Justin Yoder | LGBT Outdoors Executive Director - Trip Leader
Jule Harle | Alaska Packrafting School Owner -Guide
Justin Bickley | Alaska Packrafting School -Guide
HOST: Justin Yoder; LGBT Outdoors Founder, Jule Harle; Alaska Packrafting School Owner and Justin Bickley; Ambassador and Alaska Packrafting School Staff
ACTIVITY: Packrafting, Hiking
LOCATION: Anchorage / Manitoba / Kenai Peninsula
DATES: July 16-22nd, 2024
COST: $2,200 per person. *Does not include your flight to and from Anchorage.
SIGNUP DEADLINE: June 20, 2024
Join us for a memorable week of road-based adventure, camaraderie, and the untamed beauty of Alaska. It's more than a trip; it's a chance to connect with nature and like-minded individuals. Secure your spot for a journey promising breathtaking landscapes, lasting memories, and friendships. Don't miss this unique Alaskan experience!
Thanks to Alaska's long summer days, our road-based exploration allows plenty of time for hikes and post-packrafting adventures. Stay comfortably in dry cabins and share group meals, creating a sense of camaraderie. Each area we explore is incredibly scenic, offering numerous opportunities for adventure in nature's grandeur.
SCHEDULE
Please note, while we do have a schedule, things change, especial in Alaska and with the weather. Please be prepared to roll with any punches that may come our way and we will do our best to make this a trip of a lifetime!
Pre-Trip Virtual Meetups (2):
Join our Zoom Meetings weeks before Arrival in Alaska
Get to know your fellow adventurers, discuss expectations, and receive expert advice on gear.
Date and Time: TBA
Day 1: Tuesday, July 16th - Anchorage Arrival
- Gather at our cozy AirBnB in Anchorage for introductions
- Head to REI and do a grocery run to gear up for the exciting days ahead
- Unwind with a group dinner, sharing stories and building connections
- This first night, we will be sleeping at an AirBnB in Anchorage
Day 2: Wednesday, July 17th - Packrafting Orientation & River Running Fundamentals
Morning Location: Lake near Anchorage AK
Meet n’ Greet! Team & Instructor Introductions
Flatwater Foundations Lake Session:
Packraft 101: Gear intro, paddling & safety
Gear basics: equipment & terminology (boat, paddle, PFD, drysuit, clothes)
Stowing gear & rigging for rivers
Paddle techniques, body mechanics & boat control
Wet exit & re-entry techniques/self-rescue
Assisted & group rescue techniques
Group game
Debrief & the week ahead!
Afternoon Location: Eagle River, Briggs Bridge Greenbelt Trailhead Chugach State Park
Meet at the trailhead parking lot. Here we discuss packraft hiking basics (“raft-packing!”) and answer questions before packing up our gear and hiking to the river section put-in. The 2 mile hike is relatively flat with a trail the entire way.
We go over paddle techniques & safety concerns/situational hazards for moving water before launching. Then the river becomes our classroom: paddling 3.2 miles of class I while refining boat control & paddle strokes along the way.
Day 3: Thursday, July 18th - Eagle River Adventure
Continue your packrafting adventure on a different section of Eagle River
Marvel at the scenic beauty as you hone your paddling skills
Share stories around the campfire at the dry cabin in Eagle River
Day 4: Friday, July 19th - Portage Creek Scenic Packraft Day
Embark on an unforgettable packrafting experience along Portage Creek
Navigate through pristine waters surrounded by Alaska's untamed wilderness
Relish the evening at a yurt in Manitoba, reflecting on the day's adventures
Day 5: Saturday, July 20th - Kenai Peninsula Packraft Day
Dive into another day of packrafting, this time exploring one of the beautiful rivers on the Kenai Peninsula
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and embrace the thrill of the waterways
Conclude the day with a peaceful evening at the Yurt in Manitoba
Day 6: Sunday, July 21st - Hike Adventure Day
Choose an adventure as a group from a variety of beautiful hikes along the road back to Anchorage
Reflect on the week's escapades during a comfortable stay at an AirBnB in Anchorage
Day 7: Monday, July 22nd - Depart Anchorage
FAQ
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Expect the unexpected. Temperatures range from 40-75 degrees F. Be prepared for varied conditions.
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This is an introductory trip so there will not be big rapids. Rapids range from Class 1, clam like a like, to Class 6 which is too dangerous for packrafting. We will be on Class 1 to Class 3 rapids. Safety is our top priority and again, this trip is for beginners.
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Wildlife encounters are possible. We follow safety protocols and provide guidance on wildlife interactions.
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Comfortable hiking up to 5 miles or paddling up to 4 hours. Fitness is key for a rewarding experience.
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Yes & No. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided as they are planned for during the Zoom sessions. There will be some snacks provided. If you want any additional snacks, beverages, or alcohol you will need to bring them yourself or purchase them on grocery runs. Any meals we decide to eat out at restaurants will be purchased by you.
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For the initial and final nights, we'll be staying in an AirBnB rental house. During the other nights, our accommodation will be dry cabins/yurts with bed frames, but a personal sleeping pad is necessary. Restroom facilities include outhouses, and there is no running water or electricity. The cabin is equipped with a wood-burning stove for heating, though it will be used as needed during the summertime.
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- PFD | Personal Flotation Device
- Packraft
- Paddle (under 210 cm)
- Drysuit
- Paddling pogies/gloves (optional)
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- Backpack (60L min)
- Hiking clothing
- Base layers for under drysuit
- 2 pairs socks
- Paddling footwear
- Hiking Footwear
- Daily/Cabin Footwear
- (3-10 liter) Dry bag for personal gear & 1 locking carabiner
- Sleeping Bag (20-40 degree, synthetic or down)
- Water Bottle (1 liter minimum)
- Sunglasses & attachment strap
- QUALITY rain gear (jacket and pants)
- Water purification method: filter, iodine tabs, aquamira, steri-pen
- Individual Camp Stove (MSR Jetboil, Reactor, or Pocket Rocket)
- Paddling gloves or pogies (optional)
NOTE: The rapids in this video do not reflect the rapids we will be on.