A challenging yet rewarding full day!

Duration

8-9 Hours

About

***Passport required for this tour***, as we cross the border into Canada before returning.

A challenging full day adventure to climb to the top of a peak along Skagway's White Pass. Explore the strenuous off-trail alpine terrain of wild Alaska with fantastic views.

Overview

This tour is a full day adventure into an off-trail, above tree-line alpine area of White Pass. This tour is ***only recommended for hikers and mountain climbers looking for a challenging adventure*** in the wilds of Alaska.

Our trip begins with a 40 minute van ride into the mountains and up the White Pass, which borders Alaska and the Yukon Territory in Canada. After we gear up, we’ll leave the road and venture into the alpine wonderland of White Pass. The nature of the tour and route conditions varies depending on the time of the year. In May and June, the conditions on the route are likely covered in snow and will require a combination of snow-shoeing and stream crossing. Later in the season, we’ll still encounter snow up higher on the peaks, but the access route will likely be snow free and involve off-trail hiking through alpine grasses and wildflowers, scrambling on rocks and the occasional stream crossing.

Our route will cover **about 6 miles and gain up to 3,000 feet in elevation**. Typically, our objective is to climb to the summit of Feather Peak or Mount Cleveland, both of which stand at about 5,500 feet. Both high points offer *incredible views of the surrounding jagged peaks and wilderness of White Pass*. However, there are a series of high points and routes that your guide may choose from. We may use crampons, ice axes, ropes and other technical equipment to access the summit, however, there are also moderate routes to the summit that can be done without ropes. **Safety is always our top priority.** The exact route will depend on conditions, group ability, and guide choice. Even if the summit isn’t possible for the day, there are incredible waterfalls, and scenic views to enjoy on this alpine hiking adventure. We allow for a full 8 hours for this adventure, however timing in the mountains can be variable. We’ll be sure to get you back to your cruise ship on time.

Our mountain guides are skilled at instruction and are excited to help teach snowshoe technique and basic mountaineering skills along the way. Weather can be quite variable at the pass. It is possible to have sunshine, whiteout foggy conditions, 30mph winds, rain, and even snow all in the same day. Temperatures are likely 10-20 degrees cooler than at sea level. It is important to dress in layers, and avoid bringing cotton clothes. We operate this trip rain or shine, so good clothing and preparation is essential to thoroughly enjoy the adventurous experience. Waterproof jacket and pants, extra warm layers, and good hiking boots are essential.

More Info

* Activity level: **Very Strenuous**

* Ages 12+

* Sack lunch, snacks, and water provided

* Provided equipment: Trekking poles

* Recommended clothing: Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jacket & pants, extra warm layers, wool hat, gloves, small day pack

* Wheelchair accessible: No

* Medical restrictions: It is the guest’s responsibility to determine if they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity - pertinent medical conditions must be disclosed to the guide

* Minimum group size is 2

* The only bathroom is located at the dock - once we depart Skagway, we'll be in the wilderness

* Liability Waiver Required

* Valid Passport Required

Itinerary

* ~15 min -- Driving town tour of Skagway and visit to Skagway overlook

* ~20 min -- Unload and head into the backcountry, crossing a few small streams

* ~40 min -- Depart Skagway and drive up the White Pass

* ~2 hours -- As we gain elevation, we'll ascend an exposed ridge with some steeper snow and rock scrambling bringing us to a high point. Along the way, we'll stop to eat snacks and have a lunch.

* ~3 hours -- We'll ascend up through tundra (or snow), taking short breaks about every hour or so. We'll bypass a series of beautiful waterfalls, and we make our way towards the upper part of the mountain

* ~2 hours -- We'll descend back down the mountain, and back to the road.

* ~40 min -- Drive back to Skagway stopping along the way for photo opportunities

It is the mission of Chilkat River Adventures, Inc. to serve our guests with the best Alaskan Wilderness Experience that we possibly can. We will train our staff to always think of safety first while being courteous, friendly, helpful, and informative to our guests while showing them the true wilderness that they expect to see, we often see Moose, Bear, Bald Eagles, Swans, and Salmon. We will strive to perform at the travel industry's highest standards and either meet or exceed those standards at all times.

Chilkat River Adventures, Inc. is owned and operated by Don "Duck" and Karen Hess

Duck and Karen started their jet boat tour company in 1991, with one boat and they worked solely with independents. In 1994 they began working with the cruise lines, allowing them to expand their business and build 2 more boats. In 1996 Duck and Karen purchased 3.2 acres in the middle of the Bald Eagle Preserve, giving them the opportunity to build the infrastructure to service the guests. Since 1996, Duck and Karen have continued to invest in the company for the comfort of their guests. This is truly a "Mom and Pop" operation and both Duck and Karen work seven days a week in the summer months to make certain that their company and staff are always up to the standards they have set.

Our Boats:

Our boats are specially designed and built specifically for traversing shallow water. The Chilkat River is glacial fed and has a great deal of silt moving in it in the summer months. This is created from the warm weather causing the glaciers to melt that feed the Chilkat River. Duck Hess designed the boats based on his experience and knowledge of this particular river system. There are 4 boats in the fleet, all flat bottom, with comfortable cushioned, bench seating. The Chilkat River has many different channels, which gives the description of a braided river system. This gives River Adventures the flexibility to explore different channels without seeing the other boats that are on the tour. The aerial photo of the Chilkat River gives you a good idea of why it is called a braided river.

The boats are powered by four-stroke, Yamaha outboard motors. The four-stroke motors are much quieter than the two-stroke’s and more eco-friendly and economical to operate. The term “jet boat” is common in Alaska and it is nothing like other jet boats that people are familiar with. These outboard motors have an impeller, instead of a propeller, all encased in aluminum, and the water is pulled up through the intake, then shoots out the back, which propels the boat. This is the same concept as a jet ski.

The animals and eagles are used to the boats and often will stand and watch as the guests get that great photo opportunity.

48 hour notice: full refund

24-47 hour notice: 50% refund

0-23 hour notice: NO Refund