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.

 

Download  the Gear List for Week of Rivers

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

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Latest Past Events

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.

$600.00

Level 2: Whitewater Essentials

Goose Lake, Eagle River Goose Lake, Anchorage

For paddlers with previous packrafting experience wanting to strengthen their ability to read and paddle class II-III rivers. 2 full days

$375.00

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.