Is previous rafting experience required?

No, this trip is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, with safety instructions provided beforehand.

What should I wear for the trip?

Wear quick-drying clothes, water shoes, and bring a waterproof jacket; layers are recommended for varying weather conditions.

Can children participate?

Children over age 12 with strong swimming skills and parental supervision can join; check with guides for specific age limits.

What is the best time of day for photography?

Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and stunning scenic shots of the river and surrounding landscape.

Typically, the focus is on the outdoor adventure; inquire when booking about meal options or pack snacks.

How accessible is the activity?

The river trip requires moderate physical effort and good mobility; some access paths may be uneven or rocky.

Chitina River | Rafting in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on an exhilarating rafting adventure down the Chitina River in McCarthy, Alaska, guided by the experienced team at St. Elias Alpine Guides. This pristine stretch of wilderness offers a perfect blend of thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal experience for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Alaskan escapade. As you paddle through crystal-clear currents, you'll witness towering cliffs, lush forests, and possibly spot wildlife such as bald eagles soaring overhead or moose grazing along the riverbanks. The trip combines adrenaline with serenity, offering moments of quiet reflection amid the wild beauty of Alaska's rugged landscape. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or trying this activity for the first time, the river's varying rapids present a dynamic challenge suited to all skill levels, backed by safety briefings and professional guidance. After the adventure, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of McCarthy, a historic mining town with a lively community and welcoming vibe. This guided rafting tour not only promises excitement but also creates lasting memories of Alaska’s wild frontier, making it a can't-miss experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

About St. Elias Alpine Guides

St. Elias Alpine Guides is a guiding company based in McCarthy, Alaska, offering guided adventures throughout Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and surrounding wilderness. The company leads a range of trips including packrafting, multi-day rafting, glacier hiking, ice climbing, fly-in hiking, and private basecamp expeditions. Popular itineraries include Doubtful–Nizina Packrafting, Tebay Lakes Basecamp Packrafting, Chitina River trips, Western Copper River rafting, Raft and Flightsee, Full-Day Glacier Hike on Root Glacier, Skolai Pass fly-in hiking, Bremner Mine basecamp hiking, and multi-day Ice Climbing and Ice Climbing Camp programs.

Trips are available as scheduled group departures or fully private, customizable experiences with options for day trips and multi-day expeditions. Many itineraries accommodate families and groups; for example, Chitina River trips welcome guests ages eight and up and Western Copper River trips can include children as young as three. Several trips conclude with scenic bush plane flights or operate from remote fly-in access points.

St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes small-group guiding, route planning, and trip customization to match client skill levels and objectives. Guides provide logistics, gear guidance, and route choices appropriate to each itinerary. Booking information lists fixed departures for some trips and private-date options for others, with clear descriptions of duration and difficulty. The company’s offerings focus on authentic wilderness experiences in McCarthy, Root Glacier, Tebay Lakes, the Copper River corridor, and surrounding Alaskan river systems.

Clients can select multi-day basecamps, day hikes, guided ice-climbing instruction, or combined raft-and-flightsee itineraries to tailor pace, challenges, and family needs. Booking details and gear lists.