The
Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness Park is part of the world's largest
conservation unit. This Canadian and U.S. wildland encompasses 27
million acres including two mountain ranges and five parks and
preserves. Two spectacular river valleys, the Tatshenshini and Alsek,
lay at the heart of it.
The Tatshenshini trips meet in
Haines, Alaska, where we begin our drive into Canada to the river
put in. Exciting whitewater days are interspersed with calm floats
and layover days for hiking through this magnificent ecosystem. This
green valley amidst jagged peaks, glaciers, and carved rock is an
important wildlife corridor. The Tatshenshini eventually tumbles
into the mighty Alsek River. Upon reaching the dramatic outer coast
of Alaska, the trip ends with a scenic bushplane flight to Yakutat
which has daily jet service to Juneau and Anchorage. Call early, as
these trips sometimes book well in advance.
Day 1 - We'll begin our trip
with a 100-mile drive up the Chilkat River Valley, across the border
into British Columbia, and on to Dalton Post, Yukon Territory. After
rigging our rafts, we'll push off on the mighty Tatshenshini. Soon,
we'll plunge into the exhilarating Class III rapids of the
Tatshenshini Gorge. Upon emerging into calmer waters, we'll make
camp along a tributary creek.
Days 2-8 - The river slowly
builds momentum as it broadens and winds its way toward the Alsek
and Noisy Ranges. Continuing downstream, huge tributaries pour into
the Tatshenshini until, rounding one last bend, we approach the
immense valley of the confluence with the Alsek River. Our campsite
vista will span the broad expanse of both river valleys, flanked by
glacier-laden peaks. Later on, we'll visit Walker Glacier, so named
by rafters because of the ease of walking onto this moraine-covered
glacier close to the river shore. We enter the coastal St. Elias
mountain country, where the Fairweather and Brabazon Ranges are
divided by the great Alsek River. Mammoth icebergs will surround our
rafts, as we finally enter Alsek Lake. Here, the unforgettable
sights and sounds of the seven-mile-wide Alsek and Grand Plateau
Glaciers will fill our senses. We'll hope to catch a glimpse of the
impressive 15,320-foot-high Mt. Fairweather looming behind our camp.
As we float out of Alsek Lake, the mountains quickly recede, and
soon we enter the Alsek Delta on the edge of the Gulf of Alaska.
Day 9 - We will pull into Dry
Bay (or a few miles upstream, depending on water levels) in the
early afternoon, de-rig our boats and enjoy a final lunch. A bush
flight over absolutely stunning territory takes us to Yakutat. We
will return to Yakutat in time to catch the evening flight back to
Juneau.
