Is this experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trip is designed to accommodate beginners, with guided instruction and safety equipment provided.

What should I wear for this activity?

Dress in layered, waterproof clothing suitable for changing weather, along with sturdy footwear.

How long is the total trip?

The entire experience lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, including the flight, paddling, and transfer times.

Are meals or snacks included?

Snacks and water are typically provided; detailed options are available during booking.

What if there is bad weather on the day?

Safety is the priority; trips may be rescheduled or canceled in case of inclement weather, with full refunds or alternatives.

What wildlife might I see during the trip?

Expect to see eagles, moose, and possibly other native animals around the glacier area.

Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle

Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure with the Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle, a unique blend of flightseeing, glacier exploration, and tranquil lake paddling near McCarthy, Alaska. This guided experience takes you into the heart of the wilderness, offering mesmerizing views of ancient ice formations and rugged mountains. The journey begins with a scenic flight over the stunning Nizina Glacier, where you’ll witness the blue-tinged crevasses and towering ice walls from above. After touching down on a remote lake beside the glacier, you'll set out on a peaceful kayak trip across the pristine waters, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and occasional sightings of native wildlife like moose or eagles. This adventure is perfect for those seeking a combination of thrill and serenity—whether you're a seasoned paddler or trying this activity for the first time, expert guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides ensure a safe, exhilarating experience. The trip concludes with your flight back, providing a bird’s-eye view of Alaska's dramatic landscapes. With its perfect harmony of adventure, scenery, and tranquility, the Nizina Glacier Fly-In Lake Paddle is an exceptional way to connect with Alaska's wild heart and create lasting memories amidst pristine wilderness.

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.