WRANGELL BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Jetboat Up the Stikine: A High-Speed Passage to Shakes Glacier
A 3.5-hour sightseeing run from downtown Wrangell up the Stikine River in a high-powered jetboat to Shakes Glacier — plus a possible soak at Chief Shakes hot springs, dependent on river conditions.
Jetboat Up the Stikine: A High-Speed Passage to Shakes Glacier.
From Wrangell, Muddy Water Adventures threads a high-powered jetboat through braided sloughs and across a short ocean crossing to the Stikine River delta, carving a route into a vast glacial lake whose terminus is Shakes Glacier. The outing pairs fast-moving waterborne transit with glacier views and, when river height allows, a soak at nearby Chief Shakes hot springs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sloughs, Delta and Glacier
The tour follows small side channels—locally called sloughs—across a short ocean crossing and into the Stikine’s delta, culminating at the face of Shakes Glacier at the far end of the glacier lake.
High-Powered Jetboat Transit
Travel aboard a high-powered jetboat designed to cover the river’s channels quickly, making the most of the 3.5-hour outing to reach the glacier and river destinations.
Chief Shakes Hot Springs (When Possible)
Depending on river height, the tour can include a relaxing stop at Chief Shakes hot springs, located just upstream of Shakes Glacier.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
The outing is a compact mix of fast water transit and focused sightseeing: depart Wrangell, cross a short stretch of ocean, then ride the jetboat through braided sloughs up the Stikine for roughly 3.5 hours round-trip to the glacier and back, with opportunities to pause at natural features along the way.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should check details with the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is 3.5 hours total aboard the jetboat.
Meet at the operator’s downtown office near the cruise ship dock — look for Muddy Water Adventures’ flags.
Bring a camera, boat snacks, and dress for the weather if you plan to ride on deck.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are bathrooms available along the way?
Yes. The operator can utilize any unoccupied USFS cabins along the river for bathroom use.
How long is the Stikine River Tour?
The tour is 3.5 hours in duration.
Where do I meet the boat?
Meet at Muddy Water Adventures’ office in downtown Wrangell near the cruise ship dock; look for the operator’s flags.
Will we see Shakes Glacier?
Yes. The tour culminates at Shakes Glacier at the far end of the glacier lake.
Can we visit Chief Shakes hot springs on the tour?
Possibly — a soak at Chief Shakes hot springs is included depending on river height and conditions.