Expedition River Trips

Chilkat Guides has been leading company for guided river expeditions in Alaska since 1978. Our expeditions are dialed and smooth after nearly four decades on these rivers. Our trips on the Alsek, Tatshenshini, and Kongakut are world-class wilderness river expeditions. From our tasty menu planning and campsite selection, to safety management and smooth logistics, our team delivers.

Our guides are passionate about sharing their expertise and love for Alaska on these wilderness expeditions, right in our backyard. Our adventure base in Haines borders the largest non-polar ice cap on the planet, bisected only by the mighty drainage of the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers. With easy access to world-class adventures and remote rivers, we pride ourselves in the beauty and wildness of Alaskan river expeditions. Guests on our trips visit Glacier Bay National Park, Kluane National Park, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The arctic, temperate rainforest, and glacially-braided rivers are homes away from home for us, and the incredible hiking, wildlife viewing, and vast arctic landscape pulls us back season after season.

Join us for a chance to explore this incredible last frontier!

  • Icebergs on Alsek Lake Icebergs on Alsek Lake
  • Camping near the Walker Glacier on the Tatshenshini Camping near the Walker Glacier on the Tatshenshini
  • Caribou crossing the Kongakut River in mid-June in the arctic Caribou crossing the Kongakut River in mid-June in the arctic
  • Taking in the wide expanse within one of the largest protected wilderness areas on the planet Taking in the wide expanse within one of the largest protected wilderness areas on the planet
  • Soaking in the beauty of Alaska wilderness Soaking in the beauty of Alaska wilderness
  • A hike and relaxation above Alsek Lake A hike and relaxation above Alsek Lake
  • Hiking up into the alpine on the Tatshenshini Hiking up into the alpine on the Tatshenshini
  • Prepping for the helicopter portage on the Alsek River Prepping for the helicopter portage on the Alsek River
     

Search Trips

*Starting from prices, per person, in USD

Kongakut River

Price: $9300*

Float the Kongakut River through the last great prehistoric wilderness in North America. Travel with the spring migration of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, hike within the Brooks Mountain Range under the midnight sun, and experience the Arctic in its most pristine environment. Experience the Arctic's awesome wilderness, wildlife, and solitude.
  • Destination: Kongakut River
  • Activity: Expedition River Trips, River-Rafting
  • Difficulty: 2 out of 5
  • Duration: 11 days
  • Meeting Point: Fairbanks, AK

Alsek River

Price: $6300*

The Alsek is a world-class river filled with exciting rapids, glacial ice, incredible alpine hiking, wildlife viewing, and epic scenery — all within the largest protected wilderness areas on the planet. This 13-day river expedition is the penultimate wilderness whitewater river expedition.
  • Destination: Alsek River
  • Activity: Expedition River Trips
  • Difficulty: 4 out of 5
  • Duration: 13 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Tatshenshini River

Price: $5500*

The Tatsheshini River is regarded as the classic Alaskan/Canadian trans-boundary wilderness trip. Stunning glacially-carved scenery and incredible, up-close wildlife encounters throw you into the wilds of these last frontiers. We'l be greeted by grizzlies, wolves, moose, glaciers, waterfalls, and exciting rapids as we raft through the Yukon Territory, along British Columbia, and into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
  • Destination: Tatshenshini River
  • Activity: Expedition River Trips
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Upper Alsek River

Price: $4400*

This 8-day river adventure combines world class whitewater, unforgettable alpine hikes, and breathtaking views for a genuine ‘far north’ escape into the surreal and pristine glacier wilderness. Explore the incredible Alsek River, including whitewater rapids, northern wildlife, glaciers, and more! This expedition is an abbreviated version of our full Alsek itinerary and concludes just above Turnback Canyon, complete with a bushplane exit.
  • Destination: Upper Alsek River
  • Activity: Expedition River Trips
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

Upper Tsirku

Price: $1200*

A spectacular wilderness river trip for two days on the Tsirku River. Located just outside of Haines, Alaska, its waters drain from the largest non-polar ice cap and largest protected wilderness area on the planet and through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
  • Destination: Tsirku River
  • Activity: Expedition River Trips
  • Difficulty: 2 out of 5
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK
  • Operated By: Alaska Mountain Guides

*Starting from prices, per person, in USD