Alaska Personal Journeys: Chulitna River

CHULITNA RIVER
WHITEWATER CANOEING & HIKING

The Chulitna River originates between the Alaska and Talkeetna Mountain ranges in Southcentral Alaska. It flows through parts of both Denali National Park & Preserve and Denali State Park. The Middle and East Forks of the Chulitna River are both clear and fast. Downstream of their confluence, the main channel becomes glacial, faster and alternates between one channel and many braids. After 77 miles of class I and class II whitewater, the Chulitna River joins the Susitna River at Talkeetna, Alaska.

Highlights of the trip include whitewater canoeing, hiking and camping in wilderness, grand views of the Alaska Mountain Range, including glaciers and spectacular Mt. McKinley (20,320 feet), the possibility of seeing eagles, wolves, black and grizzly bears, an opportunity to pan for gold and fishing for Arctic grayling, rainbow trout and salmon. The last evening stay in Talkeetna, the staging site for many Mt. McKinley climbs, is a treat; hot showers, covered bathroom facilities and a celebration of our journey to a historic Alaskan town.

LOGISTICS

This seven-day canoeing and hiking trip begins in Anchorage as we drive the Parks Highway to our put-in on the East Fork of the Chulitna River. Natural history interpretation, wildlife observation, whitewater paddling and relaxation will be our primary aims as we paddle and hike the wilderness foothills of the Alaska Range. Most days will be spent paddling. At least one day will be devoted to hiking and exploring areas away from the river. We will camp each night including our last night stay in Talkeetna, Alaska.

The trip is intended for those individuals with experience in class I and class II whitewater. Previous camping experience is not as essential as whitewater paddling skills. Low impact camping and bear-proofing methods will be practiced.

Guests will be returned to Anchorage on the last evening.

What We Provide. We provide canoe and canoeing gear, camp kitchen and supplies, meals beginning with lunch the first day and ending with dinner on the last day, transportation to the put-in and back to Anchorage and at least one experienced guide/naturalist.

Your Responsibility. Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Anchorage, light weight rain gear, comfortable foot wear that can get wet, water bottle, appropriate clothing for the season, tent and ground cloth, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sunscreen, insect repellent and/or headnet and lodging in Anchorage before and after the trip. Tents, ground cloths, sleeping bags and pads can be provided for an additional fee.

Trip Fee & Reservations. The trip fee is $1,640 per person. A $745 per person deposit is due at the time the reservation is made. The balance is due six weeks prior to the trip. Reservations made 30 days before the trip begins must be paid in full before the trip begins. Please call for rental prices for tents, ground clothes, sleeping bags and pads.

Cancellation Policy. Any cancellation made prior to 30 days before the trip begins will result in a $500 per person cancellation fee. Any cancellation made during the 30 days before the trip begins will result in a $745 per person cancellation fee. If the trip is canceled by Alaska Personal Journeys, the trip fee will be refunded. It is recommended that cancellation insurance be purchased through a travel agency in case the trip is canceled in order to cover non-refundable expenses such as airline and hotel fees.

Dollar-A-Day for Conservation. All of the courses and trips offered by Alaska Personal Journeys are intended to raise public awareness to the need to protect our environment. We hope you will consider contributing one dollar per day to support the work of local conservation groups doing their best to protect Alaska’s special places. Simply add one dollar per day to the Alaska Personal Journeys trip fee. We will make sure that your contribution gets to the most effective conservation groups and that the group or groups sends you a receipt for tax deduction purposes.

ITINERARY

The following itinerary may be modified due to weather and water conditions or wildlife viewing opportunities. The itinerary is intended to give guests a general idea of what to expect.

Day 0. Arriving guests are picked up at the Anchorage airport and transported to their place of lodging for the evening. Dutch treat dinner at local Anchorage restaurant.

Day 1. Early departure from Anchorage by van. Stops to view spectacular vistas, wildflowers and wildlife. Camp adjacent to the put-in on the East Fork of the Chulitna River

Day 2. Break camp. Begin five-day paddle. Camp near the confluence of the Chulitna River & Honolulu Creek.

Day 3. Break camp. Paddle through a canyon and later through braided channels. Set-up camp downstream of Hurricane Gulch. Hike

Day 4. Break camp. Paddle. Set-up camp near the confluence of the Chulitna & Fountain Rivers. Explore area

Day 5. Break camp. Paddle. Set-up camp near the confluence of the Chulitna River & Troublesome Creek. Explore numerous river islands.

Day 6. Break camp. Paddle to take-out in Talkeetna, Alaska. Check into campground and hot showers. Enjoy evening celebration.

Day 7. Explore Talkeetna, Alaska, on foot. Begin drive back to Anchorage. Picnic lunch along the way. Arrive in Anchorage in time for a farewell dinner. Drop guests off at either the airport or place of lodging in Anchorage.