The awesome size, beauty, and remoteness of this land make this Alaska river trip one of the greatest river trips in the world. From its beginnings as a small, rushing whitewater rafting river in the Yukon, to the massive size of the combined Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers, to the incredible beauty of Alsek Lake, the Tatshenshini will fill you with wonder. The Tat's upper reaches offer great hiking and wildlife viewing. Only a few accessible trails, originally bear trails, lead you into the high alpine country. From the top of the mountain you can see glaciers and snowfields - and, possibly, mountain goats grazing on the steep mountainside. Breathtaking! Just off the main river are miles and miles of wetland habitat with beaver ponds and perfect nesting grounds for many species of birds. As the river gains volume, the Tatshenshini transforms into many braided channels as major tributaries enter the river. Around the sixth day of this 11day trip we join the Alsek River. In a panoramic view of the Tat/Alsek confluence you see over 27 glaciers. There is more great hiking in this area, and the chance to walk on the ancient ice of a glacier, not far from the river. The real highlight of the trip is often Alsek Lake, where massive glaciers calve off huge chunks of ice. We'll have the opportunity to paddle around beautiful icebergs and watch the glaciers calve. The last night's camp has and incredible view of the lake, and you fall asleep to the sounds of the ice.
