Nizina Lake Packrafting

Walk On A Glacier. Packraft Among the Giant Icebergs. Hike to the Waterfalls. A Trip For Everyone


  • Paddle amongst the icebergs
  • Packraft up to Nizina Glacier
  • Fly the Mile High Cliffs
  • Great novice packrafting trip
  • Stay in McCarthy, Alaska
  • All your gear provided

A great single day packrafting trip.

Make it a two day instructional course and get your packraft skills together.

Maybe the most beautiful surroundings for any packrafting trip. Bar none.

Fly by the Mile High Cliffs, astounding limestone cliffs above Nizina River. Check out Nizina Glacier and the eastern edges of the Wrangell Mountains. The landscape here is simply stunning.

Nizina Lake is a great packrafting option. We can do it as a single day trip or an overnighter (see the Nizina Basecamp Trip). It also works wonderfully well to combine it with a couple of different backpacking trips (e.g., The Goat Trail).

Instruction

We can practice some basic paddling techniques in the lake,  such as bracing and back paddling to give you the fundamentals of boat control. We’ll also go through a water safety instruction program as well. This will bring you up to speed with current protocols for safe boating.

All this in the calm waters of the lake so you don’t have to deal with the river currents and features, etc.

If you like we can venture over to the river once you get the basics together and have a run at some of the small sections of the river. A great taste of whitewater packrafting.

Nizina Lake Packrafting Video

Trip FAQs

  • You don’t need any. Everything will be outfit and provided for you. Includes packraft, paddle, drysuit, gloves, booties, drybags, plus our standard water safety gear.

  • Depends on the exact trip schedule we put together. For a day trip, bring some hiking clothes, rain gear, a water bottle, base layer (top and bottoms) and a  fleece or insulated jacket.

    Bring bug repellent, lip balm and sunscreen.

    Overnighters and other options we’ll discuss.

  • Exceptional.

    Lots of great options for different hikes and walks, including a trek out on Nizina Glacier (crampons provided).

    There are waterfalls nearby, lakes and the great boreal forest to hike through.

    Keep your eyes peeled for black bear.

  • We will bring a couple of guides, and can split the group up easily enough. There are lots of options and ways to manage this kind of arrangement, so don’t sweat it. Do me a line and we’ll chat about what will work for you.

  • That is trip dependent.

    For backpacking trips, a fully outfitted option includes your tent (one or two person tent), all your kitchenware, food and cooking by Expeditions Alaska. A typical trip, up to 12 days long, costs an additional $450.00 per person for the fully outfitted option ($350 for 4 day trips or shorter).

    Available “á la carte” options are (per person)

    Tent $50.00/tent
    Food/cooking $325.00 (up to 4 day trip duration)
    Food/cooking $425 (any trip 5 days or longer)

    For personal items such as a backpack, or sleeping pad, talk to me prior to your trip and we’ll see if we can possibly arrange something. If you need a pack I recommend you rent a backpack from a reputable local outfitter. They can find and fit a pack to you rather than “making do” with one of mine that may or may not be a good fit for you.

    Items such as BRFC, bear spray, fuel, hiking poles are included gratis with Expeditions Alaska trips. See What’s Included? for more info.

  • All multi-day trips (backpacking, basecamping, packrafting, photo tours) out of McCarthy include transport to/from Anchorage/McCarthy, 2 nights accommodations in McCarthy, air taxi flights McCarthy/The Backcountry, group gear such as cook tents, fuel, BRFCs, bear spray, etc. Hiking poles are included if you don’t have your own.

    We include a satellite phone for emergencies and one backup emergency contact device, such as PLB or Garmin InReach. First aid kits, map and compass included. All guides are Wilderness First Responder Certified.

    Storage of your overnight travel gear is limited but available (keep it small).

    Outfitting of equipment such as tents is available. Expeditions Alaska can either fully outfit your trip (all food, tents, etc) or adjust things a la carte if needed.

    Guide gratuities are not included but most appreciated.

    We do NOT cover the cost of your travel meals, such as meals along the road to/from McCarthy, or in McCarthy pre/post your backpacking trip.

    Trip insurance is not included. I strongly urge you to purchase it on your own. Our recommendation is Travelex.

    For a full outline of What’s included/not included, please see this page.

  • I know you do. I do as well.

    I recommend starting with the General Trip FAQ page

    More questions? Email me or call me  and we’ll go through them.

    Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a comprehensive trip information packet that covers just about everything and more you might imagine about your trip.

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