Summer Dream: Wilderness Experiences Hiking and Rafting on the Alatna River (12 days)
You love hiking and rafting, but so far you've only pursued your hobbies in the Alps and on Europe's rivers? Then take a closer look at this offer, because here in Alaska your passions take on a whole new meaning …
Far away from any civilization: in the indescribable mountain landscape of the Brooks Range in northern Alaska, you spend five days exploring and hiking the high mountains – where happiness feels closest. And the rafting trip on the Alatna River that follows is all about the spectacle of wild animals and untouched nature. But don't worry: your guides Kathie and Bill Merchant have everything under control.
So there are no limits to the fun and new experiences – so let's go: find your travel companions for this dream vacation in the summer months via all@sking, or ask us at murkl.com directly for more details!
Description
Your adventure into the wilderness of Gates of the Arctic National Park starts in Fairbanks. A shuttle takes you along Alaska's only and northernmost road, the Dalton Highway, to Coldfoot. Here you switch to a small bush plane that flies you, your guide, the gear and the provisions into the Arrigetch Peaks of the national park. In the language of the Native people, the Nunamiut, »Arrigetch« means »fingers of the hand outstretched«. This refers to the huge granite peaks of the Brooks Range. With a bit of luck, you can already spot bears and other wildlife during the flight. By the way, the copilot's seat is free – who gets to sit there is for you to decide among yourselves :-)
---------------------------------------------------
On the Alatna River you've arrived in true seclusion – far away from civilization! You set up your base camp for the next five days, during which you hike and experience the magnificent mountain landscape: besides countless peaks, nearby valleys, hidden lakes and lots of wildlife await you – and surely one or two special moments in the middle of nature, with your group and your guide.
-----------------------------------------------------
After five days you switch to the boats – it's time for rafting on the Alatna River. The river carries you through the subarctic boreal forest, home to moose, caribou, grizzlies, black bears, wolves, wolverines, beavers, lynx and many other animals. The river is the best place to watch them, since they all come to it to drink and are usually not bothered by your boats. At dusk, you'll surely have a beaver or two keeping you company in the river. But if you get too close, it slaps its tail loudly on the water once and is gone.
The river isn't the only place you'll meet a »Beaver«. That's also the name of the plane that takes you into the wilderness. This genuine bush plane also picks you up again after the tour at your final spot on the river – you can count on the pilot! During a stopover with an overnight stay in Wiseman, you can slowly get used to civilization again before you're dropped off on the Dalton Highway, where a shuttle to Fairbanks is waiting for you.
If you come up with your own ideas for this offer, let us know. As with every offer, extensions, additions or shorter versions are possible! For example, the tour can of course also be done entirely by kayak. However, because of the additional bush plane booking needed to transport the kayaks, this would mean extra costs that would have to be factored in.
What’s included
Included:
- Round-trip bush plane flight to the Alatna River
- Guiding and support by the experienced guides Kathie and Bill Merchant
- 11 nights in tents
- Meals for the entire trip
- Gear: boats and tents with equipment
Not included:
- International flight to and from Fairbanks
Pictures
Request
Free and without obligation. We will get back to you within a few days.