Trip Includes
Food (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners; does not include dinner in McCarthy on day 5)
Round trip vehicle transportation Anchorage-McCarthy
Round trip bush flights
Paddling equipment (dry bags, drysuits, PFD’s, gloves)
Tents
Professional & Experienced Guides (10+ yrs)
Quality Yoga Instruction
Not Included
Sleeping bag/pad (available for rent if needed)
Daypack
Personal clothing/toiletries & Yoga Mat
Guide Gratuities
Your Yoga Teacher
Jule Harle
A yogi since 2009, I began teaching in 2012 after studying in India and has 500 hrs of training with the Yoga Alliance. I’ve studied and practiced Ashtanga, Hatha and Kundalini, but my preference is to “teach to the room”.
My teaching style utilizes mindful movement with breath and postural awareness.
I am also an Ayurvedic Health Counselor with the National Association of Ayurvedic Medicine.
My bio is here and my website is Ayurveda Mind Body.
Where Are We?
The Nizina River, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The largest, wildest national park in the nation.
The float down the Nizina River takes you through a fascinating, dynamic landscape. Nizina Lake, our access point, drains the outflow of the enormous Nizina Glacier.
The River flows a tumultuous Class II and III whitewater section as it races down valley. We’ll see waterfalls and forests and the incredible Wrangell Mountains.
The Mile Cliffs are always a highlight, towering limestone cliffs that hem our journey.
Trip Itinerary
Meet at 8am at Open Space Alaska in Anchorage. Here we enjoy our first yoga class together; expect to move, breathe & stretch the body while relaxing the mind. This will be an all-levels movement based practice with modifications for newer yogis and advanced options for more seasoned practitioners.
After our yoga session, we will have a light snack and begin our journey towards McCarthy. The drive to McCarthy is about 7 hours; we’ll stop for lunch and a short 2 mile day hike near the Copper River along the way.
That night we stay at the Kennicott River Lodge; we’ll have a fresh dinner delivered from a local food vendor.
Evening: feel free to relax, wander around Kennicott lake, or even venture into McCarthy
Trip FAQs
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Do I need Yoga experience?
No. Yoga classes are “all-levels,” ages, and backgrounds suitable for both beginners and advanced students. Your teacher can help you accommodate the practice to your needs.
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Do I need hiking or paddling experience?
Your guide will teach you everything you need to know.
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What sort of shape do I need to be in?
This trip is relatively easy and relaxing, suitable for most fitness levels. Day hikes will be less than 3 miles.
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Tent camping?
Yes, sleeping on the ground for 2 nights (well, our sleeping pads anyways) is a lovely way to connect with nature our surroundings. Very Grounding. Literally ☺
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Can I Drive Myself?
If you’d rather, yes. Please notify us in advance. Parking costs will not be covered for extra vehicles.
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Can You Accommodate Food Allergies?
Most likely. We want you to feel healthy and thrive on this trip! We have experience catering to dairy and nut allergies, gluten free diets and other food restrictions. Please notify us in advance so we can make a suitable meal plan for you. Please note there may be an additional fee to cover extra food expenses.
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Do I Need Yoga Experience?
No. Yoga classes are “all-levels,” ages, and backgrounds suitable for both beginners and advanced students. Your teacher can help you accommodate the practice to your needs.
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What about the food?
We will eat healthy vegetarian meals, that are inspired by yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda. Local, fresh & organic ingredients will be used to prepare dishes like
• Cinnamon stewed apples w/ maple raisin oatmeal & toasted almonds
• Homemade banana bread
• Almond milk chai
• Vegetarian sandwiches: avocado, sprouts, cheeses, delicious spreads & veggies
• Kitcharee (Ayurveda’s healing meal) with chutney and fresh herbs
• Vegetarian Curry
• Fresh Salads
• Snacks: dates, nuts, fruit, jerky & chocolate -
What if I Have a Medical Condition/Concern?
Please contact us directly to discuss further. We wouldn’t want this to stop your adventure necessarily, but want you to work with your doctor in making safe and healthy decisions for your well-being.
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Will my cell phone work?
Many providers will not work in McCarthy, it is best to check with them directly. It’s a great idea to bring it with you during transportation, but leave it behind once we fly into Nizina Lake. We want you to fully enjoy your natural surroundings and be present for your adventure. This is for you and other participants. Guide will have a means of communication in case of emergencies.
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Information about McCarthy
McCarthy, AK is such a cool place. You’ll love it.
Typically we’ll stay across the river from the small town of McCarthy in a small cabin or lodge. The lodge backs against Kennicott Glacier. The awesome Stairway Icefall sits just beyond. A 7000′ vertical wall of ice.
So beyond the astonishing mountain views, McCarthy is a small rustic town in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Originally a feeder town to the nearby Kennicott Copper Mines, McCarthy is now the hub of the park.
It’s a short 1/2 mile walk into town from Brad’s Lodge (Kennicott Glacier Cabins). We walk because the public bridge across the Kennicott River is a small bridge for foot traffic only. The vehicle will stay on the lodge side of the river.
A 10 minute walk will pretty much cover the entire town. There are a couple of small air taxi services, a hotel and hostel, a bar/restaurant, a souvenir store and another newer eatery/bar called the Potato. Good food, fun folks, and a wonderful charming environment.
A 5 mile jaunt up the road from McCarthy is Kennicott (there is a shuttle service available and included to get us up and back; or walk the wagon trail). In Kennicott you’re free to wander the town and look at the historic mill building (schedules private tours available), poke your head in the door of the various establishments (guide services, restaurant/lodge, stores, the National Park Service Visitor Center, etc).
Just remember a lot of the buildings ARE private residences so don’t intrude.
A couple of hiking trails out of Kennicott can take you out to the Kennicott Glacier or up to the old mines (Bonanza, Jumbo and Erie).
An afternoon in Kennicott is a ton of fun and a great way to wind down after your backcountry expedition.
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What gear should I bring?
Please download the appropriate gear list
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Cancellation policy
Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips
be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.If the client cancels on a trip paid in full, 90% of the price can be deferred to another trip within the next 12 months, provided that
i) Expeditions Alaska is able to fill the spot,
ii) the trip is full and
iii) 30 days notice is given.If cancellation is within 30 days of the trip only 75% of the fee can be carried over to a future trip. No refunds are given for cancellations within 14 days of the trip departure.
Expeditions Alaska reserves the right to cancel and/or modify the itinerary of a trip. You will be refunded your payment in full if Expeditions Alaska cancels your trip.
If weather or other factors delay or impede your trip, there will be no refund of fees. Expeditions Alaska is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the client as a result of the cancellation. Additional costs incurred through weather delays and itinerary changes are the responsibility of the client.
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I still have more questions
We all do. Questions are good. That’s how we learn. Either give me a call or send me an email and we’ll go through them.
I also send out a comprehensive Trip Information Packet upon your reservation and that will usually answer your questions.
Cheers.