Yoga in the Wrangells

A Yoga Wilderness Weekend. Nizina River Raft Retreat.


  • Round trip transportation from Anchorage to McCarthy
  • 2 Nights Cabin Lodging and 3 Nights Backcountry Tent Camping
  • Two bush plane flights
  • Yoga Instruction from Jule Harle, 500 hr RYT
  • Professional River Guides
  • Healthy Ayurvedic Meals

Practice yoga in the stillness of nature.

Raft the spectacular Nizina River in the Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Class II and III whitewater makes this a must do Alaskan river adventure.

Away from the crowds and the comforts of civilization-while enjoying wilderness rafting in America’s largest National Park: Wrangell St. Elias.

This 6 day trip includes daily yoga asana, pranayama, meditation. We’ll be rafting through spectacular terrain. We savor time time for reflection, rest and renewal on the lake, mountains & glaciers.

Nourishment? you’ll love our healthy and delicious Ayurveda inspired meals and snacks.

Enliven your spirit and connect with nature. Practice yoga and meditation in Alaskan wilderness.

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

Day 1
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

  • 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.

  • Your guide will teach you everything you need to know.

  • This trip is relatively easy and relaxing, suitable for most fitness levels. Day hikes will be less than 3 miles.

  • 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 ☺

  • If you’d rather, yes. Please notify us in advance. Parking costs will not be covered for extra vehicles.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Please download the appropriate gear list

    Yoga Rafting Gear List
    Hike and Paddle gear list

  • Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST 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.

  • 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.

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