Backcountry Trips « Backpacking Point-to-Point

Lakina to The Fosse Backpacking Trip

Trip Description:

A trip near and dear to our hearts. Much of the terrain is challenging, with sections of notorious difficulty, the rewards are worth it. After a drop off high in the Lakina Valley, a healthy climb brings you to the land of alpine lakes so breathtaking it’s known as OZ. Excellent camping, loop hikes, and ridge scrambles make it well worth staying an extra night. From here many route variations exist depending on timeframe and objectives for getting over the pass and down into Hidden Creek Valley. Descend this beautifully rugged valley to the iceberg filled Hidden Creek Lake and an exposed traverse to The Fosse. Demanding hiking, amazing camping and a variety of terrain make this trip maintain its reputation as a Wrangell Mountain classic.

Duration: 3-7 Days. We recommend taking time to explore Oz, route variations, and The Fosse. This route can be done in 3 days.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard *Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

Trip Options:
Looking for a longer route? This trip links up beautifully with The Fosse to Kennicott for a fly-in/ hike home that covers a lot of ground. 6-10 days, with option of a resupply at The Fosse.

Highlights:

A scenic bush plane flight beneath Mt. Blackburn (16, 390ft!)
Camping in pockets of alpine only accessible by backpacking
Waking up in Oz
Challenge yourself and learn new backpacking techniques
Potential for sighting Dall sheep, mountain goats and bears
Get up close to some of the world’s largest peaks and icefalls

Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, creek crossings.

Who: Intermediate to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we’ll discuss your experience to see if it’s the right trip for you. You will need to be able to carry a pack that ranges from 35 – 50 lbs for up to 8+ hours a day.*Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

When: Late June-September

Where: We will meet you at your lodging or at the footbridge ½ hour before your flight time and provide transportation to the airstrip.

Trip Includes

Pre-trip planning.
Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
Small ratios: 1 guide for groups up to 5 people. 2 guides for groups of 6+ (additional porters may be requested for any group size at an additional cost)
Customizable itinerary.
Airfare into the backcountry.
Medical equipment, training and protocols to Wilderness First Responder Standards.
SAT phone & Delorme InReach.
Healthy, nutritious food customized to your tastes.
Cooking gear and fuel.
Backpacking pack (if needed)
Sleeping bag/pad combo (if needed)
Technical gear and equipment.
Personal tent(s) and group cook tent.
Leave No Trace and Bear Safety education/ ethics.

Trip Does Not Include

Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
Day packs (for basecamping day hikes)
Personal clothing & gear. For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit our Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
Alcohol in the backcountry.
Pre & Post trip lodging.
Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »

Start Planning Your Trip Now

Trip Prices

Lakina to The Fosse (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip

1:1 / $3,905 per person
2:1 / $2,400 per person
3:1 / $2,045 per person
4:1 / $1,950 per person
5:1 / $1,695 per person
6+:2 / $1,760 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip

1:1 / $4,875 per person
2:1 / $2,950 per person
3:1 / $2,505 per person
4:1 / $2,350 per person
5:1 / $2,060 per person
6+:2 / $2,125 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,845 per person
2:1 / $3,500 per person
3:1 / $2,965 per person
4:1/ $2,750 per person
5:1 / $2,425 per person
6+:2 / $2,490 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,815 per person
2:1 / $4,050 per person
3:1 / $3,425 per person
4:1 / $3,150 per person
5:1 / $2,790 per person
6+:2 / $2,855 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,785 per person
2:1 / $4,600 per person
3:1 / $3,885 per person
4:1 / $3,550 per person
5:1 / $3,155 per person
6+:2 / $3,220 per person

Photo Gallery

Click to enlarge

Start Planning Your Trip Now

Trip Prices

Lakina to The Fosse (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip

1:1 / $3,905 per person
2:1 / $2,400 per person
3:1 / $2,045 per person
4:1 / $1,950 per person
5:1 / $1,695 per person
6+:2 / $1,760 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip

1:1 / $4,875 per person
2:1 / $2,950 per person
3:1 / $2,505 per person
4:1 / $2,350 per person
5:1 / $2,060 per person
6+:2 / $2,125 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,845 per person
2:1 / $3,500 per person
3:1 / $2,965 per person
4:1/ $2,750 per person
5:1 / $2,425 per person
6+:2 / $2,490 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,815 per person
2:1 / $4,050 per person
3:1 / $3,425 per person
4:1 / $3,150 per person
5:1 / $2,790 per person
6+:2 / $2,855 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,785 per person
2:1 / $4,600 per person
3:1 / $3,885 per person
4:1 / $3,550 per person
5:1 / $3,155 per person
6+:2 / $3,220 per person

Trip Description:

A trip near and dear to our hearts. Much of the terrain is challenging, with sections of notorious difficulty, the rewards are worth it. After a drop off high in the Lakina Valley, a healthy climb brings you to the land of alpine lakes so breathtaking it’s known as OZ. Excellent camping, loop hikes, and ridge scrambles make it well worth staying an extra night. From here many route variations exist depending on timeframe and objectives for getting over the pass and down into Hidden Creek Valley. Descend this beautifully rugged valley to the iceberg filled Hidden Creek Lake and an exposed traverse to The Fosse. Demanding hiking, amazing camping and a variety of terrain make this trip maintain its reputation as a Wrangell Mountain classic.

Duration: 3-7 Days. We recommend taking time to explore Oz, route variations, and The Fosse. This route can be done in 3 days.
Difficulty: Medium to Hard *Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

Trip Options:
Looking for a longer route? This trip links up beautifully with The Fosse to Kennicott for a fly-in/ hike home that covers a lot of ground. 6-10 days, with option of a resupply at The Fosse.

Highlights:

A scenic bush plane flight beneath Mt. Blackburn (16, 390ft!)
Camping in pockets of alpine only accessible by backpacking
Waking up in Oz
Challenge yourself and learn new backpacking techniques
Potential for sighting Dall sheep, mountain goats and bears
Get up close to some of the world’s largest peaks and icefalls

Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, creek crossings.

Who: Intermediate to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we’ll discuss your experience to see if it’s the right trip for you. You will need to be able to carry a pack that ranges from 35 – 50 lbs for up to 8+ hours a day.*Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.

When: Late June-September

Where: We will meet you at your lodging or at the footbridge ½ hour before your flight time and provide transportation to the airstrip.

Trip Includes

Pre-trip planning.
Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
Small ratios: 1 guide for groups up to 5 people. 2 guides for groups of 6+ (additional porters may be requested for any group size at an additional cost)
Customizable itinerary.
Airfare into the backcountry.
Medical equipment, training and protocols to Wilderness First Responder Standards.
SAT phone & Delorme InReach.
Healthy, nutritious food customized to your tastes.
Cooking gear and fuel.
Backpacking pack (if needed)
Sleeping bag/pad combo (if needed)
Technical gear and equipment.
Personal tent(s) and group cook tent.
Leave No Trace and Bear Safety education/ ethics.

Trip Does Not Include

Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
Day packs (for basecamping day hikes)
Personal clothing & gear. For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit our Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
Alcohol in the backcountry.
Pre & Post trip lodging.
Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »