MCCARTHY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Three Days of Glass‑Calm Packrafting and Easy Camping on Tebay’s Clear Lake
A private, customizable three‑day packrafting and camping experience on a pristine lake near McCarthy, Alaska, operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Three Days of Glass‑Calm Packrafting and Easy Camping on Tebay’s Clear Lake.
Tebay Lakes Basecamp Packrafting is a three‑day, easy camping and paddling adventure on a breathtaking clear lake near McCarthy, Alaska. Run as a private trip by St. Elias Alpine Guides, it’s designed for small groups who want a quiet, customizable wilderness experience—days spent launching lightweight inflatable boats from shore, afternoons of lake exploration, and nights around a simple basecamp beneath the high Alaskan sky.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Clear, calm water made for packrafts
The core draw is the lake itself: clear, expansive water that lends itself to easy paddling and exploration from shore‑based camp. Expect long, reflective swims and straightforward packraft cruising rather than technical whitewater.
Private, customizable basecamp
This offering is private only, so you pick your dates and the operator can tailor the experience to your group. That flexibility makes it ideal for friends or families seeking a bespoke outing rather than a fixed‑departure trip.
Easy camping and relaxed paddling
The itinerary emphasizes simple, low‑stress camping and paddling—days are focused on gentle lake travel and enjoying the setting rather than demanding mileage or technical skills.
What the day feels like
What the three days feel like
Over three days the rhythm is deliberate: arrive and establish a lakeside basecamp, spend full days launching packrafts to explore coves and shoreline, and break camp for a calm departure on day three. The trip’s private nature means pacing and activities are adjustable to the group—more time paddling, more time relaxing by camp, or a mix of both.
THE LAKE
Clear, calm water made for packrafts
The core draw is the lake itself: clear, expansive water that lends itself to easy paddling and exploration from shore‑based camp. Expect long, reflective swims and straightforward packraft cruising rather than technical whitewater.
THE SETUP
Private, customizable basecamp
This offering is private only, so you pick your dates and the operator can tailor the experience to your group. That flexibility makes it ideal for friends or families seeking a bespoke outing rather than a fixed‑departure trip.
THE PACE
Easy camping and relaxed paddling
The itinerary emphasizes simple, low‑stress camping and paddling—days are focused on gentle lake travel and enjoying the setting rather than demanding mileage or technical skills.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a three‑day trip.
Refer to the operator’s equipment list for required and recommended gear; the trip page links to a full equipment list and packing guidance.
Offered only as a private trip: you choose dates and can work with the operator to customize the itinerary and pacing.
Private trip pricing is tiered by group size; see the operator’s 2025 private rates for per‑person pricing at different group sizes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Tebay Lakes Basecamp Packrafting trip?
The trip is three days long.
Is this offered as a guided group trip or private only?
This trip is offered only on a private‑trip basis; you book your dates and can customize the experience.
What activities are included?
The itinerary centers on easy camping and paddling on a clear lake—packrafting and lakeside basecamp activities are the primary focus.
How many people can join, and how is pricing structured?
Pricing is tiered by group size; the operator publishes private rates that vary for solo travelers, pairs, and groups up through seven to eight participants.
Where can I find the equipment or packing list?
The operator provides an equipment list on the trip webpage; consult that list for required and recommended items before your trip.