Is previous rafting experience required?

No previous rafting experience is necessary; our guides provide all the training and support you’ll need.

What age groups can participate?

This trip is suitable for participants aged 8 and up, making it family-friendly.

What is the typical group size?

Groups usually consist of 8 to 12 guests to ensure personalized attention and safe navigation.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Yes, all meals are included, featuring nutritious and locally inspired fare prepared in camp.

What safety measures are in place?

Experienced guides lead the expedition with all necessary safety equipment and emergency protocols.

How do I prepare physically for the trip?

Engage in moderate cardio and upper body strength training to ensure comfort during paddling and hiking.

Copper River Rafting Adventure in McCarthy, Alaska

Experience an exhilarating 8-day rafting trip down Alaska's Copper River with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Located in the remote McCarthy region, this adventure offers spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains, vast wilderness, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for guests aged 8 and older, the trip combines thrilling whitewater rapids with peaceful stretches of river glide, allowing you to connect deeply with Alaska’s rugged environment. Each day brings the chance to explore untouched landscapes, camp under pristine skies, and enjoy guided learning sessions about the region’s ecosystem and history. The timing from July 15-22, 2025 ensures excellent weather conditions, long daylight hours, and optimal river flow. Whether you’re an experienced rafter or a family seeking a memorable outdoor experience, this trip balances challenge and comfort perfectly. The professionally led adventure focuses on safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring a responsible and rewarding journey. Prepare to make lasting friendships, witness breathtaking glaciers, and navigate crystal-clear waters with expert guides by your side in one of the last great American wilderness settings.

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.