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What you need to know about the Alsek

The Alsek Expedition: A Journey Through Time and Ice

The Alsek is a river of staggering proportions. Flowing from the Yukon’s high interior to the Pacific’s edge, it carries the fifth-largest water volume on the west coast of the Americas. This international corridor slices through the highest coastal mountains on Earth and runs alongside the world’s most expansive non-polar ice field.
Our journey traverses an unbroken 9.7-million-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site, crossing three iconic parks: Kluane (Yukon), Tatshenshini-Alsek (B.C.), and Glacier Bay(Alaska).
An International Biological Corridor
The Alsek serves as a “biological bridge” where interior and coastal ecosystems overlap.
  • Apex Wildlife: The upper Alsek holds the highest concentration of Grizzly Bears in Canada.
  • The “Green Ribbon”: As we move downstream, we navigate the range limits for 53 mammal species and over 125 bird species. It is common to spot moose, Dall sheep, and mountain goats against the backdrop of massive hanging glaciers.
The Elements: Wind, Ice, and Water
On the Alsek, the “rapids” are only one part of the adventure. The environment itself provides the most significant challenges:
  • Katabatic Winds: Cold, heavy air rushing off the glaciers can create intense headwinds and choppy water, particularly on Alsek Lake.
  • Iceberg Navigation: The final leg of the trip involves rowing through active glacial lakes, where we navigate a labyrinth of floating ice—a serene but high-stakes environment.

Is This Adventure for You?

The Alsek is a true wilderness expedition where the elements—not the clock—dictate our pace. While our expert guides manage the technical navigation and safety, this trip is best suited for those with a thirst for adventure and a steady level of physical fitness.
From navigating iceberg-filled lakes to watching the sun set over the world’s largest icefield, this is a rare opportunity to experience a landscape where the Ice Age hasn’t ended. Join us in 2026 for the definitive Alaskan-Yukon expedition.

The Alsek Expedition: Essential 2026 Field Guide

1. The Border-Crossing Itinerary
This is a bi-national journey. Guests gather in Haines, Alaska, for a pre-expedition briefing before shuttling across the Canadian border to the headwaters in the Yukon. Your river adventure concludes at Dry Bay, where the river meets the Pacific, followed by a bush-plane flight into Yakutat, Alaska.
2. Mandatory Documentation
Because we navigate between the US and Canada, a valid passport is required. Ensure your documents are current. International travelers should verify if they need an eTA for Canada or an ESTA for the US well in advance.
3. The Portage
Because Turnback Canyon is too hazardous for rafting, we portage the gorge by helicopter. This scenic flight is a trip highlight, offering a rare, top-down perspective of the Tweedsmuir Glacier’s massive ice formations.
4. Daily Rhythm & Pace
We generally spend 5 to 6 hours active on the water each day. This is punctuated by shore-side lunches and stops to scout the river’s more complex features. Once at camp, the focus shifts to community life: preparing meals and settling into one of the most remote wilderness settings on the continent.
5. Hydrology & Difficulty
The Alsek is a “High-Volume” river. It isn’t defined by rock-dodging, but by massive, powerful waves and surging currents. Expect Class III and possibly Class IV water, particularly at Lava North, where the river’s power is most evident.
6. Terrestrial Exploration
We don’t just see the river; we experience the landscape. Our itinerary includes designated layover days to summit ridges or walk the alpine tundra. These hikes, such as the trek up Goatherd Mountain, are highlights for those wanting to see the glacier systems from above.
7. Water Temperatures & Thermal Protection
The Alsek is an “ice-water” river, with temperatures rarely rising above 38°F (3°C). To mitigate the risk of cold-water shock, wetsuits or dry suits are standard equipment for technical stretches. These aren’t just for comfort; they are a vital piece of safety equipment.
8. Physical Readiness
This is a “participatory” expedition. Guests should be in solid physical health, capable of boarding and exiting rafts on slippery banks, hiking over uneven ground, and assisting with basic camp logistics. There are no “easy exits” once we launch.
9. The Apex Inhabitants
You are entering one of the most densely populated Grizzly Bear corridors in North America. We operate under strict “clean-camp” protocols and hike in groups when on shore. Understanding that we are guests in their territory is central to the Alsek experience.
10. Glacial Weather Patterns
In 2026, the northern climate remains famously fickle. You might experience warm, even hot, dry days or “Glacial Winds”—cold, high-velocity air rushing off the icefields—and coastal rain systems. We pack for every season, regardless of what the calendar says.
11. Digital Disconnect
There is zero cellular or satellite internet available to guests. We carry satellite communication for emergencies only. This is a rare opportunity for a total digital fast in a landscape that demands your full attention.
12. The “Dry Bay” Conclusion
The river rafting ends at a remote coastal fish camp. The transition back to civilization begins with a small bush plane flight. This final leg is weather-dependent; a flexible “wilderness mindset” regarding your return travel schedule is highly recommended.

Alsek River Frequently Asked Questions

The Alsek Climate: A Tale of Two Worlds

Expect a dramatic environmental shift as you journey from the “Rain Shadow” of the interior to the “Rain Forest” of the coast.

