MCCARTHY RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Copper River: Eight Days of Whitewater and Chugach Wilderness from McCarthy
An 8-day guided rafting expedition on Alaska’s Copper River for ages 8 and up, run by St. Elias Alpine Guides — this guide collects the core facts you need to plan and pack.
Copper River: Eight Days of Whitewater and Chugach Wilderness from McCarthy.
Raft through the Chugach on the Copper River in an eight-day guided trip that threads whitewater and sweeping Alaskan landscapes near McCarthy. Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides, the trip is offered as a group expedition with set dates and rate tiers and welcomes participants aged 8 and older.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Continuous Copper River Rafting
The trip centers on sustained rafting through the Chugach’s Copper River corridor, delivering a mix of whitewater excitement and broad river travel that shapes the itinerary.
Chugach Backcountry and Wilderness Views
Expect expansive Alaskan landscapes along the river—glacial-fed water, valley walls and the remote feel of the Chugach region that frames each day on the river.
Family‑Friendly, Guided Expedition
This is a guided group trip appropriate for families and mixed-ability parties with children meeting the minimum age; St. Elias Alpine Guides runs scheduled group dates and allows private bookings as well.
What the day feels like
What the Eight Days Feel Like
Over eight days the experience is steady river travel punctuated by rapids and riverside camps, led and supported by professional guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides. The schedule runs on set group dates and can be done as a private trip with custom timing.
THE RIVER
Continuous Copper River Rafting
The trip centers on sustained rafting through the Chugach’s Copper River corridor, delivering a mix of whitewater excitement and broad river travel that shapes the itinerary.
THE SCENERY
Chugach Backcountry and Wilderness Views
Expect expansive Alaskan landscapes along the river—glacial-fed water, valley walls and the remote feel of the Chugach region that frames each day on the river.
THE GROUP
Family‑Friendly, Guided Expedition
This is a guided group trip appropriate for families and mixed-ability parties with children meeting the minimum age; St. Elias Alpine Guides runs scheduled group dates and allows private bookings as well.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Group trip dates are scheduled (example dates listed by the operator include summer departures); private trips with custom dates are also available — consult the operator for current availability.
Refer to St. Elias Alpine Guides’ equipment list for required personal gear and clothing appropriate for multi-day rafting and camping on the Copper River.
Rates are published by the operator (examples include tiered per-person pricing); the operator guarantees the 4–6 participant rate on group trips even if fewer than four people sign up, and adjusts rates downward if more than six people join.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to join the Copper River trip?
The trip minimum age is 8 years old.
How long is the Copper River expedition?
The trip duration is eight days.
When are the scheduled group departures?
The operator lists scheduled group trip dates; example group dates published include June 21–28, 2026 and July 18–25, 2026, and the summary references a July 15–22, 2025 departure as well.
Are private trips available?
Yes — private trips with custom dates are available; contact the operator or their expedition coordinator to plan a private departure.
What are the published rates?
The operator publishes tiered per-person rates (examples listed for 2025 include: 2 participants $7,440/person; 3 participants $5,315/person; 4–6 participants $3,540/person; 7–12 participants $2,730/person).
What is the operator’s policy on group-rate guarantees?
For group rafting trips the operator guarantees the 4–6 participant rate even if fewer than four people sign up; if more than six participants enroll the rate will be lowered accordingly.