Arctic Wild: Trip Itineraries
Charley River Raft
Download a copy of the Charley River Raft Itinerary (PDF, 116 KB).
• Dates: June 1 through June 9.
• Region: Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Interior Alaska.The Charley is a National Wild and Scenic River.
• Cost: $2,700 per person from Fairbanks. See details below. Affordable camping gear available.
Sketch of the trip…
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 forests and mountains of interior Alaska. Over the course of 108 river miles, the river flows first through an open valley where 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. We will encounter a series of rapids as the river narrows and passes beneath bluffs and cliffs, and finally slows as it enters the flat lands of the Yukon River Valley, eventually flowing into the Yukon River.
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).
What follows is a forecast of the trip, a general idea of the flow of events.
As a forecast, it will almost certainly be amended to meet conditions and opportunities in the field.
Day 1: Fly into a gravel landing strip in the headwaters of the Charley River.
Day 2: Spend the morning inflating our rafts and preparing for the river. We will most likely start our journey downriver.
Days 3 – 5: Paddle down the Charley, navigating rapids and enjoying the country. As we have many miles to cover, we may or may not have time for one non-travel day.
Days 6, 7: 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.
Day 8: 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!
Included in the price of the trip:
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.
Not included in the price of the trip:
Non-camp lodging.
Non-camp meals.
Personal clothing, backpack (if applicable), 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).
Arctic Wild rents high quality gear at affordable rates. Rental gear includes:
Three-season tents
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Rubber raingear bibs
Rubber raingear jackets
Rubber boots
Large dry bag
A River Trip Equipment List is provided upon registration or request.
Weather & Bugs: Temperatures vary from the 70's to below freezing. Snow is possible; rain is likely. However, this time of the year we generally have lots of sunny weather. Expect mosquitoes (their abundance makes for good stories upon your return)!
Recommended Reading:
Coming into the Country by John McPhee
Land Gone Lonesome by Dan O’Neill
Interior Alaska - A Journey Through Time, Alaska Geographic Society