The Yukon Interior (Dry & Bright): Your trip begins in a continental climate. Days are often surprisingly warm (60°F–75°F) and dry, though the sub-arctic sun is intense. Nights are crisp and can dip toward freezing.

The Coastal Transition (Cool & Dramatic): As we pierce the St. Elias Mountains, we enter a maritime world. Temperatures stabilize into a cool, damp 50°F–60°F. Cloud cover is the norm, and rain becomes a frequent companion.

The Glacial “Microclimate”: Near the massive icefields and Alsek Lake, the air temperature can drop 10–15 degrees instantly. Katabatic winds (cold air rushing off the glaciers) can create stiff headwinds and choppy water regardless of the overall forecast.

The “Alsek Reality”. In the North, “summer” is a relative term. You should expect to experience 3 of the four seasons—sometimes within a single afternoon. Our itinerary includes buffer days specifically to navigate the high winds and heavy coastal systems that define this powerful landscape.

Navigating the Alsek: Whitewater & Wilderness Safety
The Alsek is a high-volume, glacial powerhouse. While the journey is defined by its vast scenery and braided channels, it features world-class “big water” challenges.
Technical Whitewater: Lava North
The primary technical highlight of the trip is Lava North, a powerful rapid ranging from  Class III to Class IV, depending on water level and route taken.
  • The Challenge: Characterized by massive standing waves and lateral surges, this rapid is navigated by our seasoned oarsmen.
  • The Protocol: Due to the glacial water temperatures, participants transition into wetsuits or neoprene and rubber gasket dry suits and helmets for this section. We will scout this rapid from the shore to determine a route through, taking into account the day’s fluctuating water levels.
The Helicopter Portage
One of the most spectacular logistics of the Alsek expedition is the mandatory helicopter portage. To bypass a technically unrunnable gorge where the Tweedsmuir Glacier constricts the river, we fly all guests, gear, and rafts over the ice. This transition provides an unforgettable aerial perspective of the St. Elias Mountains and the raw power of the river from above.
Environmental Hazards: Beyond the Rapids
On a true wilderness expedition, the challenges often come from the elements rather than the waves:
  • Glacial Winds: Strong “katabatic” winds blowing off the icefields can create demanding rowing conditions on the river’s larger lakes. Paddling assistance from passengers may be required when winds are blowing upstream. 
  • Ice Navigation: We will move methodically through Lowell Lake and Alsek Lake, navigating around floating icebergs—a unique and slow-paced challenge.
Participant Readiness
This trip is designed for those in good physical condition who are comfortable with the dynamic nature of the backcountry. While our guides handle the technical navigation, guests should be prepared for cold-water immersion protocols, variable weather, and the physical activity required for a multi-week wilderness expedition.
To prepare for the Alsek, you must plan for a high-volume glacial environment where the weather can shift from sun-drenched alpine ridges to driving coastal rain in a single afternoon. The key to comfort on this expedition is a

versatile layering system—prioritizing synthetic and wool fabrics that retain heat even when damp.

This list is designed to help you distinguish between the technical equipment Haines Rafting Company provides and the personal items you need to bring to stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure. As we navigate through three national parks and nearly 170 miles of wilderness, your gear is your primary support system.
Please use the following master checklist to ensure you are fully equipped for the 2026 season.
The Alsek Expedition: Journey Flow
The following is a generalized flow of events. A wilderness expedition requires flexibility. Our schedule adapts to weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and the dynamics of the river system. Trips are typically 13 to 15 days long, and actual daily travel varies accordingly.
Day 0: Arrival in Haines, AK
Arrive in Haines in time for our essential 4:00 PM pre-trip orientation meeting. You will be staying at the Hotel Halsingland (lodging included this night), where we will gather for introductions and logistics. Meals on your own this day.
Day 1: The Shuttle to the Yukon
We depart at 7:00 AM, tracing the Chilkat Valley across the US-Canada border. The drive takes us to the community of Haines Junction in the Yukon Territory for lunch. From there, we transition to rugged 4-wheel drive tracks to reach our launch site at Serpentine Creek. Depending on the weather, we will either camp at the put-in or push off for our first camp downstream.
Days 2–3: The Kluane & The Grizzlies
The first few days are about floating through the heart of Kluane National Park. This is premier grizzly bear and moose country. Keep binoculars and cameras accessible as we drift through this pristine habitat. Time and conditions permitting, we will plan a layover day to hike Goatherd Mountain for close-up views of the resident mountain goats.
Days 4–8: Ice Fields and White Water
After crossing the iceberg-studded Lowell Lake, the river gains speed and volume. The terrain narrows, revealing dramatic hanging glaciers and massive talus slopes. This segment hosts the primary rapids of the trip. We gear up in wetsuits or dry suits and scout Lava North Rapid before proceeding. The expedition then reaches Blackadar Camp for the highlight logistics: a scenic helicopter portage over the unrunnable Turnback Canyon gorge.
Days 9–11: Confluence of Giants
We reach the Tatshenshini Confluence, where the river becomes one of the largest on the west coast. The Alsek is now a vast, silt-laden maze of braids, constantly shifting across the landscape. Glaciers dominate the horizon, and we will plan to camp near the base of Walker Glacier.
Days 12–13: Alsek Lake
Alsek Lake is a dynamic world unto itself, where icebergs the size of houses calve off active glaciers. We spend these days navigating amongst the electric-blue bergs, listening to the roar of the cracking ice before paddling across the lake and re-entering the main current toward the Pacific.
Last Day: Dry Bay and Departure
We reach the remote fishing outpost of Dry Bay on the last river day of the trip. From here, a chartered bush plane awaits to fly us to Yakutat, AK. Weather permitting, you can catch the daily Alaska Airlines jet from Yakutat to Juneau (or Anchorage) that afternoon. If you are on the 15-day version of the trip, you will spend your last night in the comfort of the Alsek River Adventure Cabins, with hot showers and a fresh salmon dinner, then fly to Yakutat the next day. 
Please Note: The flight from Yakutat to Juneau/Anchorage is not included in your trip price, as many guests prefer to book it along with their connecting flights homeward.

