Flowing from the northern corner of BC, through to the Inside Passage of Alaska, the Taku River inhabits a wild and dramatic river valley currently slated for a road development to support the Redfern Mine. We think we have discovered in the Taku another wilderness jewel. The Taku River had been rafted, but seldom canoed, and we invite Class II whitewater canoeists to join us paddle this endangered coastal waterway.
We travel in 2-person canoes from the junction of the Sheslay and Nahlin Rivers, which form the Spinklin River, to the western extreme of Taku Inlet on Alaska’s Inside Passage, a journey of 200 km (120 miles) with an elevation drop of 250m.
Craft Description: Canoe - 2-person canoe
Prerequisites: Intermediate moving water experience; 2 person Canoe, class III whitewater skills prerequisite.
Available Dates
| TKU - 01 | Sat. Jul 26 - Thurs. Aug 7, 2008 | Trip Full |
Rate Details
CAD: $6,025
USD: $5,989 *fluxuates daily
Current CAD/USD Exchange Rate: 0.994
Additional Taku River Trip Notes:Pre- & post-trip accommodation and meals while in Whitehorse are your responsibility - the cost is not included in the trip fee. We are happy to supply you with a list of recommended hotels in Whitehorse.
There are a number of good books related to the Stikine River available through our news letter. These include: |
The following is a tentative agenda and has been designed to allow for exploration of this coastal river. Rarely canoed, we will be viewing the river and land from a rare perspective. The guides will adjust the schedule to make the best use of river and weather conditions. The significant glacial influence can cause water levels to change rapidly with both warming and cooling.
The following initials indicate the meals included each day:Breakfast = B | Lunch = L | Dinner = D
Day 0
Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views on cloudless days, pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.
The scheduled flights arrive in Whitehorse through out the day. Aim to arrive by 6 pm. Please make your way to your hotel and plan to rendezvous with your guides at the Westmark Klondike Inn at 8 pm for an orientation meeting (inquire at the desk for meeting room). There will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details.
Whitehorse is a great place to spend a few extra days. We will send you a visitor’s booklet.
Day 1 (L/D)
We will meet for breakfast (not included) at 8 am. Following a beautiful 2 hour drive to Atlin BC and board a chartered aircraft for the dramatic flight into an airstrip on the Nahlin River where it joins the Sheslay to form the Inklin. We will camp nearby, taking in the sights and sounds of this spectacular mountain valley. The Inklin will be our course for the first days before joining with the Nakina to form the Taku.
Day 2 (B/L/D)
After loading our canoes and reviewing the plan for today we will embark on the swift river. While drifting past peaks we will review our strokes and skills to ensure everyone is "up to speed". A small canyon will mark our progress. Camp will be at Teditua Creek.
Day 3 (B/L/D)
We will plan to stop for lunch just below the Sultahine River. Weather permitting we will hike a route that takes us up a ridge for dramatic views of the valley upriver and down. Binoculars may find goats or moose. Camp will be above a distinct canyon.
Day 4 (B/L/D)
The canyon offers a great ride with class III standing waves. We will make our way to camp in the vicinity of Yeth Creek, which is purported to be rich with wildlife.
Day 5 (B/L/D)
The Taku River originates at the confluence of the Inklin and Nakina Rivers. We will attempt to search out the historic native village of Inklin. It was here that coastal tribes would journey up the Nakina to trade oil from sea animals with natives of the interior.
Now on the Taku, the valley broadens and the channel braids. The current winds from one rock face of the valley across to the opposite. Camp will be near Yellow Bluff, a distinctive landmark.
Day 6 (B/L/D)
Our destination is the Tulsequah River and Flannigan Slough. A direct drainage of the Juneau Icefield, this area is rich with wildlife and keen eyes will likely be rewarded.
Day 7 & 8 (B/L/D)
Twin Glacier Lake will be our destination. On the way we will pass native fish camps and a Department of Fisheries post where we will learn some of the intricate details of the salmon of the Taku. As the name "Twin Glaciers" suggests, two glaciers descend from an ice cap colourfully named Haides Highway. Paddling upstream on the small river that links the Taku with the lake we will be able to paddle among the burgs that calve from the glaciers into the lake. Truly a majestic setting.
Day 9 (B/L/D)
From camp we will paddle into Taku Inlet proper. Stopping for a visit at Taku Lodge we will have our first stunning views of the Taku Glacier, nearly two miles wide where it meets the river. Paddling past the dramatic glacier and Oozy Flats, part of the glaciers terminal moraine. Keep your eyes open for seals. Camp will be situated near rare historic old growth forest. Most of the Taku was flooded approximately 300 years ago when the glacier blocked the river. This is the surviving valley forest.
Day 10 (B/L/D)
Finishing on a high note with the most spectacular views,we will be transported to the Alaska state capital of Juneau with a boatload of fond memories (this transportation is included in the trip fee). Before catching our ferry for the beautiful ride up the Lynn Canal, we will have a chance to see a few of the sights of Juneau. Accommodation is your responsibility but we can assist with booking.
Day 11 (B/L)
The Alaska State ferry will deliver us to the Gold Rush town of Skagway (We cover the cost of the ferry). This community has been well preserved and sports many of the original buildings from the gold rush and turn of the century. We will be met by our van, which will carry us through the alpine of the White Pass and back to Whitehorse. Depending on the ferry schedule (which is not set until early in the new year) we may have to overnight in Skagway. If so, accommodation is your responsibility. We can assist with booking. You will be back in Whitehorse to catch a homeward flight on Day 12.
Day 12
After goodbyes and a last look around Whitehorse, we will head for home with a cargo of fond and spectacular memories.
Please note: pre- and post-trip accommodation and meals while in Whitehorse Juneau and Skagway are your responsibility – the cost is not included in the trip fee.