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Marsh Fork, Canning River
offered by supplier M08143 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 9
day(s)
Group Size: 4
- 7
people
Destination(s):
Alaska
Specialty Categories:
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Season: June - July
Airfare Included: Yes
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 4075 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 4075 US Dollar (USD)
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This western branch of the Canning runs through the heart of the Philip Smith Mountains - ancient sea beds swirled in chaotic layers and stacked in impossibly vertical heaps. The Marsh Fork is a clear water fish bearing stream that has a few long sections of rock garden fun to break up the peaceful braids that comprise most of the float. Like the better known Kongakut, there are endless day hiking possibilities, and by floating only the upper ~30 miles, we have plenty of time to do most of them. Its anonymity yields a wonderful ‘all to yourself’ experience which is increasingly difficult to find. The geology, with its numerous anomalies and erratics is the clear super star to this show, though wildlife is a constant companion. Probably the most common animals along this section are sheep, wolves and bears, though moose, caribou and wolverines can be spotted. If you love the bird’s eye view, but not the backpack, this is your trip. We end this trip after the river joins the main branch at the northern flank of the last mountains on the continent.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1:
Leave Fairbanks on scheduled flight to Arctic Village located on the southern flank of the Brooks Range and the Arctic Refuge. Shuttle to the put-in in smaller air taxi service. Flight takes one over the Continental Divide - spectacular scenery. Establish camp. Local day hike.
(L) (D)
Day 2:
Full day for hiking in the high country. Begin to learn flowers and birds of the area. With luck sheep be standing along side a waterfall we will hike to.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
First day of floating. Learn the paddling skills and safety procedures and then drift down the braided river to the next camp. Camp is at the base of a mountain. Short hike possible in late afternoon.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
With luck we'll take the day off to hike again. Two great opportunities exist, one that could get us to 7000'.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
This is another float and hike day. We float through a narrow section which includes the longest section of rapids. In the afternoon we will hike back to a secret nearly underground waterfall and paddle through a beautiful slot canyon.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
Another combination day. A nice mix of paddling conditions and walks. We'll stop at an artesian spring and in the afternoon camp below a long easy ridge great for hiking. An increasingly larger view north presents itself.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
We could take the day off again for another day long walk. The climb is steep, but leads to the best views of the trip; overlooking the confluence with the main river you won't believe your eyes.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
Last day of boating is a real mix. A few more rapids before negotiating the delta covered in an annual ice field before entering the main river. The Canning is much larger and pulls us through some braided areas to our final camp. For birders, the ava fuana changes noticeably from here.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:
We meet the pilot today and begin to retrace our journey, this time south bound. The flight back up the river will be a pleasant reminder of the trip and probably will make much more sense then when you flew in.
(B) (L)
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Groups of 4 receive a discount.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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