Backcountry Multi-Day Trips « Backpacking Point-to-Point
Lakina to The Fosse
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 / $3,425 per person
2:1 / $2,105 per person
3:1 / $1,790 per person
4:1 / $1,715 per person
5:1 / $1,490 per person
6+:2 / $1,550 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,265 per person
2:1 / $2,580 per person
3:1 / $2,185 per person
4:1 / $2,060 per person
5:1 / $1,805 per person
6+:2 / $1,865 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,105 per person
2:1 / $3,055 per person
3:1 / $2,580 per person
4:1/ $2,405 per person
5:1 / $2,120 per person
6+:2 / $2,180 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,945 per person
2:1 / $3,530 per person
3:1 / $2,975 per person
4:1 / $2,750 per person
5:1 / $2,435 per person
6+:2 / $2,495 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,785 per person
2:1 / $4,005 per person
3:1 / $3,370 per person
4:1 / $3,095 per person
5:1 / $2,750 per person
6+:2 / $2,810 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 / $3,425 per person
2:1 / $2,105 per person
3:1 / $1,790 per person
4:1 / $1,715 per person
5:1 / $1,490 per person
6+:2 / $1,550 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,265 per person
2:1 / $2,580 per person
3:1 / $2,185 per person
4:1 / $2,060 per person
5:1 / $1,805 per person
6+:2 / $1,865 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,105 per person
2:1 / $3,055 per person
3:1 / $2,580 per person
4:1/ $2,405 per person
5:1 / $2,120 per person
6+:2 / $2,180 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,945 per person
2:1 / $3,530 per person
3:1 / $2,975 per person
4:1 / $2,750 per person
5:1 / $2,435 per person
6+:2 / $2,495 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,785 per person
2:1 / $4,005 per person
3:1 / $3,370 per person
4:1 / $3,095 per person
5:1 / $2,750 per person
6+:2 / $2,810 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.