Bug activity on the Alsek varies significantly depending on your exact location along the river, the month of your expedition, and daily weather conditions.

What to Expect by Region
  • The Yukon Interior (Moderate): Mosquitoes are most active in the drier, inland sections during June and July. They tend to congregate in forested areas or near stagnant pools away from the main river current.
  • Glacial Lakes & Confluences (Low): Areas like Lowell Lake and Alsek Lake are generally bug-free due to colder air temperatures and consistent “katabatic” winds blowing off the icefields. Mosquitoes cannot fly effectively in even a light breeze.
  • The Alaskan Coast (Low to Moderate): Once you reach the lush rainforest and Dry Bay, you may encounter “white socks” (biting flies) or “no-see-ums”. However, coastal winds and rain frequently keep these populations in check. 
When Activity Peaks
  • June & July: This is the height of mosquito season across the North. Swarms are most likely during calm, warm evenings at inland campsites.
  • August: Bug populations begin to decline sharply as temperatures drop. By late August, mosquitoes are often gone, though biting flies may linger. 
How to Prepare for 2026
  • Protective Barriers: Wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing provides a physical shield. Head nets are not essential, but they provide a lightweight “insurance policy” for anyone who is particularly sensitive to bugs.
  • Effective Repellents:
    • Picaridin: Highly recommended as it is effective against flies and mosquitoes, but will not damage your technical gear or plastic sunglasses.
    • DEET: Still considered the “gold standard” for heavy swarms (30–40% concentration is typically sufficient), but must be used carefully around synthetic fabrics.
  • Strategic Camping: Guides typically choose breezy, open gravel bars for campsites to utilize natural wind protection. 
Bush flights in the remote Alaska coastal region, including the route from Dry Bay to
Yakutat, are occasioually delayed due to adverse weather. There is no fixed percentage of delays, but sumer weather patterns rarely require more than a few hours delay. Operators and pilots universally build flexibility into their schedules, with the understanding that sitting for a few hours or evan a day or two due to weather is a possibility.  
Why the Delays Happen
  • Fog and Low Visibility: Dense fog and mist are common, often grounding flights as bush planes require visual flight rules (VFR).
  • High Winds: The coastal areas and mountain passes can experience high winds, particularly later in the season (September on). Wind gusts can make takeoffs and landings in remote locations challenging.
  • Heavy Precipitation: The region is a temperate rainforest, receiving high amounts of rain, which significantly reduces visibility and necessitates additional safety checks. Heavy precipitation can happen any month of the year but it less common in the summer months of June, July and August. 
Managing Expectations for Your Trip
  • Flexibility is Key: The most important advice for travelers is to book a return flight from Yakutat (or connecting flights home) that is flexible or fully refundable.
In the remote wilderness of the Alsek, we follow strict Leave No Trace ethics to protect this pristine ecosystem. Since the frozen, rocky ground cannot process waste, we utilize a specialized portable toilet system affectionately known as the “Groover.”
This system consists of a comfortable, private toilet seat set atop a sealed containment vault. Located in a secluded spot with the best “viewing room” in the park, the Groover ensures that all solid waste is securely packed out of the river corridor. While it may be a departure from modern plumbing, most guests find it to be an efficient and surprisingly scenic part of the wilderness experience.
Hygiene in the Wilderness: No Showers
Please note that there are no shower facilities available during the expedition. Maintaining personal hygiene requires embracing the expedition lifestyle:
  • River Rinses: For a quick refresh, the Alsek is available, but the water is frigid (34°F–38°F), and not all camps are suitable for approaching the river unaccompanied.
  • Bucket Baths: We provide warm water and private areas for refreshing “bucket baths” using biodegradable soap in select camp locations.
  • Wipes: High-quality personal wipes can be an essential part of your daily hygiene kit.
While you won’t feel “city clean,” most guests find the bucket baths and crisp mountain air are enough to stay comfortable for the duration of the trip.