Is prior rafting experience required?

No, this trip is suitable for beginners, though some paddling experience can be helpful.

What should I bring with me?

Bring quick-drying clothes, secure footwear, and waterproof gear for your electronics as needed.

What is the minimum age for participants?

Participants must be at least 12 years old for safety reasons.

Guided trips typically include snacks and beverages; full meals can be arranged with advance notice.

What if I get seasick or feel unwell?

Notify your guides ahead of time; they can provide tips and accommodations for your comfort.

How do weather conditions affect the trip?

Rafting is weather-dependent; trips may be canceled or rescheduled in case of thunderstorms or unsafe water levels.

Western Copper River | Rafting in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on an exhilarating adventure along the Western Copper River, where the thrill of whitewater rafting combines with breathtaking Alaskan scenery. Led by the expert guides at St. Elias Alpine Guides, this private experience offers unmatched access to pristine wilderness, rushing rapids, and glimpses of untouched nature. Suitable for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, the trip provides a perfect blend of adrenaline and tranquility. As you navigate Class III and IV rapids, you'll be surrounded by towering mountain peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters that have carved this stunning landscape over centuries. The trip is as educational as it is exciting, with guides sharing insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and history. This private tour ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for groups seeking an exclusive outdoor adventure. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an unforgettable experience in Alaska’s wild heart, this rafting trip offers a perfect escape into nature's power and beauty.

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.