You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed. I was appalled on a trip with outfitters in Alaska where we were told your raingear will be fine. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain. One of the best is the Upper Green River. Thanks Bigtime for this Trip Report. To the degree possible, these incidents were used to inform the content of The Packraft Handbook. Online trip-planning course: Jan-March 2022! Nisutlin River Family Tour Ruby Range Adventure. You can expect to learn about local fauna, see magical sights and catch some really big fish! #3 boat was lost when it was released to pull Marty from the water. And, you dont paddle with someone who doesnt have one on. Wind River Canyon Whitewater and Fly Fishing offers rafting excursions as well (see here for a detailed trip report). Like the fiber from the tropical tree? Theres a boat ramp and full marina to help meet your needs, and the serenity of the still water makes a perfect spot for some quality bird watching. No other details are available at this point. It is not clear if they were in the boat or swimming when they came into contact with the debris. Strong fjords winds are also common. Select a suitable river (class 1 -2 ) by picking one . As your data shows, a drysuit is also an important piece of safety gear especially for packrafting because rolling up is unlikely and swims are more likely. Other reviews submitted talk about crowds of people, overuse and even litter. Aidan Don (22) and a friend were dropped off by airplane at Nizina Lake, intending to float the Nizina back down to McCarthy. A post shared by Tom Mckendrick (@thomas.mckendrick). The Sondre Stromfjord is an almost linear, 170km fjord which can funnel foehn winds fjord the Ice Sheet. No wildlife except for one Moose on the bank. Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. Once born, his explorations have taken him all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. Whether youre looking for a beautiful picnic on an alpine beach or a 10 day expedition in the Winds, we have the adventure for you. The geography of the lake system provides 30 km of wind fetch before the crossing point. It's risky. Wind River Canyon Whitewater and Fly Fishing. 51 cumecs on Saturday, 40 on Sunday. Colin had considerable experience, including Class IV paddling and actively training to become an ANG Pararescue Jumper (PJ). Nova Alaska Guides extricated Marty and boater #3. But, at 0.9lbs it would almost be worth adding two external front pockets. All recordings are now online! Nizina River (CL II+) Medium to Hard 1-3 days $$$ A classic Alaskan river . To get truly wild with your Wind River Country fly fishing, head into the mountains for a few days or a week for the adventure of a lifetime. One of the most sought after activities in the Wyoming water is fishing, and its an incredible way to experience the landscape. Colin Buness (25) disappeared on a solo trip to the Katate, a tributary to the Stikine. But that just wasnt going to cut it for me this time. . There has been some discussion about how they were able to rent boats without safety equipment. With over 600 lakes and reservoirs, and 2,000 miles of river, visitors to Wind River Country have plenty of opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountain West via its waterways. I ran in from Beaver Park about 10 days ago at 420 CFS, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv?site_no=09188500. No direction but to follow what you know. Ben Kilbourne hikes and packrafts along the Green River in Wyoming. On 18-19.08.21 it drizzled, the water level rose. Elkhart/Titcomb/Knapsack/Shannons Pass loop back to Elkhart, or continue to Green River Lakes Trailhead? CCK has a three weekend series which will safely teach you the basics on the South Fork of the American River's class 2 sections. Sarah Kilbourne Im sure youll have a blast anywhere in the wind river range however. This is exactly the reason I keep coming back to this site. Most parties use either gullible friends or commercial shuttles. He truly gave us the trip we wanted! I have done several backpacking trips in the Winds, but I had never started from Green River Lakes (GRL)and Tracy had never been to Titcomb . Box 925 Reminds me of Sarahs IG post today fantastic example of role modelling open sharing! Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 39 total). The first two gorges feature Class III/IV drops and frequent wood hazards. Richard, Kapok? First, the range is extremely remote. In Alaska, I urge people to consider the cost of the drysuit as part of the packraft purchase price. Saw another packraft on the lower lake with a fisherman inside, excellent fishing on the Green R. too. His partners found him after thirty minutes and performed CPR, but recovery was not possible. We do some river canoeing and sea kayaking, now I have to add desert paddling to the to-do list. Traveler. No, it was a swiftwater river between lakes at the Jokullsarlon Lagoon. Alpacka made an incredibly light suit for several years, but I think the lightest option currently on the market is something like the Kokatak Swift Entry, 2 lbs. See you next year! Ran it in August, 2014 at about 850 cfs in beautiful weather. From Mild to Wild, Exploring Wind River Countrys Waterways. A 100-mile long strip of stunning, jagged mountains extending southeast of Yellowstone National Park through Wyoming, "The Winds" are a backpacking and trekking paradise. