Kuskokwim River Travel This trip is unbeatable, the "Best of" in the Alaska Range! Jule (APS owner) has been exploring the state since 2007-this is her favorite places to guide aspiring III paddlers. The packrafting alone is world class river travel combined with optional day hiking opportunities that are EPIC- some of the best in AK. (think mountain views, glaciers & alpine glory walking up ridges. Yep!). We begin with class II floating navigating glacial braids surrounded by giant peaks of the Alaska Range before we warm up to the easy class III section of the "Hells Gate" Canyon. A great opportunity for someone's 1st class III multi-day river trip.
Registration: Contact Alaska Packraft School for questions. Minimum 2 people required to book a private/custom trip- pick dates that work for you June-August.
This is beyond your typical "guided trip." Our guided trips are also Expedition Courses-we aren't "holding your hand," & merely"taking you," but educating & empowering YOU to be eventually be your own guide. Our goal is to provide mentorship that helps adventure enthusiasts develop skills necessary to confidently plan & execute their own multi-day wilderness packraft routes.
You'll be involved with the “big picture” planning & preparation process & receive professional guidance, gaining insight & experience before executing an Alaskan backcountry packraft trip. All APS river expeditions are comprehensive “hybrid” learning opportunities: you’ll also receive skills coaching & refine your river paddling technique throughout.... our wilderness expeditions are SO MUCH MORE than just a "guided" trip.
We've been doing this for 20 years- taking people into wild places, working with them to achieve their personal goals & strengthening essential skills required to be an asset to any wilderness travel team.
Whereas most expedition students have previously paddled with us via a Level 2 or Level 3 Course, we understand many travelers may not have the time available to do so before the expedition begins. If we haven't paddled with you, we'll have a phone call to make sure this trip is right for you- & possibly "vet" your abilities via conversations with others you have paddled with (swiftwater rescue instructors, paddling mentors/instructors, etc) Either way, we'll paddle in the front country on day one to review gear & get on the water together as a group before we fly out into the backcountry for 4 days of remote wilderness travel.
All participants will be self-supported: carrying food, camping equipment & a few shared group items. This allows you to become familiar with & develop confidence in your personal gear while refining “systems” you’ll use on future packraft trips.
Learn more about trip itinerary & Kuskokwim River details in these PDF's:
Kuskokwim Classic Expedition Snapshot
Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting Covers: (Time/date TDB)
- Trip planning, logistics, expedition meals/food program, gear selection: overall packing & prep
- Packing tips, techniques & pros/cons: cutting on weight, not on safety
- The Alaska Factor: AK considerations for overnight packraft adventures (wildlife, mountain weather, temps, remoteness, etc)
Curriculum & Learning Objectives During Trip:
- Gear management while in field & post trip
- Gear repair & in field fixes: packrafts, river gear & camping equipment
- Group travel techniques & communication
- Paddling & handling loaded boats
- Self & group rescue in wilderness environments
- Group communication & travel techniques
- Identifying & avoiding hazards: “Read and run” boat vs land scouting
- Advanced paddling techniques (based on river features and group pace)
- Morning meetings: establish daily objectives
- Evening meetings: debrief experiences & plan following day
- Satellite communication options & evacuation considerations
- Cultivating “Situational Awareness.” Logistics & safety discussions to build better risk management & decision making skills in the field.
- Leave No Trace Ethics & Bear Safety Protocols
Expedition Training also includes:
- Roundtrip backcountry airfare into Alaska Range
- 30-60 minutes of pre-trip private consultation, in person (if you live in Alaska) or virtual. We’re here to help you feel prepared & ready for your journey!
Prerequisites
- A desire to learn and adventure with a team of capable river enthusiasts.
- Physically capable of course itinerary & paddling 4-6 hrs each day.
- Ladies who do not want a “guided” trip, but want to be an active participant in the planning process and success of the group.
- Team members should be emotionally & physically fit; have ability & willingness to adjust to changes inevitable in wilderness environments & what “The Alaska Factor” may throw at us.
- Proficient swimmer.
- Minimum 18 yrs old.
- Having taken a packrafting clinic or course prior & experience on class III moving water. ACA packraft paddling clinic (2-day), or equivalent training or significant previous kayaking or packrafting experience may also qualify. Qualification/acceptance remains at the discretion of APS.
- Having taken Swiftwater Rescue Training within 3 years (certification course, training OR instruction with APS).
- Familiarity with your own personal packraft, river gear & camping equipment; you should be willing to acquire the gear needed for this expedition and to plan and prepare with other team members. Review the gear list for more info on what’s essential for this trip. River related rental items are available, please contact the school.
Dates
Custom Dates available,
June - August
Length
4 Days
(1 front country, 3 wilderness)
Location
Alaska Range: South Fork Kuskokwim River
(Wilderness overnights are on Private Wilderness Property within BLM land)
Cost: $2600
Includes 2 backcountry flights
$1000 deposit required to hold space
Trip Dates
FAQ
Related Courses & Trips
Level 1: Foundations
Perfect for the “never ever” packrafter or those who have paddled a few times, but without formal instruction. This course exposes you to the essentials of packrafting- both the hiking & paddling skills aspects. You’ll leave with a strong foundation in packrafting basics & familiarity with self/group rescue techniques.
Level 2: Whitewater Essentials
For paddlers with previous packrafting experience wanting to strengthen their ability to read & paddle class II-III rivers. River safety, rescue skills & risk assessment is also practiced.
Week of Rivers: Class II
The “Week of Rivers” offers a blend of exploration & skill progression. This is a frontcountry tour, showing you a different river each day, a mix of roadside runs & others we hike into.