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 ParkJune 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

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  

 

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

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.

 

Aniakchak River

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.

 

Writing in the Wilderness

 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 O’Brien 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 1930’s 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 day’s 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 Child’s 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.

 

HAPPY RIVER EXPEDITION

         Alaska Range Hike, Paddle, Fish

This river expedition plunges into the heart of the Alaska Range for two spectacular times of year – early summer with endless daylight and high water, and early autumn with blazing tundra colors, ripe blueberries and ptarmigan, and dark skies lit up with the Northern Lights. This magical wilderness river offers a variety of dramatic terrain with superb hiking & paddling, great fishing and awesome opportunity to see wildlife. Join us for the flight in to one of the highlights of the 2004 season.

Day 1:

Today starts early with a van shuttle pickup from your lodging in Anchorage. We’ll drive two hours north toward the Alaska Range to the lakeside offices of Susitna Air Floatplane Service. Transfer gear to drybags, review maps and plans with guides and climb into the "Beaver" – a de Havilland classic for a eye popping flight into the Happy’s headwaters. We will move gear half a mile, set camp and spend the day rigging for the float, fishing and exploring the immediate area.

Day 2:

Load daypacks with lunch and cameras for a full day hike into the granite spires we spotted on the flight in. We start above treeline on tundra covered slopes. Watch for Dall sheep on the ridges above us.

Day 3:

Lash gear into our twelve-foot paddle rafts for a fast-paced whitewater day. In the upper section, the stream is crystal clear, tiny, tight and technical, running through riffles, then a series of rapids studded with granite boulders. Cast for grayling and rainbow trout in deep pools when not tempted to swim yourself.

Days 4-5:

River time takes over by now – we’ll fish, float and camp according to weather and pace set by the group. The river gradually gains in volume as glacier tributaries enter from both sides. Continuous, moderate rapids go on for miles. We’ll paddle through winding, wooded sections and deep rock walled canyons to the confluence with the massive Skwentna River. Watch for moose, bear and porcupine in the low country.

Day 6:

Our rendezvous with Susitna Air is about 30 miles down the Swentna River. Pilots drop us at Christiansen Lake, float base for the village of Talkeetna. Enjoy a few hours in our hometown before catching the late afternoon train to Anchorage. (Optional overnight in Talkeetna!)

TRIP COST:  $1650.00

You will find our camps pleasantly comfortable and our meals wholesome and hardy. Guests provide personal gear, sleeping bag and fishing license. This all-inclusive adventure begins and ends in Anchorage.

 


Charley River Exploratory: Our maps and river reading skills aid our first descent of this Wild & Scenic River. Known for its exceptional clarity the Charley rises in the Tanana Hills at 4000' above sea level, descending at an average gradient of 31' per mile to its confluence with the Yukon River. Class 11-1V rapids will occupy us on the upper river & historic camps and cabin sites of prospectors and miners as well as superb scenery yield interesting exploration lower down. We will float on the mighty Yukon 3 days to reach Circle - spend a night unwinding at the hotsprings & return to Fairbanks on Day 8. This trip begins and ends in Fairbanks.

Artist Basecamp: trip description being edited....

 

 Mountains to the Sea

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