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.
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 / $3,595 per person
2:1 / $2,220 per person
3:1 / $1,1885 per person
4:1 / $1,800 per person
5:1 / $1,565 per person
6+:2 / $1,630 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,475 per person
2:1 / $2,720 per person
3:1 / $2,300 per person
4:1 / $2,160 per person
5:1 / $1,895 per person
6+:2 / $1,960 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,355 per person
2:1 / $3,220 per person
3:1 / $2,715 per person
4:1/ $2,520 per person
5:1 / $2,225 per person
6+:2 / $2,290 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,235 per person
2:1 / $3,720 per person
3:1 / $3,130 per person
4:1 / $2,880 per person
5:1 / $2,555 per person
6+:2 / $2,620 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,115 per person
2:1 / $4,220 per person
3:1 / $3,545 per person
4:1 / $3,240 per person
5:1 / $2,885 per person
6+:2 / $2,950 per person
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge
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 / $3,595 per person
2:1 / $2,220 per person
3:1 / $1,1885 per person
4:1 / $1,800 per person
5:1 / $1,565 per person
6+:2 / $1,630 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,475 per person
2:1 / $2,720 per person
3:1 / $2,300 per person
4:1 / $2,160 per person
5:1 / $1,895 per person
6+:2 / $1,960 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,355 per person
2:1 / $3,220 per person
3:1 / $2,715 per person
4:1/ $2,520 per person
5:1 / $2,225 per person
6+:2 / $2,290 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,235 per person
2:1 / $3,720 per person
3:1 / $3,130 per person
4:1 / $2,880 per person
5:1 / $2,555 per person
6+:2 / $2,620 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,115 per person
2:1 / $4,220 per person
3:1 / $3,545 per person
4:1 / $3,240 per person
5:1 / $2,885 per person
6+:2 / $2,950 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.
Lakina to The Fosse
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge, or use arrows to scroll.
