2004 Trip Planner
3 -4 Day Whitewater Rafting, Hiking and Mountain Biking Adventures
Talkeetna
River Whitewater Rafting Simply put the Talkeetna is one of the best multi day whitewater raft trips Alaska has to offer. Fly to a remote gravel bar, float the maze of braids and challenge miles and miles of world class whitewater. Great fishing and hiking opportunities on our unique four day trip. June 26-29/ July5-8/ July 26-29/ August 27-30 $1395pp 4-day $1150pp 3-day |
Backside
of Denali: Combo Trip This AWJ exclusive trip is a true Alaskan adventure "race" style journey. Mountain bike to the remote Yanert River, whitewater raft its seldom seen canyon, climb a volcanic mountain and challenge the bigwater rapids of the Nenana River. All just outside Denali National Park. June 1-3/ June 4-6 $1150pp 3-day Mtn. Bike $2000pp 4-day Helicopter |
5-8 Day Wilderness Expeditions
Happy River Expedition Big Smiles on this magical wilderness river ~ clear water, full of fish, superb paddling and Iditarod Trail discoveries. King Salmon in July, abundant berries and excellent trout fishing in September. Portage at put-in. Floatplane access. July 12-17/September 10-15 $1850pp 6-day |
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Aniakchak
River: Volcanic Caldera to the Sea Floatplanes drop
us onto Surprise Lake inside the 6-mile diameter Aniakchak crater.
Paddle
through a breach in the wall of the caldera, past spectacles of
geology and wildlife to the Alaska Peninsula coast. Wild weather, lots of
bears, eagles, sea otters & salmon make this the most exciting
exploratory run of the season! August 9-16 $3150pp 8-day |
Chickaloon
River Backpack & Raft This
is our favorite Fall trip, with its vibrant colors and fun paddling. Spend
a day hiking, two days backpacking from the Divide to the airstrip on the
river and two days on the water. Fast paced, reasonably easy paddling.
Spectacular views, dall sheep, moose, caribou.
August 21- 25 $1550pp 5-day |
Fishing Expeditions
Happy River Kings
Numerous opportunity to cast for mythically massive King Salmon in
the clear, cold rapids of the Happy River and its confluence with the
Talchulitna. More than a fishing trip, this river offers a fantastic all
around wilderness experience: flights, bear sightings, whitewater, and
hiking along the historic Iditarod Trail.
6 days: July 12-17,
2004
$1850.00 |
Women's
Flyfishing
Learn the basics of this art form with world class
instructor, Pudge Kleinkauf. We'll paddle the length of Talkeetna River as
we learn what to use, how to cast, handle the fish, and even cook
them up where appropriate. All equipment provided; low instructor to
student ratio. Bushplane access.
TBA, 2004 $1595pp 4-day
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Exploratory Journeys
Ivishak River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Join us on a phenomenal float from the continental divide, through rolling hill and the costal plain to the Dalton Highway. Endless daylight, mercurial weather, muskox, wolves and brown bear. Magical hikes and challenging paddling drive this first time decent for Alaska Wilderness Journeys. August 23-30 $2695pp 8-day |
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Charley
River, Yukon-Charley NP Have you ever wondered what it is like to scout and run a river for the first time? Join us on our exploratory run of the Wild & Scenic Charley River: crystal clear, spring melt whitewater, fish wheels & mining history. Overnight in the haunted 1930's Circle Hotsprings Hotel. June 8-15 , 2004 $1950pp 8-day |
Tkikakila
River,
June 20-24 $1695pp 5-day |
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
Artist
Field Camp Transfer phenomenal Fall colors onto your drawing pad; hike from scarlet tundra to waterfalls and onto the glaciers at this spectacular location. Instruction by local mural painter/ teacher, Tom Stewart. 3 field days & 3 studio days, B&B included. TBA 2004 6-day |
Writing in the
Wilderness Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Instruction, inspiration and adventure on the Copper River from Chitina to Cordova. Accredited through University of Alaska. July 3-10 $1750 8-day |
Women's
Flyfishing
Learn the basics of this art form with world class
instructor, Pudge Kleinkauf. We'll paddle the length of Talkeetna River as
we learn what to use, how to cast, handle the fish, and even cook
them up where appropriate. All equipment provided; low instructor to
student ratio. Bushplane access.
TBA 2004 $1595pp 4-day |
Arctic
Photo Safari
Capture images of the arctic on this expedition to the
farthest north geography of Alaska. Alaskan photography instructors offer
technical expertise to successfully shoot mythic animals in wild settings,
the midnight sun, peaks, stunning spreads of wildflowers and mercurial
weather displays. Rafts allow us to traverse a great diversity of terrain.
