MCCARTHY HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Packraft the Ice, Hike the Glacier: Doubtful–Nizina in Four Days
A private, 4-day packrafting and glacier‑edge hiking itinerary out of McCarthy, Alaska — this guide distills duration, operator details, 2025 private rates and where to find booking and equipment resources.
Packraft the Ice, Hike the Glacier: Doubtful–Nizina in Four Days.
Paddle between icebergs and hike along the raw edge of a glacier on a four‑day, privately guided adventure in the McCarthy region. Operated as an exclusive private trip, the Doubtful–Nizina Packrafting itinerary pairs quiet, close‑up navigation among glacial ice with rugged days on the glacier’s margin, paced for your group by St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paddle Among Icebergs
The route emphasizes paddling between icebergs — intimate water crossings that put glacial ice and calving front panoramas within reach of your packraft.
Hikes Along a Glacier's Edge
Days include hiking along the edge of the glacier, offering close views of ice textures, moraine lines and the stark alpine terrain that frames the paddling sections.
Private‑Trip Format and Group Pricing
This is an exclusive private trip offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides, with 2025 private rates that scale by group size — book dates that suit your party or schedule a planning call with the operator.
What the day feels like
What the Four‑Day Experience Feels Like
Across four days you’ll alternate short packraft paddles through iceberg‑strewn water with purposeful hikes along a glacier’s edge, all run on a private schedule for your group. The itinerary is designed to let you move deliberately through glacial landscapes, balancing on‑water exploration with landings and ridge or moraine travel under the guidance of St. Elias Alpine Guides.
THE LANDSCAPE
Paddle Among Icebergs
The route emphasizes paddling between icebergs — intimate water crossings that put glacial ice and calving front panoramas within reach of your packraft.
THE ROUTE
Hikes Along a Glacier's Edge
Days include hiking along the edge of the glacier, offering close views of ice textures, moraine lines and the stark alpine terrain that frames the paddling sections.
THE LOGISTICS
Private‑Trip Format and Group Pricing
This is an exclusive private trip offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides, with 2025 private rates that scale by group size — book dates that suit your party or schedule a planning call with the operator.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private packrafting trip suits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Consult the operator’s equipment list linked on the trip page for the full gear roster and packrafting requirements; St. Elias Alpine Guides provides the definitive equipment guidance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Doubtful–Nizina Packrafting trip?
The trip is a 4‑day itinerary.
Is this offered as a group departure or private only?
This trip is offered only on a private trip basis.
What are the 2025 rates?
2025 private rates are: 1 participant $4,995; 2 participants $3,050 per person; 3–6 participants $2,440 per person; 7–8 participants $2,350 per person.
How do I book or plan dates?
Book the dates that work for your group or sign up for a planning call with the operator’s Expedition Coordinator via the provided calendly link to arrange a private trip.
Where can I find more trip details and the equipment list?
Full trip details, photos and the equipment list are available on the St. Elias Alpine Guides trip page; additional questions can be answered on the operator FAQ page.