DAY 1

This is a 1/2 day afternoon "dress rehearsal" -an opportunity to check gear, get ready for the backcountry & brush up on our paddling skills.  You'll meet your guide for a lap on Eagle River's "Bridge to Bridge" section.  We'll practice loading our packrafts with backcountry gear & paddling together in a river environment.  If it's your 1st time packing for a multi-day packraft trip- no worries, that's why we're here!  Your guide will share the ins & outs of being in "raft-pack" & actual packraft mode- sharing hot tips & offering support while you figure it out, or refine what you've figured out previously.  It's always a wise idea, getting to know your gear systems & boat control before a wilderness expedition.  In addition to packing 101, we'll practice essential river skills as well.  Wet exit/re-entry, eddy catching, ferrying, boat control techniques, identifying & avoiding hazards & personalized paddle skills coaching-helping you feel ready & prepared to ride rivers in wilderness environments.

We'll have time in the evening to dry out, pack & prepare for the following day's trip departure.  This evening is also an opportunity to address any last minute gear needs.

DAY 2

Our driver picks you up in Anchorage for an hour drive along the Turnagain arm to the Crow Pass Trailhead in Girdwood.  The trail gradually climbs up the valley, gaining 2000ft while we pass by & explore historic mining claims.  After 3 miles, we’ll see Raven Glacier- a view worth spending some soaking up, before we arrive at the route’s high point, Crow Pass, 3500ft.  The route towards the Eagle River is downhill, but requires hiking through rocky glacial moraine. thick brush, and sometimes snow; the trail is less maintained & not always obvious at times.

There are multiple camping options; we’ll make a group decision & spend the night near the Raven Gorge or closer to Eagle River.

DAY 3

Once we arrive at the river, we switch to packraft mode & go over a river safety review.  The first ¼ mile is the most technical & challenging section; the current is swift with waves or holes worth avoiding.  If you aren’t ready to “hit the ground running” you have the option to put-in downstream, below these features. The river slows down, but remains engaging as we maneuver through gray glacial braids, steer around log jams & stay alert for bears & moose.  The views of the Chugach Mountains while floating downstream are impressive & better from the river, views only packrafters see, as the trail stays hidden in the brush.

We takeout after 8 miles, above Echo Bend’s class IV rapids, turning back to hiking mode for the final 3 miles.  We’ll meet our driver at Eagle River Nature Center & for an hour drive back to Anchorage.

DAY 4

We takeout after 8 miles, above Echo Bend’s class IV rapids, returning to hiking or "raft-packing" mode for the final 3 miles.  We’ll meet our driver at Eagle River Nature Center & for an hour drive back to Anchorage.

What's Included:

• 3 days of professional guidance & instruction

• Shuttle logistics

• 1 hr Pre-Trip Google Meeting (2-3 weeks prior): Meet the team & get ready!  Discuss trip details & planning essentials: gear selection, food packing, route & risk management considerations.  Date & Time TBA

Not Included:

• Accommodation on day 1 (frontcountry)

• Packraft, personal river equipment or camping gear. (refer to gear list) (most gear available to rent for add'l charge)

• Food not included

Download the Gear List for Overnight Trips

Alaska Packraft School Terms & Conditions