Alaska Packrafting Adventure: Explore the Talkeetna Mountains on a 10-Day Wilderness Odyssey

Take a scenic bushplane flight into the Talkeetna Mountains and spend 10 days packrafting through some of Alaska’s most remote terrain. You’ll paddle braided glacial rivers, bushwhack across alpine tundra, and navigate mountain creeks—learning both packrafting and wilderness travel skills along the way.

Photo credit: Tim Kelley

You’ll start with flatwater practice on a lake, then progress to the low-gradient Talkeetna River before tackling Class I-III whitewater. Between river sections, you’ll deflate your boat, pack it away, and hike off-trail with everything you need on your back. 

You’ll camp on gravel bars, build leadership skills, fish for salmon and trout, and learn what it takes to travel in grizzly bear country. Other wildlife encounters may include caribou, dall sheep, and moose. The terrain and weather in this part of the world can be harsh— but the focus on community building with your student group and incredible instructors will make the challenging days feel easier. 

Photo credit: Tim Kelley

You’ll finish the expedition by paddling into Talkeetna, a charming mountain town on the border of Denali National Park, before heading back to the NOLS base. You’ll leave with a new wealth of knowledge and confidence to plan and execute your own backpacking and packrafting trips in the future. 

Photo credit: Stéphane Terrier