Tatshenshini

Description of Tour:

Along with the lesser known and travelled Nahanni, the Tatshenshini is considered as one of the wildest and visually spectacular rivers in North America, and has been rated as one of the top ten river adventures in the world. The Tatshenshini, along its 220 km length from the small outpost of Dalton Post, to its confluence with the Pacific Ocean in Dry Bay Alaska, flows past some of North Americas highest peaks, wildest untouched wilderness, and largest non-polar glacier systems in the world.
The Tatshenshini runs through both the Yukon Territory and Alaska, and along its course passes through the heart of one of the largest Bio reserves in the world. Paddling this river is truly a once in a lifetime adventure of unparallel beauty.

 

 

Trip Itinerary:

Trip Outline and Itinerary:

During this trip we will not follow an explicitly laid out time schedule, we will rather adapt the trip according to the speed of the group, weather conditions, unexpected events, preference of hikes to some of the surrounding areas, as well as layover days, or in the improbable event of any accident, or extreme cases of medical emergencies.

Day 1

After arriving in Whitehorse Yukon, we will check over the personal equipment list, meet the member s of the group and be introduced to any additional guides that will join the trip. Along with all our equipment we will drive along the Alaska high-way to the small hamlet of Haines Junction and further on to Dalton Post. Here we will set up camp for the first night, we will have a general overview and discussion of the plan for the next couple of days, this will also include any instructions and discussions as well as addressing, all of the safety concerns throughout the upcoming trip. The team and the guides will prepare for the next mornings start on the river, at the end of day we will enjoy and relax cooking, sleeping, and camping next to an open fire in the amazing atmosphere in the rugged wilderness of the far north.

Day 2

Put in at Dalton Post, after an initial safety briefing the trip will commence by learning and practicing some paddling skills. The skilled guides will teach some basic paddling and white-water skills, and as a group we will practice before reaching some of the bigger white-water on the first sections of this trip. We put in and begin our expedition down the awe-inspiring Tatshenshini.

Days 2-6

For the first two days the Tatshenshini starts off as a narrow, swiftly flowing river. The upper sections of the river are fast paced with most of the white-water being concentrated in these one or two days of paddling. This upper section depending on water level can be graded as class III - IV white-water, but quickly the river enters "The Quiet Canyon" in which it widens and begins to pass through some of the most visually stunning valleys and magnificent glaciers areas in the northern Hemisphere.

Days 7-8

By the 7th or 8th day the Tatshenshini will have brought us to the confluence of the beautiful Alsek Lake. Throughout this time the river will have flowed along spectacular views of the far off St. Elias Mountain Ranges (which compose the highest Mountain ranges of North America), glaciers and the Confluence of the voluminous Alsek River. Weather permitting it is possible to undertake two or three hikes along this stretch of the river including incredible views of the Alsek Range and even a dramatic glacier hike onto the amazing Walker Glacier.

Days 9-10

Another day or two brings us to the end of Alsek Lake. The Lake being scattered with towering icebergs, this stretch of the trip composes paddling past these impressive icy obstacles as well as the nearly 10 km wide Novatak Glacier. At this point it is possible to behold the incredible spectacle of the occasional ice block at times over 30 meters in height falling off and crashing into the icy waters.

Day 11

Flowing out of Lake Alsek the river now bears its name and passes through the transition from the tallest peaks on the continent to the broad flat Pacific Coast line. On the last stretch of the journey we paddle and pull onto shore by the fish packing dock at Dry Bay. The only access from here is by air or motorized boat. Expect in extreme cases of bad weather (in which it will be delayed a day) a float plane will pick us up as we gather our gear and fly back by over the St. Elias Ranges and past the coast line until we arrive in Haines Junction. From here we load the van Shuttle and drive back to Whitehorse.

What is included: ( Show )

What is excluded: ( Show )

Expenses incurred as a result of an emergency Evacuation by plane or Helicopter or coverage as a result of delays due to extreme weather conditions.

Personal outdoor equipment including sleeping bad, sleeping mattress, cloths raingear, etc.
Click ’show’ beside Personal Gear to view a list of suggested personal gear and equipment.

Personal Gear to bring: ( Show )

Weather conditions can change quickly in the outdoors therefore it is essential to have proper equipment and even prepare for extreme conditions to ensure your comfort and most importantly your safety. Try to avoid cotton fabrics as they provide very little insulating value when wet and are very slow drying. Rely mainly on fleece, wools and synthetics as these fabrics still provide substantial insulating value even when wet (which can frequently occur in the outdoors). In early and late summer it is not uncommon that 0 degress C or below freezing temperatures can occasionally occur, thus it is important to always bring enough warm clothing. When selecting equipment pay attention to quality as this may greatly enhance your enjoyment and comfort.
Do not bring external frame backpacks.