon, relaxing next to a fire, spending an extra hour or extra day in a poetic place, or just plain sitting around on the edge of a river in the heart of pure Alaska wilderness.
The 700,000-acre Copper River delta is North America's largest wetland. In spring, it hosts the continent's single greatest concentration of shorebirds. An estimated 90 percent of the migratory birds along the Pacific Coast flyway stop to rest and feed in the Copper River.
Difficulty Level
The Copper river, from our launch point to the take out, is primarily class I, but there are two sections with class II and III whitewater. In particular, Abercrombie Rapid, which is encountered on the next to the last day is a big wave rapid, with the guides generally skirting the biggest parts of the waves. This river trip is suitable for first time rafters and veteran river runners alike seeking a relatively mild but gorgeous river.
Weather
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Copper River are located in southcentral Alaska. Southcentral Alaska is subject to both coastal and interior weather patterns. Typically, July and August are the warmest and among the driest months. Weather in the Copper River corridor is very changeable. Sun, rain, wind, fog, and more are common. Often, days are filled with sun and temperatures range from the 40's to the mid 80's, but cold rain and wind are equally possible. Nights are cooler with lows typically in the 40's and 50's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SAMPEL TOUR ITINERARY 
|
|
Valdez - Chitina
Meet your tour guide in Valdez and travel by van approximately two hours to the town of Chitina, once a booming supply town during the era of the Kennecott Copper Mine and the Copper River Northwestern Railway. Here along the banks of the Copper we transfer your trip gear from your luggage into the waterproof 'dry' bags we provide. We also outfit you with a waterproof suit and rubber boots. After a thorough orientation and safety presentation we begin this classic Alaska river rafting expedition and head off down the river. The Copper is notorious for its strong winds that funnel through the gap carved in the Chugach Mountains and the current ran at eight miles per hour through the area of Wood Canyon. The Copper travels through an area little touched by man in recent years, although it was a major thoroughfare to interior Alaska from about 1910 to 1940. This was a time when the Copper River Railroad ran along its western shore to the rich Kennicott Copper mine near McCarthy. Relics of this bygone period remained apparent, particularly the old rail grade.
|
|
|
Rafting the Copper River
The following days we float through the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Copper river canyon. Take time to hike away from the river, and run class II and III whitewater such as Abercrombie Rapid. The days are filled with mesmerizing views and enchanting experiences such as watching brown bear catch salmon in a side stream and following a bald eagle as it soars above the mountain tops. We also float by immense glaciers that can calve right into the river. When the Copper River Railroad and the Million Dollar Bridge were built in 1910, Miles Glacier filled Miles Lake. It has receded over five miles since then, but the mighty Copper has filled the void with an immense amount of sand and silt. The power that glaciers and simple running water have to shape our world is astonishing.
Because this river trip takes place far up the latitude ladder, daylight lasts until after midnight. This allows for extended times to relax, fish, enjoy happy hour snacks and beverages, and savor the multi-course dinners presented with nightly flair. Once dark, provided the weather is good, stars blanket the sky and if all is right with the polar energy, northern lights may dance along the horizon. Each night's camp offers views of towering mountains, expansive glaciers, quiet side streams, and, of course views of the mighty Copper River.
|
|
|
Arrive in Cordova
On the final day we row across Miles Lake where we absorb the sights and sounds of Miles and Childs Glaciers as they calve huge icebergs into the river. We reach take-out, hike to the Childs Glacier observation point, and rendezvous with the shuttle van. After packing up we participate in a trip toast and head for the friendly fishing town of Cordova. En route we drive through the Copper River Delta which hosts a profusion of shorebirds. After the one-hour van ride we arrive in Cordova and enjoy a Dutch-treat celebration dinner at a local eatery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
RATES PER PERSON IN US$
|
Days
|
Rafting Class
|
Departures
|
Rate
|
|
Copper River Rafting Tour
|
05
05
05
05
05
|
III/IV
|
June 14
June 28
July 12
August 02
August 16
|
$2420.00
$2420.00
$2420.00
$2420.00
$2420.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
