With time to make final adjustments to your pack, the guides will introduce you to the finer points of the day's journey. Here on the edge of Kluane National Park you embark on a gentle piece of river, winding through the broad valley, as it flows into Alsek Pass. This region can be prone to strong upstream winds so camp location will be determined by the prevailing conditions. Keen eyes may spot Dall sheep and mountain goats grazing on the slopes.

Days 2 and 3 (B/L/D) Embarking early in the morning we will find that the river is very slow moving for the first few miles, but after the confluence with the swift Kaskawulsh River, the resulting swift moving river is named Alsek. A hike from the river yields a dramatic view and the evidence of recently spectacular historic geological events in the valley. In the late half of the 1800's the Alsek was entirely bridged by a sudden movement of the Lowell glacier. The resulting lake backed up over an area of hundreds of square miles, even flooding the current townsite of Haines Junction. The ice dam remained for a few years until it was finally broached by the river and in a cataclysmic event the valley below was flushed by a flow of gargantuan proportion. Native history tells of coastal villages that were decimated by the floodwaters. When we travel the river today we see scarring and other effluvial remains that tell the story of the monstrous hydrological event. If we watch the shoreline closely we may be rewarded with views of grizzlies and camp will afford a spectacular view of the valley.

Days 4 and 5 (B/L/D) The river continues to gain volume and speed and brings us to another visual treat. Camp will be on Lowell lake where we will see Lowell Glacier - the first of the many glaciers that come right down to the river. The face of the glacier actively "calves" huge bergs of ice into the lake with thunderous roars. Camping here for two nights we take the opportunity to hike up Goat Heard Mountain for panoramic views of the ice fields including some of the tallest peaks of the St Elias Range - Kennedy, Alverstone and Hubbard. Of course mountain goats, Dall sheep and other flora and fauna vie for our attention.

Days 6 and 7 (B/L/D) After crossing Lowell Lake the mountains crowd inward leaving narrow canyons. The water rushes through with several distinct rapids and an ever changing vista. There is never a dull moment for the next few days and in several spots we will stop to scout rapids and some may elect to walk around while the guides run the rafts through. As we approach Turnback Canyon we are confronted by the Tweedsmuir, the largest of all the glaciers on the trip. Acting like a huge funnel, it forces the river into a narrow confine crowding it into a deep gorge which is the actual canyon. Downstream the river plunges through a ten mile series of horrendous rapids. Though it has been kayaked several times, it is still considered to be unsafe for rafts. Camp is above Turnback Canyon, at the foot of the glacier.

Days 8 and 9 (B/L/D) The never ending drama of the trip continues to unfold as a helicopter arrives at our camp to begin ferrying us, and our equipment around Turnback canyon. On the short flight we are afforded a great view of the area and the famous rapids that few have seen. On the other side of the Canyon we will inflate and re- rig the boats and continue downstream a distance. The following day we pass the Vern Ritchie and Battle Glaciers, and camp at the confluence of the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers. At this point the two rivers swell to stretch nearly three miles wide, surging through braided channels that criss-cross the valley. The resulting union bears the name Alsek River and soon enters the State of Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park.

Day 10 (B/L/D) On a giant bend that can be seen from space, we are encircled by peaks in a stunning amphitheater of glacial ice and rock. From this point we view the crystal blue hues of Walker Glacier, a place where we actually hike on the surface of this ancient ice and experience the unique environment of deep crevasses and jagged seracs and ice falls. Camp will be downstream in a campsite surrounded by lush wild flowers.

Day 11 (B/L/D) Floating downstream we have a view of more than 20 glaciers as we make our way down to the place where the Alsek and Grand Plateau Glaciers come together at the river to form an eight mile wide face of ice. We camp at Alsek Lake which was formed by the gouging action of the glaciers resulting in the largest lake found anywhere in Glacier Bay Park. The only thing breaking the mystical spell of the iceberg filled lake with the mountain backdrop is the frequent explosive crescendos of calving glaciers spawning multi ton icebergs. Overseeing the phenomenon is Mt. Fairweather whose ice clad summit soars over 15,000 feet above our camp. Enjoying and exploring the lake is a delight to all of the senses.

Day 12 (B/L) The final leg of our memorable trip is from Alsek Lake to Dry Bay on the Gulf of Alaska. At the tiny commercial fishing enclave we are met by small charter planes for the flight back to Whitehorse with a plane load of memories. The Alsek now passes through a transition from the tallest peaks on the continent to the broad flat Pacific coastline. In this valley we have a vertical distance of over 15,000 feet between us and the highest peaks, an overall elevation difference greater than that of the Himalayas. In all but the worst weather, the aircraft will pick us up and fly us back through the Coast and St. Elias ranges to Whitehorse. Following showers, the group may want to gather at a local eating establishment (not included). Whitehorse is a lively town and it will not be difficult to find a way to enjoy the evening!

Day 13 After goodbyes and a last look around Whitehorse, we will head for home with a cargo of find and specatcular memories.

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