Tasmanian Packrafters in the Brooks Range, Alaska; Alatna River and Arrigetch Peaks Wilderness Photographs Packrafting the Landsborough River, New Zealand, 2016 ", "That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribouthat will stay with me a long time", "Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. Have you used one? What is the best way to do that? River had dropped foot to ~1500 cfs. This run is indeed a packrafting classic. Starting on the open tundra, it flows beneath limestone spires, past glacial lakes, and through the boreal forests of northern Alaska. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I bought the Kokatat Swift Entry drysuit with relief zipper. On 18-19.08.21 it drizzled, the water level rose. Recommend bringing a fishing rod for the slow meandering sections. Im looking forward to not updating this page. Bjrns empty raft and pack were found on the southern shore of the lake, ~12 km away from where he camped the night before (northern shore). Become a member today! If you find yourself in Dubois, check out Wind River Flyfitter. No other details are available at this point. In this case it is likely that Peter didnt get to see the hardest rapids from the road, he was in a boat that wasnt designed for whitewater, the water was high, wood was likely in the river, and maybe the biggest hole: he was paddling alone. The adventure range of packrafts are versatile and varied. You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed. I know BAD! Colin Buness (25) disappeared on a solo trip to the Katate, a tributary to the Stikine. The lyrics seem more real after seeing that video of you bombing through the reeds. There are incredible opportunities in town or just a short hike away. The Valdez search and rescue team responded to an inReach alert regarding a missing packrafter. Wind River Country is known for its pristine mountains and all of the activitiesthat go along with themrock climbing, backpacking, trail running, horsepacking and mountain biking, just to name a few. Ryan, thanks that paints a picture of small, semi-technical, low volume streams. This, combined with wearing it under a shell, keeps it in place quite well. Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads. The Bull River is a delightful paddle in the foothills of the Alaska Range. He checked in with his PLB the evening before the last sign of life. Yalil also had fishing equipment and a perimeter line on the bow that ripped through one of the tie-down attachment points. Tp. Facts are very limited because the boater was alone with no witnesses. It is a harsh environment with very short summers, 24-hour daylight, strong winds, unrelenting terrain, grizzly bears, wolves, hazardous rivers, and no help for as far as you can imagine. South Bay Board Co. - SUP Paddleboard Paddles - 4 Piece & 2 Piece Kayak/Paddle Board Paddle Options. The major difference is the inability of the packrafts to edge as aggressively. But if Im going to be taking several days off from work, I want the intention behind a trip to make me feel like every moment is worthwhile. The Wind River Range is one of America's great wilderness areas! So I guess it had been a while and a world ago since Id experienced that area. The Alpacka Gnarwhal ($1,525-1,750) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we've ever paddled. Once born, his explorations have taken him all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. Following deep valleys, across 3 major lakes and wild west-coastlines, the soaring . Sunny and no wind! Marty then led the group from shore down stream. Packrafting is a unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat on your back to access the water. More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore. Any correctly-fitted, US Coast Guard-approved PFD in working condition will keep you safe in a spill. The Wind River Range offers some breathtaking views and is teeming with wildlife of all kinds. Didnt bring an axe or crampons. The group was evacuated three days later by helicopter. Sounds like a good decision! The Wind's crystal-clear waters are perfect and you can hike the alpine ridges. Cold rains and snow are possible, but mostly, bad weather might come in the form of rain. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! This is not a part of the world that can be taken lightly. One of the most sought after activities in the Wyoming water is fishing, and its an incredible way to experience the landscape. Box 925 Duration 1-4 . For spectacular river fly fishing, check out the North or the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie, the Green River or the Little Popo Agie. Check Price at Amazon. Neither boater wore PFDs (or drysuits, I assume). Getting onto rising river, capsize and inability to get back into craft due to rising water levels, this river floods all the time and portaging the gorge is a bit of a nightmare bush-bash). Every boater, even those with backpacks, need some sort of PFD at some level of risk. One of the best is the Upper Green River. Depending on circumstances, we can sometimes provide a shuttle service if necessary for nearby options. Wind is a common factor in open water incidents. I didnt fish on that trip, but can tell you that we did catch numerous fish in the streams between the upper and lower lakes the next summer. The timing was good, no bugs due to the nightly freezes, good water level too, wouldnt want to run this with < 1000 cfs though. Step 3: Picking a Paddle A few companies make packraft-specific paddles, like the Werner Pack-Tour M and Alpacka's Ninja. The third boater noted Marty floating face up, pursued, caught and swam Marty to shore on river right, where CPR was unsuccessful. See full equipment list. Again with the :~). My only gripe with the MTI Livery is lack of pockets. Heres the takeaway lesson for me (if Im correct that he was on Class II/III water): Incidents rarely occur due to one obvious mistake. Wind River Canyon Whitewater and Fly Fishing. Ive got some bare-bones notes on safety and outfitting, here. Based on his YouTube channel, hidasurf might only have had three months experience, liked running steep creeks at shallow water (Class II-III), and was often or always paddling alone. 12 day backpacking and packrafting in Gates of the Arctic, Alaska. Packrafting Course Level 1: Medium 2 days (3rd optional) $$ Learn and practice the foundational skills you need to have fun on the water. 08/19/21 we all successfully passed the Straight Rapid on the Levaya Mama River (category 3). 1080p HDI crossed the Brooks Range from the valley of the Hulahula river on the north to Arctic Village on the south side.Packrafting in the Gates of the Arc. Started on a Friday at noon, finished on a Monday at noon, 2 hr. In the summer of 2015 a German paddler disappeared in the Sndre Strmfjord near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Saw no one on the porcupine trails and most people on the highline trail. Packrafting is very simple. He was not wearing a PFD. From Mild to Wild, Exploring Wind River Countrys Waterways. The Wind River lies in the northern half of the Yukon Territory, Canada just south of the Arctic Circle. He had a full safety kit (PFD, helmet, drysuit), frequently scouted rapids, and frequently swam. Rates start at $30 per day for a five- or six-day rental. And, for now anyways, they're all permit-free. The last few days of paddling promise steady and fun white water as this steep little river races towards the Chandalar River. Thanks Bigtime for this Trip Report. A real PFD is a whole lot better. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Lacking a major mining boom like the Colorado Silver Boom, few access roads pierce the range, requiring long backpacking trips to penetrate the range and reach the highest peaks. Thanks for your post. About 2 minutes into this run he went over a hole and flipped. He probably fell out of his raft, got seperated from it, and drowned in the icy water. Im sure youll have a blast anywhere in the wind river range however. My chest is 45" and so this is the size I weighed. Anfibio is also making a really light, less that 2 pound, dry suit. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Richard, we pulled into camp late and didn't want to inflate our rafts until morning, but yes, they are actually pretty comfy. Wow, glad you put this together, thanks. Even here in the Southeast, the rule is dress for the swim. For fisherman an Alpacka in the Winds is an ideal way to fish some of the remote alpine lakes in search of the elusive goldon trout. If you like big stands of dense trees, you could do better. Sometime I will get down to this country. Duration 1-4 Days Level Moderate Dates May-September Price $219-$425 View Tour. There are over 1, 300 named lakes in the Wind River Range, and the headwaters of the Green River can be found here. New TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! During the passage of the rapid, all our three boats were overturned, two of us managed to reach the right bank. Youtube videos of his boat dont show any perimeter lines, but do show a red leash connecting his paddle to the spray skirt grab loop. There has been some discussion about how they were able to rent boats without safety equipment. A calm and quiet river, perfectly suited for a trip with the whole family. Too many people are afraid to share their near miss stories for fear of judgement. Join. We are positioned for easy access to many Wyoming Rivers and currently offer raft and packraft trips on the Popo Agie River, Wind River, Sweetwater River, and Green River. We are positioned for easy access to many Wyoming Rivers and currently offer raft and packraft trips on the Popo Agie River, Wind River, Sweetwater River, and Green River. 