2026 Dates: Sept 4-7th, Labor Day Weekend (Fri-Mon) 4 days
LOCATION: Chickaloon River, Matanuska-Susitna Valley
TUITION PER STUDENT: $800
More Info:
Adventure junkies who like backpacking just as much as the river experience. Physically & mentally fit packrafters ISO a a memorable challenge & opportunity to strengthen paddling & “off trail” overland route skills with professional guidance & mentorship. This is a demanding route, if you crave wilderness challenge & enjoy Alaskan style hiking just as much as the river adventure, you’ll see why this is Jule’s favorite multi-day route that doesn’t require a flight. (ie: our most affordable ass kicking!) 3 days of backpacking in the heart of Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains. This trip requires strong backpackers confident in their ability to paddle class III whitewater. Gain & practice knowledge necessary to comfortably take on, create & execute remote backcountry packraft missions integrating both land & river travel.
LEAD INSTRUCTOR: Jule Harle
GROUP MAX: 6 students, 2 instructors/guides
A “best of” Alaskan route for adventure junkies w3 day challenging backcountry route, arguably Alaska’s best “packraft symmetry” = epic hiking followed by engaging class III whitewater. Starts from King’s River valley with a mix of ATV trails, numerous group river crossings, high alpine passes & a bushwhacking finale into the Chickaloon RIver Valley. The learning objectives of expedition courses are to develop skills necessary to be your own wilderness packraft guide. You will be involved with the “big picture” planning & preparation process from start to finish- APS instructors share what goes through their heads & how they plan for personal & professional expeditions. We'll get you in the “mind of a guide,” gaining more tools, insight & training from instructors who have almost 20 years of experience getting others ready for & executing Alaskan backcountry packraft trips.
Having previously established foundational packrafting skills with prior APS courses or private skills coaching, you will meet other team members the night before departure to review & assess personal gear & our group gear before the following day's 2 hour vehicle drive to the Talkeetna Mountains. All participants will be self-supported: carrying food, camping equipment and shared group items. This allows you to become familiar with & develop confidence in your personal gear while refining “systems” you’ll use on future packraft trips.
RIVER CHARACTER & DIFFICULTY:
Set in the Talkeetna Mountains, the Chickaloon river twists and turns through a series of boulder gardens, mini canyons and big water wave trains. The upper Chickaloon begins in the alpine, but gradually works into a low, forested valley. The difficulty and character of the Chickaloon depends entirely on the time of year as it’s a glacial run; the end of August expect to paddle consistent class II+ with longer stretches of gradually increasing in volume the further downstream we travel, expecting there to be “big water” class III features interspersed throughout the run. We will scout Hotel Rocks and potentially portage this unique rock feature, especially if dangerous wood poses a significant hazard.
There are numerous different styles of approaches & options to put-in: from a casual day hike up the river valley, a challenging multi-day route, or fly-in options. This group trip involves a demanding hike in- however if you would like to participate in the river portion, fly in options exist, as a helicopter drop off at the river bar near Moss Creek is an option. Please contact APS to discuss alternative approach & pricing options.
TRIP PREPARATION:
An integral part of learning how to plan for personal expeditions involves researching the route plan & trip itinerary- this helps you best pack & prepare for travel.. We will discuss & plan our exact route details together & get to know our team members.
1.5-2 hr pre-trip virtual meeting (early August, exact date & time TBA)
30 min group call 1-2 weeks before trip start date to finalize logistics & gear.
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
Refer to “King Chick Route” (pgs 114-122) in “Alaska Packraft Guidebook” or Alaska River Forums: https://alaskapackraft.com/forums/topic/matanuska-river-chickaloon-to-kings-river/
DAY 0: “Last call” food pack-out & trip prep in Anchorage, AK
DAY 1: AM departure: Drive to Kings Trailhead from Anchorage, AK. Begin hiking, camp near E. Fork Kings River.
DAY 2: Continue hiking route
DAY 3: Descend into Chickaloon River Valley & finish hiking route. Camp at river OR transition to river mode to paddle for a few hrs from Moss Creek put-in.
DAY 4: Packraft Chickaloon River, ending at Glenn Highway Bridge. Shuttle back to Anchorage, AK
TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: 28 miles, approx 5700 ft elevation gain, -5300 ft elev. loss
TOTAL RIVER DISTANCE: 20 miles
A desire to learn and adventure with a team of capable packraft enthusiasts.
Physically capable to comfortably participate in BOTH sports: paddling & off trail backpacking. Must be able to carry a 40-60 lb backpack w/ all personal paddling & expedition gear through challenging terrain for 3 consecutive days. Must be capable of paddling for 4-6 hrs on class II-III whitewater.
Individuals who do not want a “guided” trip, but want to be an active participant in the planning process and success of the group.
Team members should be emotionally & physically fit; have ability & willingness to adjust to changes inevitable in wilderness environments & what “The Alaska Factor” may throw at us.
Proficient swimmer.
Minimum 18 yrs old.
Having taken a packrafting clinic or course prior & experience on class III moving water. ACA packraft paddling clinic (2-day), or equivalent training or significant previous kayaking or packrafting experience may also qualify. Qualification/acceptance remains at the discretion of APS.
Having taken Swiftwater Rescue Training within 3 years (certification course, training OR instruction with APS).
Familiarity with your own personal packraft, river gear & camping equipment; you should be willing to acquire the gear needed for this expedition and to plan and prepare with other team members. Review the gear list for more info on what’s essential for this trip. Some rental items are available, please contact the school.
CANCELLATION POLICY: It is strongly advised that you consider purchasing travel insurance which, in most cases, will recover costs or fees due to cancellation – please inquire with your insurance provider.
CANCELLATION FEES: Note the cancellation policies for expedition trips are different from course cancellations listed in the Terms & Agreements online. There are no refunds for expedition style courses. However, it’s possible for a partial refund in the event we fill your space.
APS will not issue future credit for amounts paid if participants cannot attend. If you need to cancel prior to launch date, it’s possible your $$ may be transferred to another individual that meets all prerequisites.
Standard APS Terms & Conditions (Policies above supersede any differences in link below)
