Alaska Backpacking and Packrafting - 18 and over

Embark on a Thrilling Packrafting Adventure Through Alaska’s Rugged Wilderness

Experience the wild heart of Alaska like never before in this immersive packrafting course. Whether you’re navigating pristine rivers in the Talkeetna Mountains or exploring the interior of the Alaska Range, this course offers the rare opportunity to learn backcountry travel skills and packrafting techniques in some of the most remote landscapes on earth. Get ready to develop valuable wilderness skills, discover your leadership potential, and forge unforgettable memories in Alaska’s vast and untamed wilderness.

Why Packrafting in Alaska Will Transform Your Adventure Skills

Develop Unique Wilderness Skills While Exploring Remote Terrain

Packrafting is the perfect blend of adventure and exploration, combining backpacking with the thrill of paddling through stunning Alaskan waterways. This course isn’t just about learning how to paddle—it’s about mastering a form of travel that allows you to access hidden landscapes few others will ever see. In addition to building technical skills, you’ll grow as a leader, team member, and adventurer while immersed in Alaska’s wilderness’s raw beauty.

 

Photo credit: Stephane Terrier

Explore the Wild Beauty of Alaska: Mountains, Rivers, and Remote Landscapes

A Journey Through Alaska’s Most Pristine Wilderness Areas

Alaska’s wilderness offers an unparalleled adventure—whether hiking through the remote Talkeetna Mountains or paddling down crystal-clear rivers in the Alaska Range. Your journey will introduce you to some of the state’s most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes, including alpine lakes, glacial rivers, and towering mountain peaks. Along the way, you’ll experience:

• Pristine River Systems: Glide through stunning rivers, both gentle and exhilarating, with occasional moderate whitewater, offering a dynamic learning experience.

• Diverse Wildlife: Encounter iconic Alaskan wildlife, such as Dall, sheep, moose, caribou, and possibly even bears or wolves, in their natural habitat.

• Remote Alpine Terrain: Trek through rugged mountain terrain, where the challenges of backpacking will test your stamina and navigation skills in off-trail environments.

 

Photo credit: Stephane Terrier

Skills You’ll Learn: Master the Art of Packrafting and Wilderness Travel

From Basic Camping to Advanced Packrafting Techniques

This course will equip you with essential wilderness skills that extend far beyond packrafting. You’ll learn how to thrive in the Alaskan wilderness by developing technical and leadership abilities. Key areas of focus include:

• Packrafting Techniques: Learn the fundamentals of paddling a packraft through varying water conditions, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and route navigation.

• Backpacking in Rugged Terrain: Hone your skills in backcountry travel, including navigating off-trail terrain, packing, cooking, and setting up camp in remote environments.

• Wilderness Navigation: Learn to read maps and use a compass to navigate Alaska’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.

• Leadership & Teamwork: Practice leadership in real-time wilderness settings, learning how to make quick decisions and work collaboratively with a team in high-stakes environments.

 

Photo credit: Tim Kelly

Course Structure: What to Expect During Your Packrafting Expedition

Day-by-Day Breakdown of Your Alaskan Adventure

• Day 1: Meet your instructors and fellow participants, review gear, and practice foundational skills at the NOLS base camp.

• Days 2-7: Embark on your packrafting and backpacking journey, alternating between paddling scenic rivers and hiking through rugged, off-trail terrain. Each day will include skill-building exercises, group leadership practice, and outdoor cooking lessons.

• Days 8-10: Continue refining your packrafting skills and leadership techniques while navigating more challenging landscapes. The last days of your journey will focus on advanced navigation, teamwork, and group decision-making.

• Day 11: Return to the NOLS base camp for a course debrief, where you’ll reflect on your experiences and discuss key lessons learned.

The Challenges You’ll Face—and the Rewards You’ll Reap

Build Resilience, Adaptability, and Leadership in Alaska’s Remote Wilderness

You’ll face challenges that test your physical and mental endurance throughout your journey. These obstacles will help you develop technical outdoor skills and provide opportunities for personal growth. Challenges include:

• Physical Endurance: Hiking with a full pack and paddling through demanding water conditions will push your limits and develop your strength and stamina.

• Adaptability: Alaska’s unpredictable weather, from sudden rainstorms to swift changes in temperature, will teach you how to stay flexible and make decisions on the fly.

• Leadership and Teamwork: Collaborating with your team in high-pressure environments will cultivate strong leadership skills and help you learn to lead and support equally.

The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming these challenges is deeply transformative—leaving you with new perspectives on leadership, self-reliance, and teamwork.

Photo credit: Tim Kelly

Who Is This Course For?

Adventurous Individuals Seeking a Unique Wilderness Experience

This course is ideal for individuals who crave adventure and want to push their limits in a challenging yet supportive environment. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an aspiring wilderness guide, or someone looking for personal growth, this course will provide the skills, confidence, and leadership tools to help you thrive in remote wilderness settings. Some experience with backpacking or paddling is recommended, but a strong spirit of adventure and a willingness to learn are the most important prerequisites.

Join the NOLS Community and Transform Your Wilderness Experience

Become Part of a Legacy of Adventurers, Leaders, and Innovators

By completing this Packrafting in Alaska course, you’ll join the global NOLS alumni community—an incredible network of individuals who have transformed their personal and professional lives through outdoor education. Whether you pursue a career in wilderness guiding, environmental stewardship or seek a more adventurous life, the skills and lessons learned in this course will stay with you forever.

Ready to take the plunge? Embark on this transformative adventure in Alaska’s wildest landscapes and discover the power of packrafting, backpacking, and leadership. Sign up now and start your journey into one of the most breathtaking wilderness experiences available.