ALASKA HIGHWAY
Dawson Creek, BC to Delta, Alaska

YUKON roads
Map with Hwy links
Campbell Hwy
Dempster Hwy
Klondike Hwy-North
Klondike Hwy-South
Haines Road
Nahanni Range Rd
Silver Trail
South Canol Road
Top of the World Hwy
Kluane Lake area
Dawson City

YUKON WILDLIFE

NORTHERN LIGHTS

ALASKA
Taylor Hwy
Denali National Park
McCarthy Road
Richardson Hwy
and more

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Cassiar Highway
Liard Hot Springs

RV TOURING TRIPS Vancouver Island to Yukon & Alaska
2010 Aug & Sept
2009 September
2008 June
2007 September
2001 December
2000 August
1998 December
1997 September
1993 September

YUKON SIGHTS
2020      2019
2017      2016
2015      2014
2013      2012

Rafting the Alsek River - August 2000
Haines Junction Yukon to Dry Bay Alaska coast

During September 1997 we chartered a helicopter and took a flight-seeing trip along the Alsek River.
The scenery was amazing and upon learning there were rafting trips on the river we decided to take the rafting trip in August 2000 with Canadian River Expeditions.

The tour started Friday, August 11 on the Dezadeash River at Haines Junction.
Our traveller buddies were from the UK, USA and Canada. 

Loading the rafts at Haines Junction

The first day was very pleasant with slow moving water.
Most of our companions had bright yellow tents. We took our own tent that was blue.

First overnight stop. The yellow spots are most of the tents. Our blue tent is on the right side.

Last night howling wolves sent a chill down most spines and most people refused to use the bathroom facilities after dark.

Lunch stop with wide open scenery

Lunch stops were relaxing events.
The guides brought various cold cuts, veggies and finger foods.
Everyone helped themselves. It was delightful!

Campsite the night of August 12 along the Alsek River at Lava Creek.

Seeing grizzly bears along the river bank was common. 26 bears were seen during the trip.

One of 26 grizzly bears spotted on this trip - middle area near the top of the water area

On Sunday August 13, the group stopped for morning break at some sand dunes.

Desert-like area near the Alsek River

Recent bear tracks were in the sand. The picture on the right, shows a bear path that led to a rubbing tree. Each bear placed paws in the same spot year after year, resulting in a deep imprint.

 
Grizzly tracks - on the left in the sand and on the right a well worn bear trail

August 13 we arrived at the very windy Lowell Lake and Lowell Glacier. 
It was sunny on our arrival; however the next morning we woke to overcast and dampness.

Kitchen tent near Lowell Lake in the morning

After breakfast, the guides took those interested on a climb up Goatherd Mountain.
The group climbed 2,700 feet in 3 1/2 hours. The descent took only 2 hours.

Overlooking Lowell Glacier and Lowell Lake during the climb up Goatherd Mountain

Our lunch stop was quite inspiring! That apple tasted great!

Lunchtime on Goatherd Mountain

Later in the day and higher on the hill, herds of goats were munching their own lunch.

There are goats on Goatherd Mountain!

That evening some of us had refreshing baths in the chilly small lakes near our campsite.

The morning of August 15 the rafts headed into Lowell Lake.
The lake had icebergs that had calved from the glacier.

Rafting through Lowell Lake

Our camp on night #5 was south of Lowell Lake. Most people spent their time drying clothes by the fire. This was to become an evening ritual and our primary social activity!

On August 16 the guides left their guests on the shore while they took the rafts through some Class 4 rapids. Every raft made it through successfully.

Navigating Class 4 rapids on Alsek River

After the Class 4 rapids there was some Class 3 water. We were in the raft with the guide and he realized the "boys" enjoyed some good fun. Thus, the guide frequently set the raft up to give a good soaking to those in front while they did their best to paddle through without getting wet.

More scenery while the boys make every effort to stay dry

Our sixth evening was at Plug Creek.
One of the guides had an unexpected visitor at his tent - a grizzly bear. Fortunately, the bear wasn't in the mood for socializing. A person was quite startled to see a bear running by while being chased by the guides!

Scenery along the river - Yukon or British Columbia?

Today the expedition would leave the Yukon and enter British Columbia. It was soothing to see some blue sky again. The colors of the landscape were bright and clear!

Glacier along the river

During the lunch stop we enjoyed another swim/bath in a clear crisp lake. Five of us took advantage of the water. The others stayed bundled up in their warm clothes.

The evening camp was at the head of Turnback Canyon, about 95 miles from the start of our adventure. The weather was warm .

Overnight camp at the top of Turnback Canyon

Heli-portage through Turnback Canyon

All of the rafts needed to be deflated and packed, and all supplies readied for the helicopter portage through Turnback Canyon. It was difficult to get a picture from the helicopter as it moved quickly through the canyon. We were the first group taken through and had to be ready on the other side for the gear to start arriving. While we waited, a grizzly visited. He was not shy. He continued being curious and insisted on moving closer to four of us there. Then the helicopter returned. Unfortunately, the pilot had to be aggressive and herd the bear into the bush.

The 8th evening was near the confluence of the Tatshenshini & Alsek rivers about 125 miles from the trip's starting point. Rafting the Tatshenshini is more popular than rafting the Alsek. We chose the Alsek because we understood it to have more spectacular sights and rougher water.

Overnight accommodation near the confluence of the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers

Most of the group camped close to the kitchen. We preferred to camp a bit further away to have more privacy. The folks in this yellow tent (above) were our long-time friends.

Fog provided an eerie feel to one of the days

The next day was foggy and overcast. The river widened to 3 miles wide, with the addition of the Tatshenshini's waters.

Raft moving along the Alsek River with a mountain range as backdrop

Lunch break included a hike on Walker Glacier. That night we camped at a spot along the river. The guides decided we would stay put. Some headed out on a hike, others played cards, and some of us took nice warm snoozes in their tents.

Kitchen, tents and people

Each evening a toilet seat was set up over an ammunition can, usually in a fairly private area. There was a blue can that held the toilet paper.

Towards the end of the trip, potty-humour was common.

The bathroom facilities - all waste had to be transported and disposed of at the river's end

Alsek Lake is the last stop before the trip's end at Dry Bay, Alaska.
Even though it was overcast, there wasn't any rain.

Alsek Lake 

Sue at Alsek Lake

Some took a hike to the top of Gateway Knob, a hill by the lake. The goal was to make radio contact with the outside world in an attempt to confirm the charter flight for the next day.

Alsek Lake from Gateway Knob

View of Alsek Lake from Gateway Knob 

Rainbow and glacier near Alsek Lake

It rained all night. The next morning there was mixed feelings. We were anxious to get out of the damp but also sad that the trip was nearing an end.

Last day on the river, rafting through Alsek Lake

Upon reaching Dry Bay Alaska, all the gear had to be readied for loading onto the plane. The clouds were thick and there was some concern the plane might not be able to land. The gravel runway had numerous puddles. Even so, Air North was able to pick up our group.

The Air North plane on a VERY wet day at Dry Bay, Alaska!

Air North flew us to Whitehorse. That evening the group joined together for dinner at a local eatery. Of course, that was only after we had all soaked for hours in hot showers and tubs.

 

Top of Page        |         Yukon Sights Main Page 

Copyright ©2008-2022 by Sue Thomas, all rights reserved.