Charley and Yukon River Raft | Yukon Charley National Park | Raft Trips
Charley and Yukon River Raft
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• Dates: May 29 through June 5, 2010.
• Region: Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Interior Alaska. The Charley is a National Wild and Scenic River.
• Cost: $2,900 per person from Fairbanks. See details below. Affordable rental camping gear available.
Sketch of the trip…
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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).
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.
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Day 1: 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 2: 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 3 – 6: 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 7 and 8: 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 9: 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, 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).
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Arctic Wild rents high quality gear at affordable rates. We have available:
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 80'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 in the woods but not on the river bars.
Suggested Reading: Coming into the Country by John McPhee; Land Gone Lonesome by Dan O’Neill; Interior Alaska - A Journey Through Time, Alaska Geographic Society.