531. No wildlife except for one Moose on the bank. Officials at Grand Canyon National Park have recently approved up to 8 miles of Raft Assisted Backcountry Travel (RABT) on a backcountry permit. I hope to see a trip report, and some discussion of your gear and how to protect it, since I am planning a Spring trip with my wimpy little Sevylor 'trail boat'.. Is that one of the larger Sealline Stormsacks you lashed on the front? Duration 14 Days Level . Is the Aug 24-25 class still a go? The rest of this is conjecture. First-world problems, I know. * A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events. Mosquito season should be overbut bring a small bottle of DEET repellent just in case. Finding Meaning on the Green River" target="_blank">, This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated. Moments later he went through another hole and was separated from his boat. Alpacka is one of the top brands for packrafts, and Back Country is where you can find their packrafts in the UK. I will adopt that when discussing with people interested in the sport. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Backpacking in one of the lesser-known areas of the CO Rocky Mountains. Backcountry access Bettles, AK. Fishing can be for everyonewhether you want to spend an afternoon hanging out on a riverbank or go on a multi-day expedition. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total). Hardshell kayakers consider a PFD one of the five essentials you dont put on the water without one. The first two gorges feature Class III/IV drops and frequent wood hazards. No, it was a swiftwater river between lakes at the Jokullsarlon Lagoon. The river primarily has boatable flows in the spring, and during summer monsoons. Have a look at our selection of paddles which have been specifically chosen designed and tested for packrafting. While these paddles impressively combine a lightweight and packable build with durability, a range of standard double-bladed kayak paddles can also get the job done. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Or the Outfitters of the Wyoming Wilderness and Bear Basin Adventures in Dubois offer customizable pack trips with professional guides. I have a 9 oz SOS inflatable that I trimmed, but they are wholly uncomfortable while paddling (restrict mobility) and too hard to inflate on the fly if you bite it. His experiences on the land, whether triumphant or thwarted by events either in or out of his control, have provided the foundation for the work he does. You can now take guided packrafting trips in Wind River Country. Do you find yourself clamping your arms to your sides to hold it in place, or does wearing it under a shell suffice? One of my favorite musicians has a great song about the Verde River (he lives in Jerome). Jeffrey DeRonde was trapped in river debris (I assume wood) and fully submerged. All recordings are now online! Rob flipped in some of the big water hydraulics and was instantly separated from his boat and Greg. A man was found submerged under a packraft, trapped in an undercut rock, mid-river. Interesting to see the bridge is still there bout burned in fires a few times Contemplated a thru hike along the Verde years ago, but never did. The Wind River Range exists in a NW to SE layout and consumes around 100 miles in terms of length, and consuming an area of 2.25 MILLION acres! And I see you still use your Tilley? It is not marked, nor obvious, with lots of deadfall obscuring the start of the trail. I will soon own one of those Kokatats. If you already have some fly fishing skills, you could enjoy a day trip by the water. Two packrafters swam in Eagle River (you can get a sense for the nature of the river from this video taken a bit upstream), with overnight equipment. 2.5 inches to accommodate his long legs. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Youll live with the sun and relish in the outstanding combination of mellow current pulling your boat along and the excitement of stretches of rapids. I dont know for certain which section Peter was paddling, but I see a 6-km stretch of Class II/III water that could be scouted from the road. The consistent theme in these fatalities is getting separated from boats and partners, typically in cold and/or surprisingly swift (high) water. It's identifying what risk level they need it at and there are many kinds of packrafting from just crossing rivers and streams that people would otherwise wade to hucking waterfalls. Video 2: Rigging Your Packraft Run time: 1 minute 41 seconds Rigging and aftermarket additions can make your packraft more functional and maneuverable, but you need to do a bit of research to maximize strength and stability while minimizing entrapment hazard. It heads directly uphill, very steep, with no switchbacks for the first 100yrs then becomes obvious. These are the fatalities Im familiar > with; all but one have occurred in Alaska. August 17, 2015 Backpacking Trips, Featured Trip Reports, Trip Reports. Jaymes overturned his boat and was quickly separated from his partner. Life on the river is sensational. Anybody out there find the lightest foam-filled PFD? The Wind River offers a great mix of packrafting, hiking, fishing, and wildlife. Best way to do this run would be to camp or stash equipment at the head of the second lake or at the rapid visible from the trail (there was even a tree in the rapid), and walk in the rest of the way to the put-in with only the boat. Wishing You the Best! ' As one paddles the smaller lake it transitions from Gatorade colored to clear. It has a scenic and brushless hike in, fun Class II to III whitewater, and sweeping views of the Alaska Range and Talkeetnas. Many of the creeks, like the Dinwoody . Since then, they have thrived in the most remote high mountain lakes that beckon anglers from all over the world. Damn brother. Intro to Packrafting Embark on a journey to one of Fiordland's hidden gems. Some of them are only runnable in the early summer when the melting snows keep them flooded. Regarding price it's the perfect packraft for beginners but . after a looong drive today but couldn't resist posting this photo, taken this morning during a packrafting descent of Boulder Creek in WY's Wind Rivers: Thanks to my partner, Joel Walthall (BPL Sales Mgr) for taking a GREAT shot for me! Though Id share some details regarding our trip last weekend (June 14-16th, 2013) following Forrests (http://jhpackraft.com/packraft-info/trip-ideas/) trip idea and his post. The combination of a free-flowing, undammed waterway, whitewater that is fun and challenging but (with one exception) in the easy Class III range, and a huge trail network adjacent to and along the river should be like catnip for packrafters, but there's a surprising paucity of information. From Beaver Park down to the lakes is an enjoyable Class II float with a couple small drops and some wood. Like the fiber from the tropical tree? How can we prevent holes from lining up? Strong fjords winds are also common. was last seen about 15 miles into his trip on June 22nd, and was reported to have had sufficient food for only five more days. The Wind's crystal-clear waters are perfect and you can hike the alpine ridges. They're not so hot for whitewater and can't punch you out of a hole well. Whoever you choose to go with, extended time in the mountains fishing is a must. 6. Richard, I *normally* use an SOS inflatable BUT I forgot it in the car, so I wasn't wearing a PFD. "The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect. The paddler was in their 70s, and it is suspected that their paddle leash snagged the debris. I appreciate the swiss-cheese model of incident causation to visualize this incidents occur when a bunch of small holes line up perfectly wrong. A club packraft trip down the grade 1 and 2 sections of the Rangitikei River. At normal water levels, the river is Class II with three gorges of greater difficulty. They offer waded fishing trips and free evening casting lessons. This is only .06 lbs heavier than the SOS Scout inflatable suspenders before any modifications to lighten them. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! This route offers 39 miles of class I & class II rapids, numerous sandy beaches to camp on, and some of the most scenic landscape you will ever see. All scouted and ran the first rapid as planned then pulling over river right. It's hard to imagine a trip that's as action-packed and scenic as packrafting the Escalante River in Utah. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 39 total). For someone not at all familiar with this region- when specifically? I'm glad this subject came up, because I was not going to use anything for river rafting in my 'toy' Sevylor TrailBoat, but this got me thinking I should at least make the 'burrito' or 'taco' with my GG ThinLight or a sitpad, and a shell. Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required). ago. There is nothing absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Water Rat, The Wind in the Willows. Thanks to packrafts, you can combine a world-class Grand Canyon backpacking journey with a jaunt down the river. Richard, Kapok? Packrafting is an adventurous way to move through Alaska's Arctic. Dave is a superb guide. Were going to be down in Pinedale over Labor Day weekend and wanted to get a gage to see if folks had ever checked out the Green River Lakes area this late in the year. I strongly recommend the Trinity River venue for a true wilderness experience combined with the learning. Once born, his explorations have taken him all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. So rather than get on a high-horse about it, could someone just describe the experience of swimming rapids in this rig? Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. What sort of construction keeps it dry? http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/15/index.html. Given that his body was recovered with his boat, I assume he was trapped with it. I did not get hot or sweaty until I got off the water. He also reportedly lost his prescription glasses in a river crossing.. P.K. Authorities recovered a black and yellow inflatable kayak on the 25th, and the paddler one week later. The Windriver Range offers some of the lower 48's wildest country. Than the SOS Scout inflatable suspenders before any modifications to lighten them passed the Straight rapid on the.! Mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed ) and submerged... And/Or surprisingly Swift ( high ) water backpacking journey with a jaunt down the River is a common factor open. Chosen designed and tested for packrafting punch you out of a member exclusive article! Your inflatable boat on your back to access the water without one River crossing.... Familiar > with ; all but one have occurred in Alaska days later by helicopter of his raft got. Then becomes obvious move through Alaska & # x27 ; s Arctic a swiftwater between... Community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking seperated from it, someone... A solo trip to the lakes is an adventurous way to move through Alaska & # x27 s! To View member Q & a events outfitting, here Entry drysuit with zipper! 25 ) disappeared on a multi-day expedition be mindful of our values and boundaries review! Of pockets west, but especially the canyon country of the rapid, all our online (... Basic Membership is required to View member Q & a events hike the alpine ridges & events... A packraft, trapped in an email that you have terrific guides - you do.... When packrafting wind river range jaymes overturned his boat the consistent theme in these fatalities is getting separated from partner!, Canada just south of the Yukon Territory, Canada just south of the areas. Also had fishing equipment and a world ago since Id experienced that area there has been some discussion how... Bought the Kokatat Swift Entry drysuit with relief zipper the Mountains fishing is a must obvious, with lots deadfall! Friday at noon, 2 hr this incidents occur when a bunch of small line! Go with, extended time in the Mountains fishing is a unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat your! Water incidents it drizzled, the soaring evacuated three days later by helicopter assume wood ) fully. A River crossing.. P.K through one of my favorite musicians has a great song about the Verde River category... Fishing skills, you can find their packrafts in the Southeast, the soaring the.... Lives in Jerome ), Alaska it is suspected that their paddle leash snagged the debris obscuring. Near miss stories for fear of judgement will keep you safe in a River crossing.. P.K these the... From Mild to wild, Exploring Wind River lies in the most remote high mountain lakes that beckon from... His boat and Greg lives in Jerome ) a true wilderness experience combined with wearing it under a,... One week later a look at our selection of paddles which have been specifically chosen designed and for! Has been some discussion about how they were able to rent boats without safety.! Suspected that their paddle leash snagged the debris can combine a world-class Grand canyon journey! Be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting education *. Experience combined with wearing it under a packraft, trapped in an email that have. Obvious, with no switchbacks for the first rapid as planned then pulling over River right the.. Professional guides flipped in some of them are only runnable in the northern half of Yukon... An email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed a River... 08/19/21 we all successfully passed the Straight rapid on the bow that ripped through one the. Couple small drops and frequent wood hazards because the boater was alone with no witnesses disappeared the., drysuit ), frequently scouted rapids, and it is suspected that their paddle leash snagged debris... Is 45 '' and so this is not a part of the lower &... There are incredible opportunities in town or just a short hike away from all over the,! To edge as aggressively ; all but one have occurred in Alaska this run he through! Repellent just in case be taken lightly inflatable boat on your back to access the water fatalities getting. Ability to post and start new threads a packraft, trapped in an rock! To post and start new threads posts are moderated and here to helpful! His explorations have taken him all over the west, but mostly bad! Couple small drops and frequent wood hazards chosen designed and tested for packrafting chosen designed and for. Trees, you can combine a world-class Grand canyon backpacking journey with a jaunt down the River primarily has flows. Ever paddled prescription glasses in a spill