Stikine River Wilderness Tour

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Alaska on the Stikine River Wilderness Tour

Imagine cruising through North America’s last truly wild river, where towering forests meet steep canyon walls and shimmering glaciers calve icebergs into icy lakes. For those craving a true wilderness experience, the Stikine River Wilderness Tour offers an engaging 4-hour adventure starting from Wrangell, Alaska. For just $249 per person, you’ll join a small group aboard a custom high-speed boat designed for comfort and exploration. With approximately four hours of travel time, this trip promises a rich blend of scenic views, wildlife sightings, and pristine glacial landscapes.

What we love most is how knowledgeable guides, like Captain Eric, prioritize seeing as much as possible — from moose and eagles to bears and floating icebergs — making each trip dynamically personalized. The heated cabin and comfortable seating keep you cozy even when the weather turns brisk, and the chance to stand on an iceberg or witness active glacier calving stands out as unforgettable moments. The only thing to consider? Since the tour is weather-dependent, a cloudy or rainy day might limit some sights, but this is Alaska — unpredictable weather is part of the adventure. Designed for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking untouched landscapes, this tour offers a snapshot of Alaska’s rugged soul.

Key Points

• Authentic Wilderness Experience: Explore North America’s last wild river with stunning scenery and wildlife.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot moose, eagles, seals, and possibly bears along the shoreline.
• Glacial Beauty: Drift among icebergs calved from the active Shakes Glacier at Shakes Lake.
• Comfort & Convenience: Modern boat with heated cabin, snacks, water, and restroom included.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local captains enhance the experience with wildlife insights.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind.

A Deep Dive into the Stikine River Wilderness Tour

Starting Point: Wrangell’s Allure and Practicalities

Your journey begins in the charming town of Wrangell, Alaska, a hub surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterways. This town offers a rich history, especially with its ties to the Native Tlingit community, but it’s also the gateway for wilderness adventures. Meeting at 4 Front St, you’ll board a vessel ready to take you into some of the most remote parts of Alaska’s interior.

For those unfamiliar, Wrangell’s location makes it a perfect launchpad — close enough to glaciers and wildlife habitats but compact enough for a comfortable start. Most travelers find the tour easily accessible, with the activity running most days, especially in good weather.

The Boat & Onboard Comforts

The tour features a custom high-speed boat designed for both speed and comfort. Inside, you’ll find a heated cabin, which is a nice touch on colder days, and forward-facing seats that provide excellent views. A restroom on board adds to the convenience, ensuring you can focus on the scenery without worries.

Wildlife and Scenic Highlights

As you set out into the braided channels of the Stikine River, your guide (like Eric, who clearly loves sharing his knowledge) will help you spot wildlife along the shoreline. Expect to see moose and black bears, especially in early mornings or late afternoons, as well as bald eagles, often perched high in trees or soaring overhead. The reviews emphasize wildlife as a major highlight, with one noting “Mama moose and calf swimming through the river” and many seals and eagles seen during the trip.

Shakes Lake and the Glacial Experience

The real showstopper is Shakes Lake, a stunning, glacier-fed lake filled with floating icebergs that have calved from the Shakes Glacier. The active calving process creates a continually changing landscape that’s both beautiful and humbling. One reviewer mentioned standing on an iceberg — an experience that’s both fun and humbling, reminding you just how dynamic and alive these icy landscapes are.

The Power of Glaciers

The Shakes Glacier itself is a major draw. Seeing the glacier calve — a natural process where chunks of ice break off and fall into the lake — is a spectacular sight. It’s a reminder of the raw, primal forces shaping this part of Alaska. If you’re lucky, you might catch the glacier in action, with ice crashing into the lake, creating a thunderous splash.

Wildlife Encounters Revisited

The reviews highlight the abundance of wildlife sightings, which are a core part of this tour’s appeal. One traveler shared how they saw seals and eagles throughout the trip, and another mentioned that the guide’s wildlife spotting was exceptional. The knowledgeable guides are adept at pointing out animals and explaining their behaviors, which adds educational value to the adventure.

Flexibility and Personalization

One review notes that the tour lasted five hours, longer than scheduled, thanks to the captain’s desire to maximize wildlife and scenic viewing. This flexibility enhances the experience, making it feel less like a rigid tour and more like a personalized adventure.

Practical Considerations & Value

• Price: At $249, this tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and comfort. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but when you consider the inclusion of snacks, water, restroom, and expert guides, it’s a fair deal for an immersive wilderness experience.
• Booking in Advance: On average, travelers book about 19 days ahead, which indicates it’s popular and worth planning early.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, offering flexibility in case of weather or schedule changes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting an authentic taste of Alaska’s wild side. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a small-group experience with personalized attention and expert guidance. If you’re interested in glaciers, icebergs, and remote river landscapes, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a comfortable but adventurous day, with plenty of chances for photo opportunities and wildlife encounters.

The Sum Up

In the end, the Stikine River Wilderness Tour offers a remarkably genuine window into Alaska’s untouched landscape. The combination of wildlife sightings, stunning glaciers, and expert guides makes it a stand-out experience for anyone eager to see Alaska’s rugged beauty up close. The comfort amenities and flexible scheduling add practical value, making it accessible even for those new to wilderness tours.

While weather can influence what you see and do, the overall experience — with its dynamic scenery and the chance to connect with nature — remains highly rewarding. It rewards patience and curiosity, and it’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to step off the beaten path and into some of Alaska’s most pristine environments.

For those seeking a friendly, informative, and visually stunning adventure, this tour is difficult to beat. It’s an authentic taste of Alaska’s wild heart, perfect for making memories that will last long after you return home.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with some travelers mentioning it extending to about 5 hours depending on wildlife and scenery.

What is included in the price?
Your fare includes snacks, water, a restroom on board, a heated cabin, comfortable forward-facing seats, and the guidance of a knowledgeable local captain.

Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy during the trip, as it is not included in the tour.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see moose, eagles, seals, and black bears. Wildlife sightings can be plentiful, especially along the shoreline and in the braided river channels.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with boat rides and exposure to outdoor wilderness.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 4 Front St in Wrangell and returns to the same point.

How far in advance should I book?
Given its popularity, booking about 19 days ahead is recommended for securing your spot.

Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, stunning glaciers, or just a chance to breathe in the fresh Alaskan air, the Stikine River Wilderness Tour offers a memorable glimpse into some of Alaska’s most pristine landscapes.