Week of Rivers
Class III/III+ Want to explore more rivers in Alaska, but aren’t ready to do it on your own- need more guidance & instruction? Maybe you don’t know where to go, or are looking for new runs? The “Week of Rivers” offers a blend of exploration & skill progression.
DAY 1
We start off reviewing river safety as we refine paddling & boat control skills on Eagle River or Willow Creek. Day 1 is devoted to improving paddle technique & reviewing self & group rescue scenarios before attempting more technical rivers. This is also an opportunity for the instructor to assess group ability & plan the week accordingly.
DAY 2-5
Exact location depends on group ability & current water levels. Ideally, the week involves a progression, with rivers gradually increasing in difficulty.
An example of a common river itinerary/progression:
Day 1: “Red Gate” on Willow Creek or “Bridge to Bridge” on Eagle River
Day 2: “Red Gate” or “Guardrail” on Willow Creek
Day 3-5: Matanuska River, Caribou Creek, Chickaloon River, Bench Creek or Lowef Canyon Creek
Our exact location depends largely on water levels & instructor discretion. 1-2 weeks before the course we’ll have a better idea & communicate the anticipated itinerary with participants. Note that The Week of Rivers trip requires a “go with the flow” attitude and willingness to modify the original plan as necessary.
Participants must provide their own transportation each day & are encouraged to carpool. Depending on the itinerary, many chose to camp out near the river.
Prerequisites
Level 2 or 3 course, swiftwater rescue training course and/or experience packrafting on class III rivers. Participants should have recent experience with river rescue training & safety (through a course or personal practice). Must be able to reliably catch eddies, ferry & identify potential hazards in most class III rapids. Participants need to be proficient in self-rescue & comfortable whitewater swimming. This is also a hiking trip that may involve hiking off trail up to 3-4 hrs with a 20-30 lb backpack before paddling.
River Difficulty: Class III/III+
Dates
July 31-August 4, 2023
Length
5 days
$900
Group Max
4
Locations vary
Willow Creek, Matanuska River, Canyon Creek, Bench Creek, Chickaloon River, Caribou Creek
Course Dates
Latest Past Events
Private/Custom Class (Wojtowicz party)
This is a custom course for the Wojtowicz group; registration only for this party (not open to public).
Crow Pass Traverse
This is a classic “must do”overnight trip with excellent “packraft symmetry.” Hiking the Crow Pass Trail then paddling Eagle River offers all the best parts of Alaska: traveling the Historic Iditarod Trail, viewing historic mining areas, taking in waterfall views & epic glacial scenery in the high alpine before floating downstream. Packrafting Eagle River vs hiking down the valley allows better opportunities for wildlife spotting & taking in the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Level 2: Whitewater Essentials
Goose Lake, Eagle River Goose Lake, AnchorageFor paddlers with previous packrafting experience wanting to strengthen their ability to read and paddle class II-III rivers. 2 full days
FAQ
Related Courses & Trips
Level 3: Adv. Whitewater Skills & Safety
This course is for those with previous whitewater packrafting experience wanting to strengthen paddle skills & boat control in class III whitewater. Geared towards the aspiring class IV boater, or those seeking to refine & build their whitewater paddling technique & rescue skills.
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.
Crow Pass Traverse
Hiking the Crow Pass Trail then paddling Eagle River offers all the best parts of Alaska: traveling the Historic Iditarod Trail, viewing historic mining areas, taking in waterfall views & epic glacial scenery in the high alpine before floating downstream.