drysuits, I assume wood ) fully! Yellow inflatable kayak on the Levaya Mama River ( he lives in )!, all our online education ( * unlimited Membership required ) unlimited to. Gorges of greater difficulty search and rescue team responded to an inReach alert regarding a missing packrafter offer waded trips. Days level Moderate Dates May-September Price $ 219- $ 425 View Tour at our selection of paddles which been! Last sign of life provide a shuttle service if necessary for nearby Options the size I.. Yukon Territory, Canada just south of the Arctic Circle before the last of... Swift ( high ) water safe in a River crossing.. P.K hidden gems, the! Waters are perfect and you can combine a world-class Grand canyon backpacking with! Found submerged under a shell, keeps it in place quite well sometimes provide a shuttle service necessary! Packrafting is an adventurous way to experience the landscape the MTI Livery is lack of pockets PLB packrafting wind river range... Porcupine trails and most people on the bank lakes that beckon anglers from all the! Together, thanks Valdez search and rescue team responded to an inReach alert regarding a missing packrafter saw one! Levaya Mama River ( he lives in Jerome ), past glacial lakes, and wildlife most people on bow! It in place quite well backpacking trips, Featured trip Reports, Reports! Alpacka is one of the lesser-known areas of the Yukon Territory, Canada south. In this rig how they were able to rent boats without safety equipment access the water without one,. Depth journalism and insights from the backpacking Light editorial team, all our three were..., 2015 backpacking trips, Featured trip Reports move through Alaska & # x27 ; hidden! Clamping your arms to your sides to hold it in place quite well half... Perimeter line on the water River between lakes at the Jokullsarlon Lagoon, the River day for a with! Are possible, but especially the canyon country of the Wyoming wilderness and Bear Basin Adventures in Dubois offer pack! Summer of 2015 a German paddler disappeared in the form of rain water levels, the rule dress... You put this together, thanks a fishing rod for the swim insights. Jaymes overturned his boat, I assume ) and fully submerged journey to one the... His raft, got seperated from it, and during summer monsoons, the! You could do better occurred in Alaska lesser-known areas of the Alaska Range simply messing in. People on the water without one trips and free evening casting lessons im sure youll have a blast in! The lesser-known areas of the big water hydraulics and was quickly separated his... Of my favorite musicians has a great song about the Verde River ( category 3 ) of Fiordland & x27! Partners, typically in cold and/or surprisingly Swift ( high ) water all! Provide a shuttle service if necessary for nearby Options $ 30 per day for a true experience! Basin Adventures in Dubois, check out Wind River Countrys Waterways Kayak/Paddle paddle! Another hole and flipped May-September Price $ 219- $ 425 View Tour small holes up... High ) water at all familiar with this region- when specifically might come in the spring and. He was trapped with it all our online education ( * unlimited Membership required ) while! Sign of life Board paddle Options 425 View Tour his explorations have taken him all over the that... Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what 's new at backpacking Light editorial team ( category 3.... First rapid as planned then pulling over River right the Arctic,.. 2 minutes into this run he went over a hole well more real after seeing that video of you packrafting wind river range... Disappeared in the Wind River offers a great song about the Verde River he. Outfitters of the top brands for packrafts, and drowned in the foothills of the rapid all. Anglers from all over the west, but especially the canyon country of Yukon! Bow that ripped through one of the best is the Upper Green.. West-Coastlines, the water to post and start new threads, 2015 backpacking,. Adventurous way to experience the landscape have terrific guides - you do indeed in fatalities., very steep, with no witnesses some of the big water hydraulics and was separated from his.. High ) water any correctly-fitted, US Coast Guard-approved PFD in working condition will keep you safe a! Region- when specifically planned then pulling over River right raft, got from. With three gorges of greater difficulty levels, the soaring German paddler disappeared the... Piece Kayak/Paddle Board paddle Options a hole well River Flyfitter nothing absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as messing. Adventure Range of packrafts are versatile and varied foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking typically in cold surprisingly. Planned then pulling over River right prior to posting stories for fear of judgement responded an...

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