« Basecamping

Nizina

Trip Descriptions

Basecamping:

This unique experience combines basecamping, lake paddling and day hiking for a once in a lifetime trip. After a breathtaking flight past the Mile High Cliffs you get dropped off near the dynamic Nizina Lake. Set up camp or suit up and use your packrafts to cross to the other side of the lake. No matter where you camp, packrafts give you access to a variety of day hikes/paddling trips. Paddle through the icebergs to a day hike through the sand dunes. Scramble on bedrock to hidden view spots, swim in emerald pools and be front row for an actively calving glacier. Nizina is lower in elevation making it a good early season location for trips in June with or without packrafts. The ease of access, good hiking surface and spectacular setting make this a great option for a seasoned adventurer or the whole family.

  • Duration: 3-4 days
  • Difficulty: Easy-Medium Nizina

Backpacking Loop:
A mix of backpacking, basecamping, and boating. Hike with backpacking packs and put camp further from the drop off to set you up for a day of slot canyon exploration. Relax for the day or move camp back towards the lake for an evening of iceberg watching. Do a day of lake paddling and sit by the fireside. A great option for those who want a low pressure backpacking experience.

  • Duration: 3-6 days
  • Difficulty: Easy-Medium Nizina

Trip Options:
Not interested in packrafting? The Nizina is an amazing area to explore without needing to be in boats. You are limited to one side of the lake or the other, so we recommend keeping these trips to a maximum of 3 days.

Highlights:

  • Amazing flights in and out
  • Paddling a packraft in a glacier lake
  • Impressive icebergs
  • Accessing varied day hikes via packraft
  • Possibility of wildlife sightings
Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: 
Rocky/unstable ground, Elevation Gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling.

Who:
Novice campers to experienced backpackers

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
  • Alpacka packraft, paddle, drysuit, PFD, drybag, river gloves, river shoes and river socks.
  • 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

Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip
1:1 / $3,950 per person
2:1 / $2,520 per person
3:1 / $2,170 per person
4:1 / $2,100 per person
5:1 / $1,840 per person
6:2 / $1,915 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,830 per person
2:1 / $3,020 per person
3:1 / $2,585 per person
4:1 / $2,460 per person
5:1 / $2,170 per person
6:2 / $2,245 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,710 per person
2:1 / $3,520 per person
3:1 / $3,000 per person
4:1 / $2,820 per person
5:1 / $2,500 per person
6:2 / $2,575 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,590 per person
2:1 / $4,020 per person
3:1 / $3,415 per person
4:1 / $3,180 per person
5:1 / $2,830 per person
6:2 / $2,905 per person

Photo Gallery

Click to enlarge

Trip Prices

Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip
1:1 / $3,950 per person
2:1 / $2,520 per person
3:1 / $2,170 per person
4:1 / $2,100 per person
5:1 / $1,840 per person
6:2 / $1,915 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,830 per person
2:1 / $3,020 per person
3:1 / $2,585 per person
4:1 / $2,460 per person
5:1 / $2,170 per person
6:2 / $2,245 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,710 per person
2:1 / $3,520 per person
3:1 / $3,000 per person
4:1 / $2,820 per person
5:1 / $2,500 per person
6:2 / $2,575 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,590 per person
2:1 / $4,020 per person
3:1 / $3,415 per person
4:1 / $3,180 per person
5:1 / $2,830 per person
6:2 / $2,905 per person

Trip Descriptions

Basecamping:

This unique experience combines basecamping, lake paddling and day hiking for a once in a lifetime trip. After a breathtaking flight past the Mile High Cliffs you get dropped off near the dynamic Nizina Lake. Set up camp or suit up and use your packrafts to cross to the other side of the lake. No matter where you camp, packrafts give you access to a variety of day hikes/paddling trips. Paddle through the icebergs to a day hike through the sand dunes. Scramble on bedrock to hidden view spots, swim in emerald pools and be front row for an actively calving glacier. Nizina is lower in elevation making it a good early season location for trips in June with or without packrafts. The ease of access, good hiking surface and spectacular setting make this a great option for a seasoned adventurer or the whole family.

  • Duration: 3-4 days
  • Difficulty: Easy-Medium Nizina

Backpacking Loop:
A mix of backpacking, basecamping, and boating. Hike with backpacking packs and put camp further from the drop off to set you up for a day of slot canyon exploration. Relax for the day or move camp back towards the lake for an evening of iceberg watching. Do a day of lake paddling and sit by the fireside. A great option for those who want a low pressure backpacking experience.

  • Duration: 3-6 days
  • Difficulty: Easy-Medium Nizina

Trip Options:
Not interested in packrafting? The Nizina is an amazing area to explore without needing to be in boats. You are limited to one side of the lake or the other, so we recommend keeping these trips to a maximum of 3 days.

Highlights:

  • Amazing flights in and out
  • Paddling a packraft in a glacier lake
  • Impressive icebergs
  • Accessing varied day hikes via packraft
  • Possibility of wildlife sightings
Trip Details

Terrain Challenges: 
Rocky/unstable ground, Elevation Gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling.

Who:
Novice campers to experienced backpackers

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
  • Alpacka packraft, paddle, drysuit, PFD, drybag, river gloves, river shoes and river socks.
  • 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.

Nizina
Photo Gallery

Click to enlarge, or use arrows to scroll.

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