Nizina Basecamping and Backpacking Trips

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

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

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.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »

Start Planning You Trip Now

Custom Trip Prices

Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,270 per person
2:1 / $2,705 per person
3:1 / $2,335 per person
4:1 / $2,255 per person
5:1 / $1,970 per person
6:2 / $2,50 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,240 per person
2:1 / $3,255 per person
3:1 / $2,795 per person
4:1 / $2,655 per person
5:1 / $2,335 per person
6:2 / $2,415 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,210 per person
2:1 / $3,805 per person
3:1 / $3,255 per person
4:1 / $3,055 per person
5:1 / $2,700 per person
6:2 / $2,780 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,180 per person
2:1 / $4,355 per person
3:1 / $3,715 per person
4:1 / $3,455 per person
5:1 / $3,065 per person
6:2 / $3,145 per person

Group Package Trip Price

All inclusive group trip includes local lodging, roundtrip transportation to McCarthy-Kennicott and backcountry airfare from McCarthy.

June 23–29, 2025 • 5 Total Spots
Pricing per Person – 5 Day Trip
$3,655

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Start Planning Your Trip Now

Custom Trip Prices

Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Pricing per Number of Clients – 3 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,270 per person
2:1 / $2,705 per person
3:1 / $2,335 per person
4:1 / $2,255 per person
5:1 / $1,970 per person
6:2 / $2,50 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,240 per person
2:1 / $3,255 per person
3:1 / $2,795 per person
4:1 / $2,655 per person
5:1 / $2,335 per person
6:2 / $2,415 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,210 per person
2:1 / $3,805 per person
3:1 / $3,255 per person
4:1 / $3,055 per person
5:1 / $2,700 per person
6:2 / $2,780 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,180 per person
2:1 / $4,355 per person
3:1 / $3,715 per person
4:1 / $3,455 per person
5:1 / $3,065 per person
6:2 / $3,145 per person

Group Package Trip Price

All inclusive group trip includes local lodging, roundtrip transportation to McCarthy-Kennicott and backcountry airfare from McCarthy.

June 23–29, 2025 • 5 Total Spots
Pricing per Person – 5 Day Trip
$3,655

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

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

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.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »