Tatshenshini River Rafting
Trip Details & Sample 11-River-Day Itinerary
The Tatshenshini River is an international wilderness waterway flowing from the alpine interior of Canada to the Pacific Ocean. Driven by meltwater from ancient glaciers, the “Tat” flows fast and wild through the largest intact protected landscape on the planet, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From dramatic upper-river canyons to iceberg-studded Alsek Lake, each day reveals a distinctly different landscape. Widely regarded as one of the finest wilderness rafting trips in North America, this journey offers both depth and variety in an unmatched setting.
Over the course of the expedition, we row approximately 140 miles from the mountains to the coast in stable 16- and 18-foot oar rafts. While much of the river is flatwater, the current remains strong and the water cold. The trip begins with exciting Class II–III rapids in the Tatshenshini Canyon. Below the canyon, the river opens into long glacial reaches with powerful currents and large rolling waves.This is not a trip defined by difficult rapids—it is about moving steadily through extraordinary, seldom-seen wilderness.
Life in camp is a central part of the experience. Each evening, guests settle into carefully chosen riverside camps equipped with high-quality tents, sleeping pads, and camp comforts designed for reliability in remote conditions. Guides prepare hearty, thoughtfully planned meals featuring fresh ingredients and creative camp cooking—hot breakfasts, satisfying trail lunches, and generous dinners that cap off each day on the river. Shared meals around camp foster camaraderie and provide a welcome sense of warmth and routine in a wild landscape.
Several layover days are built into the itinerary, allowing time to explore side valleys, tributary creeks, alpine ridges, and old-growth forest. Wildlife sightings are common and may include black and brown bears, mountain goats, moose, beaver, and wolves. One of the defining aspects of the journey is the gradual ecological transition from the continental climate of the Canadian alpine to the lush coastal environment shaped by the Gulf of Alaska.
This expedition offers exceptional variety: a taste of whitewater, frequent wildlife encounters, diverse hiking opportunities, outstanding campsites, comfortable gear, and world-class scenery. As a true wilderness journey, it comes with inherent challenges, including variable weather and remote conditions. With the support of experienced guides, quality equipment, and well-organized camps, the trip is well suited for travelers with a sense of adventure and a reasonable level of fitness.
Sample itinerary
This is a general outline. Weather and river conditions will ultimately determine the travel plan.
Day 0 – Arrival & Orientation (Haines, AK)
Arrive in Haines, Alaska, in time for the 4:00 pm pre-trip meeting. Orientation, final logistics, and equipment review take place at the Hotel Halsingland. Overnight in Haines (included).
Day 1 – Travel to the River & Launch
Depart Haines by van at 8:00 am, traveling up the Chilkat Valley and across the Canadian border to the put-in at Dalton Post (passport required). After a bag lunch and rigging the rafts, the trip launches onto the Tatshenshini River. The first 45 minutes are swift but free of rapids, followed by the canyon section with Class II–III rapids. Camp is made along the river.
Day 2 – Forests and Wildlife
Continue downstream through meandering channels and still-water canyon sections. The slower pace allows for excellent wildlife viewing. Eagles, swans, moose, bears, and signs of beaver activity are common in this area.
Day 3 – Sediments Creek Layover
A layover day for hiking up Sediments Creek into the alpine zone. Wildflowers, expansive canyon views, and high-quality wildlife habitat define this area. Mountain goats are commonly seen.
Days 4–6 – Middle Tatshenshini
From here, the river widens and the current begins to pick up. Daily rafting distances are moderate, typically four to five hours on the water, leaving time for afternoon hikes from camp. Long summer daylight allows for extended exploration each evening.
Days 7–8 – Alsek Confluence
The Alsek River is large, braided, and powerful, carrying heavy glacial silt. As the expedition moves downstream, the landscape gradually shifts toward a coastal environment and expansive views. A layover day is planned to explore nearby glaciers or paddle among floating ice, conditions permitting.
Days 9–10 – Alsek Lake
Alsek Lake marks a major highlight of the journey. Formed by the Alsek and Grand Plateau glaciers, the lake is often filled with freshly calved icebergs. The group paddles among the ice and observes active glacial calving before crossing the lake and continuing downstream.
Day 11 – Dry Bay & Fly Out
The expedition concludes at Dry Bay, a remote fishing outpost near the Pacific coast. Guests and guides part ways here. Guides and gear will fly over the mountains to Haines and guests take a 25-minute bush flight along the coast to Yakutat, Alaska. From Yakutat, guests typically connect with Alaska Airlines flights to Juneau, Anchorage, or onward destinations (commercial flights not included).
