Is prior rafting or flying experience necessary?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide all necessary instructions and safety equipment.

What should I bring for this adventure?

Bring comfortable clothing, waterproof gear, sunglasses, and any personal essentials you might need for a day outdoors.

What is the best time of year to do this activity?

Summer months from June to August offer the warmest weather and optimal conditions, but the tour runs seasonally throughout spring, summer, and early fall.

How physically demanding is the trip?

The activity is moderate; participants should be comfortable with light physical activity and able to handle getting wet.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes, minimum age is typically 12 years old; check with St. Elias Alpine Guides for specific requirements.

What safety measures are in place?

Guides provide comprehensive safety briefings, all necessary equipment, and constant safety oversight throughout the tour.

Raft and Flightsee

Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure with the 'Raft and Flightsee' experience in McCarthy, Alaska, offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides. This guided tour combines the thrill of white-water rafting on pristine Alaskan rivers with an exhilarating flightseeing excursion over some of the world's most breathtaking glaciers and rugged mountain landscapes. The trip provides a perfect blend of adrenaline and awe-inspiring scenery, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. As you glide through roaring rapids, you'll feel the raw power of Alaskan waters, then lift off for a bird’s-eye view of towering peaks, glaciers, and remote wilderness. What makes this experience truly special is the chance to connect with nature in an intimate way—whether paddling through crystal-clear waters or flying above untouched terrain, every moment immerses you in the wild beauty of Alaska. Suitable for those seeking excitement with a touch of serenity, this adventure offers both challenges and incredible sights that will leave lasting memories. Expert guides ensure safety and provide insight into the area's geology, history, and ecology, enriching your journey through one of the most spectacular regions of the USA.

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.