The Tatshenshini trips begin in Haines, Alaska, where we 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. Call early, as these trips sometimes book well in advance.

DETAILED ITINERARY:
 

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 Noisey 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 15,000-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. Please note: you will need to arrange for this flight on your own as it is not provided by Alaska Discovery.