Rafting Trips on the Alsek River

FAQ'S  What about bugs? The throng of mosquitoes on the Alsek, Tatshenshini, and Kongakut fluctuate with the amount of precipitation, wind, and the temperature, You outfitter will do their very best to avoid places where mosquitoes like to hang out, but in the event that there are no "mosquito free" campsites bug repellent and a head net or a bug jacket will come in handy. How hard is the trip and who can go? The difficulty of every trip varies on the trip. It is a good idea to be in decent physical condition for your trip, this will make the hikes easier and more enjoyable. People from 12 to 70 years have gone on and enjoyed these river adventures. How should I pack? Due to charter plane weight limits your bag must weigh 35 lbs. or less. If it weighs more than 35 lbs. it must be confirmed through the office. The essential of keeping things dry is plastic and/or waterproof bags. Large freezer-Zip-lock-type work well when packing your things. It is also a good idea to line your daypack with a heavy duty garbage or trash compactor bag. What's the difference between the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers? The Alsek begins at Haines Junction flowing through a fairly barren, but beautiful land still clinging to the last ice age until it ends at Dry Bay running a total of 190 miles in 12-13 days. It also has larger rapids than those on the Tatshenshini. The Tatshenshini has more lush vegetation than the Alsek and begins at Dalton Post. Merging with the Alsek at a place some call "the center of the universe", the Tatshenshini then runs the same path as the Alsek ending at Dry Bay after covering about a 140 miles in 9-10 days. When is the best time to travel? The best time depends on what river you are running. The opportune time to see wild life on the Kongakut is in June when the Porcupine Caribou begin their annual migration.  During late August and September on clear nights you may be able to see the Northern Lights. On the Alsek and Tatshenshini, June and July are generally drier months than August and September. July and August are the warmest months, but June has the longer days. Average Temperatures: JUN JUL AUG SEP Talkeetna 44-65 50-70 50-67 40-60 Fairbanks 47-71 50-73 45-67 34-55 Yakutat 43-57 47-60 46-60 41-56 Haines 48-64 51-66 49-65 45-57