Kongakut River Rafting

Need to Know

Making the most of your rafting trip

We find people have the most fun when they are flexible. A Kongakut rafting trip provides an adventure where the guides continually adjust plans to make the most of each day.

Vigorous Adventure

This trip requires that you be comfortable with several hours of moderate exercise. You should be in good physical condition and be aware that this trip travels through true wilderness conditions with moderate to strenuous hiking opportunities.

Adventure Specialists

We’ve been connecting our clients to water adventures around the world since 1987. We partner with select outfitters who share our values and are pros at creating exceptional experiences. There is no fee for our service; we earn our commission from the outfitters we represent, and the cost of your expedition is the same as booking direct.

What to Expect

Beginnings

Your rafting trip will begin in Fairbanks, Alaska. The night before your river trip begins you will meet your outfitter for a mandatory orientation to pass out equipment and discuss the trip logistics. The following morning, you will take a bush style plane from Fairbanks to Arctic Village, Alaska where you will be shuttled to the put-in spot to begin your river trip.

Endings

Your trip will end 60 river miles downriver at the Arctic coast on the Beaufort Sea where you will be picked up by another bush plane for your return flight to Fairbanks, Alaska.

Price Includes

Your outfitter will provide all the camping and river related safety equipment, along with plenty of fresh food, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Some outfitters also supply your sleep kits, while others charge a small additional fee for sleeping gear. Transportation, including shuttles and chartered flights during the trip to the put-in point and take-out point is included.

Weather

The Kongakut River Rafting trips are within the Arctic Circle, which means that the weather at the beginning of the trip will often be dry, with chances for precipitation increasing as you near the coastal zone near the Gulf of Alaska. June has best weather, but you should still be prepared for inclement weather. It is often warm and sunny, but it can become windy, cold, and rainy for extended periods of time. Temperatures range from the 40’s°F and 50’s°F at night, to the 60’s°F – 80’s°F in the daytime.

The Kongakut River

The Kongakut River is a fast flowing river with numerous class II-III whitewater rapids. This scenic part of the river takes you through the heart of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on your way to the Beaufort Sea. It is famous for dramatic mountain scenery, frequent wildlife encounters, and abundance of fish. It provides excellent opportunities for Arctic char and grayling fishing.

Boats & Group Size

Your trip will use either oar powered rafts or paddle boats. Oar powered rafts carry camping gear along with 2-4 passengers plus the guide, who maneuvers the raft with a set of oars mounted on the raft. Normally two to three boats travel together and group sizes are anywhere from 5 guests to a maximum of 10 guests per trip. Paddle boats are 14-16 feet long inflatable rubber rafts. They carry five to six people, and each person is responsible for paddling as a guide calls out the paddling commands. Paddle boats are a team effort boat and offer riders an intimate encounter with the river.

Camp Life

Whether you’re an experienced camper or it’s your first time under the stars, our outfitters are specialists in facilitating an enjoyable and relaxing camping experience. Everyone participates in setting up and breaking down camp. A clean, private camp toilet is set up first thing upon arrival at camp and it is the last thing to be dismantled the next morning.

Meals

One thing is certain on an Alaskan rafting trip: There will be plenty of food! A full, hearty breakfast with cowboy coffee gets the day going. A riverside picnic sets the scene for lunch where you create your own sandwich. Dinners can be anything from a New York steak, grilled filet of salmon, or a Mexican feast followed by a hot, Dutch oven dessert. There are plenty of snacks and beverages offered throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own. With advance notice, special dietary requirements can be accommodated.