Bushplane access.
TBA 2005 $ 3300pp 10-day |
Journeys for You
Alaska is a wild and wonderful place given to many diverse splendors. Our schedule offers only a few of the many great adventures available. AWJ would be happy to collaborate with you in helping to design the journey of a lifetime.
2004 Remote Whitewater Expedition
Midway down the wild and roadless Alaska Peninsula lies one of the most fascinating rivers in the world. The Aniakchak originates in the caldera of a volcano and tumbles to the coast past spectacles of wildlife and geology. The river is exceptional for photography and hiking from top to bottom. Massive brown bear follow spawning runs of salmon that are fighting their way past rapids that drop 75’per mile in places, while the coast teems with seals, sea otters, bald eagles and sea birds. Notoriously intense weather seals the challenge to this exciting Wild & Scenic River. This is our "exploratory" run of the Aniakchak. Guests should have previous experience with whitewater and/or expeditionary conditions
Day 1 |
Aniakchak National Monument lies 450 miles south of Anchorage. A scheduled flight from Anchorage to King Salmon, Alaska drops us within range for charter floatplane service. With favorable weather we will be shuttled into the caldera. |
Day 2 |
Retrace the footsteps of the indomitable geologist and explorer, Father Hubbard – exploring the interior of the volcano that he declared upon first discovery, "Paradise Found". Mosses, lichens and wildflowers blanket undulating ash fields. Cinder cone ascents offer great views of natural amphitheaters, jewel colored lakes and multi-hued volcanic rock. Watch for bear and trotting foxes on the open hillsides. |
Day 3 |
Rig boats for the first day on the water. One peaceful mile beyond the lake, the river drops through a breach in the wall of the caldera – known as "The Gates". The river moves swiftly through this narrow gorge, and large rocks demand precise maneuvering. |
Days 4 - 5 |
River time takes over as the scouting, waiting out weather; fishing and hikes alternately take priority. Hot meals, drysuits, and snug tents bolster the spirits. The duties and camaraderie of exploration will be shared by all. |
Day 6 |
Our final camp is at Aniakchak Bay, home to a plethora of sealife. Enjoy the beach while we wait for calm seas and a seaplane pickup. |
Trip Cost: August 9-16 $3150.00 per person
This trip begins and ends in Anchorage AWJ will provide drysuit, drybags & lifejacket, all meals, flights and guide services. Extra costs due to inclement weather or circumstances beyond our control will be at the expense of the participants. Travel insurance is recommended
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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Copper River
8 day/7 night
Marybeth Holleman, University of Alaska writing instructor, joins us on a rafting adventure that begins in Chitina at OBrien Creek on the magnificent Copper River. This great river borders the rugged Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and follows the old Northwestern Railway route. It features spectacular waterfalls and glaciers on its journey to the Copper River delta in Cordova. Watch for seals following the salmon run upstream, bears, eagles, moose and beaver all great material for putting pen to paper. The focus of this trip is on techniques and forms of Nature Writing. Using Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg and The River Reader, edited by John A. Murray, students will practice taking filed notes, keeping a trip journal and generating and shaping material through daily creative writing exercises.
Day 1 |
7am: Depart Anchorage by van for a scenic 5 hours drive east to the historic town of Chitina, gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the launch site for the Copper River. We have time here to organize drybags & tour the village that saw its heyday in the 1930s copper mining boom. After a river orientation, launch rafts for the float through Wood Canyon. Set camp among spectacular mountains and share your first recorded impressions. |
Day 2 |
Start the day with "Morning Pages" writing with abandon. Layover for a great day of hiking along the old Northwestern Railway. Take whistles as black and brown bear frequent this corridor too. Enjoy the campfire and stories of the days adventures. Camps may vary from the itinerary depending upon changes in river patterns. |
Days 3-6 |
Continue our journey past waterfalls and mountains lush and green. Visual notes watercolors and sketches will enrich our descriptions of place. If you listen closely you can hear Miles Glacier calving in the distance. As we approach the coast watch for hundreds of eagles. Good hiking near camp. |
Day 7 |
Today is your final day on this scenic waterway. Watch for seals as we cross Miles Lake and float beneath the infamous Million Dollar Bridge; we take out just upstream of massive Childs Glacier. Enjoy the short walk along the river to view this spectacular glacier and listen and see as the ice lets go! Great photo opportunities. Transfer by van along the only road (60 miles) to Cordova. Overnight B& B. Dinner on your own. Tonight we will wrap up writing assignments. |
Day 8 |
Catch a commercial flight back to Anchorage late morning. |
TRIP COST: $1750.00 PER PERSON This adventure begins and ends in Anchorage. College credit can be arranged students will meet prior to and after the trip. Follow-up will focus on publishing and marketing strategies. Instructor, Marybeth Holleman is a nationally published writer and co-founder of the Alaska Nature Writing Institute.
Talkeetna River Whitewater Rafting
4 day/3 night
The quiet confluence of three rivers at the village of Talkeetna belies the wild ride far upstream through the Sluicebox, Double Trouble, and Hell’s Canyon. Join us as we savor endless daylight in the remote reaches of the Talkeetna Mountains where eagles soar in search of salmon. Our adventure begins with an air taxi shuttle drop off 30 miles downstream of the glacier source of the Talkeetna River. River time takes over as we float, fish and set riverside camps on our way downstream. Great whitewater, fresh food and excellent opportunity to see wildlife in their own backyard makes this one of the best all around river trips in Alaska.
DAY 1: |
Rendezvous as a group to transfer gear to drybags and review maps and plans. We will fly in by bushplane into the spectacular Talkeetna Mountains and land on a gravel runway near the river. Rig boats for a scenic float on this river’s braided beginnings. Look for bleached antlers and eagles perched on snags. |
DAY 2: |
After a hot breakfast, we put in for a full day of whitewater. Great photo opportunities through almost 14 miles of Class III and IV rapids. When the river is high – the action is nonstop. Enjoy lunch riverside at the end of the canyon. Optional departure via jetboat from camp. |
DAY 3: |
From camp the river broadens and slows while vistas of the Alaska Range emerge as we float past salmon spawning streams and the fishermen chasing them. Cast for a King salmon and relax for the satisfying drift back to civilization. |
TRIP COST: 3-day $1150.00 per person 4-day $1395.00
You will find our camps exceptionally comfortable and our meals delicious and hardy. Guests provide personal gear & sleeping bag. AWJ will provide a layered paddling outfit - including wetsuit, lifejackets, group camping & safety gear, all meals and guide services. This trip begins and ends in Talkeetna. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
You will find our camps exceptionally comfortable and our meals wholesome and hardy. Guests provide personal gear and sleeping bag. This all-inclusive adventure begins and ends in Anchorage.
South Denali Basecamp Trek/Sea Kayak Prince William Sound
6 day/5 night
Day 1: | Rendezvous at the Alaska Railroad Depot at 8am for the scenic shuttle along Turnagain Arm. . On arrival by train to Whittier, sea kayaking guides will repack your gear in drybags and give an orientation to the Sound and the boats provided. Water taxi transfer delivers the group to a sea side camp. |
Days 2-3: | Each trip is different
depending on the time of year and weather conditions. A variety of marine and land based
animals co-exist in the Sound. We frequently see eagles, harbor seals, sea otters, stellar
sea lions, whales, terns, kittiwakes & black bear. The kayaks allow us to explore
delicate inter-tidal zones and paddle amidst towering waterfalls and glaciers. Drop a line
in search of halibut, rockfish and salmon which guides will clean and prepare for a true
Alaskan style dinner. Return to Whittier by late afternoon for a transfer to Anchorage. Overnight at a comfortable B&B. |
Day 4: | Talkeetna (van) Shuttle Service pick you up at your B&B for the two hour drive north to the village of Talkeetna, launch town for climbers on Mt. Mckinley. AWJ guides greet you at the Talkeetna town depot & bring the group to the office for a map orientation. Floatplanes deliver us to Sheepback or Moonshadow Lake - both located on soft tundra above treeline. Set camp & explore the surrounding area. |
Day 5: | You decide how to spend the day. Ambitious hikers may circumvent the cirque or scramble up to remnant glaciers at Sheepback. Gentler hikes cruise the wider valleys to the south and west. Watch for black bear, marmot and caribou. Late summer hikers will enjoy the blueberry harvest. |
Day 6: | We have until mid-afternoon to break camp and continue our exploration of the best of the Talkeetnas. Return to Talkeetna by floatplane - enjoy dinner on your own in town. Talkeetna Shuttle van service will take you to the door of your Anchorage choice of lodging. |
TRIP COST: $1795.00 PER PERSON
Alaska Wilderness Journeys 800.349.0064 (907)733-2230 journeys@alaska.net