Basics
- Class:
- Class II-IV
- River Length
- 40 miles
- Time:
- 6 days
- Season:
- Mid August to Mid September
Description
The Tana River originates in the Bagley Icefield between St. Elias and Chugach Ranges of Southeastern Alaska, draining the largest assemblage of glaciers in North America. Floated as a multi-day river trip, the Tana River is a fantastic wilderness river experience featuring a variety of whitewater difficulty ranging from playful riffles up to stout advanced intermediate pool drop rapids and tight river canyons with big hydraulics and holes.
The Tana River winds deep within the Tana River Valley, past cottonwood and spruce forests, glacial sand dunes built of ancient silt and mountain vistas sure to rival any in Alaska. Wildlife is abundant around the Tana River as there is little impact from human civilization here. Grizzly Bear, Dall Sheep, Mountain Goat, Wild Bison, and Moose are all commonly sighted.
Trips down the Tana River generally take 6 days, with time for hiking and exploring the side country. Trips originate in McCarthy or Kennicott where visitors catch bush planes for a flight to the put in. Visitors float back to civilization on the Tana River, taking out in the small town of Chitina, just after the Tana River joins with the Copper River.
