It seems amazing to me that I'd never been packrafting before last weekend. A niffty tool (toy) for Alaska in particular; we have lots of awesome rivers and creeks to play around on, but rather limited direct access via roads. Anyway, we rented some packrafts from Northern Alaska Packrafts and decided to head north of Fairbanks to the White Mountains National Recreation Area.
Our planned route was to float Beaver Creek National Wild and Scenic River for 32 miles to Borealis LeFevre Cabin, stay the night there, then hike out the 20 miles to the Elliot Highway via the Summit Trail. Being the nerdy ultralight guys we are, we were quick to cut lots of gear to stay light. The 20 mile hike was serious incentive to go as light as possible as well. The forecast was for good weather so we left a lot of gear behind. No stove, fuel, tent, extra clothes, or extra food. Hell, Thomas and Cory didn't even bring sleeping bags (I brought my down quilt).
We set up the shuttle and drove out to the Ophir Creek put in on Friday night with the help of Becky. After a chilly night for some (Thomas), we inflated our rafts and got on the river. We were fairly sure we could float the 32 miles in a day....we just didn't know how long that day was going to be. Luckily, all the rain the interior has been seeing this summer made for good water on the river and we zipped along happily all day. We were able to take our time to float and fish.
Borealis cabin appeared on the bluff over the river after 10 hours on the river. Not bad considering our lackluster paddling effort. Thomas had secured a couple of grayling to add to our couscous dinner and got to work cooking them on the woodstove. It was nice to see this cabin in the summer after staying there a couple winters previously.
The next morning we reluctantly crossed Beaver Creek to the start of the Summit Trail. We knew we were in for a long hike. The start of the trail was low in the valley and wet. We also had an unexpected water hazard to cross which required re-inflating one of the packrafts to get across. The trail quickly gained elevation and dried out. There was even boardwalk in some places. For the most part, the first 10-12 miles of the trail in overgrown and in poor shape. It was sometimes hard to follow. After the trail shelter 12 miles from the river, the trail improves in quality significantly. Nine and a half hours of hiking had us arriving at the Wickersham Dome Trailhead. We were certainly tired and sore but it seemed like we were all still in good spirits.
Overall, it was a great trip. Fantastic weather, good company and just the right amount of physical strain. I would certainly recommend this trip to others. If the 20 mile hike it too daunting, it could easily be split into 12 mile and 8 mile days by staying the night at the trail shelter.
The only downside? Now I want to buy a packraft.
