ALASKA DESCRIPTION - Traverse of the Talkeetna Mountains & Descent of the Talkeetna River Alaska Range, South - Central Alaska
June 23 - July 6 2007

Deep in the Alaskan wilderness remain a few mountain ranges whose exploration and description remain incomplete. This is one of the few places on earth where true mountain exploration and adventure into the unknown is possible.

During the summer of 2007, our group will penetrate one of these little-known ranges, the Talkeetna Mountains. The Talkeetnas lurk in the vast south-central region of Alaska, far from normal air routes and tourist trails. They cover an enormous area in the remote central part of the Alaska Range, with awesome vertical relief. Some peaks rise more than 7000’ above their bases.

Using local knowledge and aerial mapping, we have located a route that will allow us a rare crossing of this rugged and glacial range. Following detailed maps and using GPS for navigation, we will traverse this magnificent land mostly above timber-and-brush line. We will travel self-contained, with each member carrying his/her own weight. There will be sufficient time for peak-bagging and side-valley exploration. It’s even possible that we could make at least one first ascent along the way. This is an expedition for the adventurous, who enjoy immersion in true wilderness and who are willing to remain flexible, adaptable and optimistic in the face of the unknown.

We will drive from Anchorage to Eureka and start hiking from there. In 9 days of hiking we’ll cover about 100 miles of wild country. Most of this will be over alpine tundra and meadow, with occasional boulder fields, and some river bottom. We’ll cross at least 10 passes and at least 16 creeks and rivers.

Following our traverse of the range over peaks, passes, and valleys, we’ll arrive at the put-in for our 3-day, 55-mile float down the Talkeetna River. The boating gear will be flown in to a small lake by float-plane, along with a fresh supply of food. We’ll paddle rafts down to the town of Talkeetna, encountering numerous moderate Class III rapids, and one Class IV..

Alpine trekking, river crossings, uncertain route-finding, huge relief, wilderness white-water rafting, midnight sunlight, and total solitude characterize the challenges this trip. No matter what happens, this will be a one-of-a-kind trip into big, wild country, the kind of expedition Skip Horner Worldwide and Alaska Alpine Adventures are known for. If world-class adventure appeals to you, join us!

Alaska Itinerary [] Alaska Details