THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the remote wilderness of Alaska on a packrafting and camping adventure near McCarthy. Paddle cold glacial rivers, camp under stars, and immerse yourself in untouched nature. Keep reading to learn what makes this trip so unique!
Discover the remote wilderness of Alaska on a packrafting and camping adventure near McCarthy. Paddle cold glacial rivers, camp under stars, and immerse yourself in untouched nature. Keep reading to learn what makes this trip so unique!
Book with St. Elias Alpine Guides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides · McCarthy, Alaska
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Doubtful-Nizina Packrafting trip near McCarthy, Alaska. This unique experience combines the thrill of exploring remote river corridors with camping in pristine wilderness. Starting from the historic town of McCarthy, participants paddle through the rugged landscapes of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, navigating glacial-fed rivers and wilderness streams. The journey offers breathtaking views of towering glaciers, rugged peaks, and untouched forests, offering perfect photo opportunities at every turn. As the day unfolds, you'll set up camp in secluded spots along the riverbank, enjoying evenings under star-filled skies away from any modern amenities. This trip is ideal for those seeking adventure and solitude amid Alaska's wild beauty. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a newcomer eager to try packrafting, this guided trip ensures safety, expert instruction, and unforgettable memories. The blend of adventure, scenery, and serenity makes this experience truly special for outdoor enthusiasts craving authentic wilderness exploration.
challenging.
2–4 days.
Participants should have a good fitness level, capable of paddling and camping comfortably for multiple days.
No, but participants should be comfortable with basic paddling techniques and listen to guides' instructions.
Pack layered clothing, waterproof gear, personal essentials, and a sense of adventure! Guide provided gear list upon booking.
Yes, most trips include catered meals or guided cooking, with options for dietary restrictions.
Group sizes typically range from 4 to 8 participants to ensure personalized experience and safety.
Participants should be at least 12 years old and in good physical condition; please contact us for specific age requirements.
Guides continuously monitor conditions and will adjust plans or postpone activities for safety reasons.
McCarthy was historically a gold mining town that played a vital role during the Klondike Gold Rush era, with remnants still visible today.
The trip emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect Alaska's pristine environment and wildlife habitats.
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.
Book with St. Elias Alpine Guides