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. You will be warm, confident, and paddle more aggressively because you are not afraid to be in the water. P.K. Hardshell kayakers consider a PFD one of the five essentials you dont put on the water without one. He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. Their first packraft was the Itiwit Packraft Adventure 500, which we have already reviewed. It's not an ideal solution, and I try to use it only in a pinch in Class 2 water. Contrary to the marketing hype I read, they weren't lighter than the comparable PFDs with foam sorry Roman. The Hollyford-Pyke loop is probably NZ's most classic packrafting trip. From the Elkhart trailhead parking lot, take the Pole Creek Trail directly adjacent to . If you get hot, jump in the river for a cool down. For another place to enjoy a quiet romp around the water, head up the Loop Road above Bruces Bridge in Sinks Canyon into the Shoshone National Forest. Join us for fun paddling and wildlife watching in the Brooks Range this fall. He had a full safety kit (PFD, helmet, drysuit), frequently scouted rapids, and frequently swam. Regarding price it's the perfect packraft for beginners but . Ive been much lower on the Green a few times, in much larger rafts, and always wondered what it was like way up there. And I see you still use your Tilley? The Wind River lies in the northern half of the Yukon Territory, Canada just south of the Arctic Circle. It has a scenic and brushless hike in, fun Class II to III whitewater, and sweeping views of the Alaska Range and Talkeetnas. I am a life-long whitewater kayaker and just getting into packrafting. Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits. All that is to say, thank you for compiling this, it helps to remind us of the consequences of one poor decision. Since then, they have thrived in the most remote high mountain lakes that beckon anglers from all over the world. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible. Virginia resident Peter Jolles, 46, was reported overdue at a Bugaboo Creek takeout, British Columbia, and has not yet been located. Denali provides a wide range of rivers to run in the park, from wide, braided streams to deep, boulder-strewn rivers. Packrafts are known as very forgiving crafts. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. But whats our best kept secret? The geography of the west has become familiar to him. Another fatality I know of: in summer 2015 a German paddler disappaered in the Sondre Stromfjord near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Ever had the shell balloon while swimming if so what happened? John & Roman et al that 14 oz vest is a Stearns Class III, you can buy them at Wal-Mart. Then take your fishing gear, license, a basket of sandwiches and beverages and sunglasses, and head to Wind River Countrys pristine fishing spots. This sub Class warrants mention as packrafts can often tackle tight creeks at low flows that are quite technical in nature with lots of manoeuvring required. I have led several canoe/backpack loops of the Bigelow range and Flagstaff lake in western Maine. So, I usually, for small creeks and calm water, use a TorsoLite pad wrapped around my chest under my shell. Wildland Trekking has a six-day rim-to-rim trip where you'll hike into the canyon. Take your own kayak, canoe or raft, and enjoy the serenity of places like Boysen Reservoir and State Park near Shoshoni. Ran this section another time then drove home. These creeks are punctuated by class 6 drops, commiting gorges and other excitement. The timing was good, no bugs due to the nightly freezes, good water level too, wouldnt want to run this with < 1000 cfs though. The browns, rainbows, cutthroat, cutt-bows, walleye and famous golden trout do not disappoint. I am most familiar with California Canoe and Kayak (CCK) classes and guides in Northern CA. My old NRS drysuit is heavy. Much more comfortable than I was expecting. Duration 14 Days Level . 5. The other mistake was running solo. All recordings are now online! Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! An Englishman was separated from his packraft while attempting a two kilometer lake crossing in Argentina. Paddling the Big Salmon River Ruby Range Adventure. Many of the creeks, like the Dinwoody . However, as the water makes its way out of the mountains it negotiates deep granite gorges. I am not sure this post will gain the attention of those needed to input, but can anyone suggest a starting point for packrafting? 09-09-2016, 08:05 #7. The body of P.K. Many of the creeks, like the Dinwoody, have wonderful floatable sections. Roman The lightest non-inflatable PFDs use kapok instead of CC foam. Martin Rinke (63), an experienced boater, fell out of his boat in the Lions Head section of Matanuska River. On Thu, Aug 15, 2019 at 6:53 PM Things To Luc At wrote: > lucmehl posted: Close calls are abundant within the packrafting > community, fatalities have been rare. 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. Photo: Getty. Experience the grandeur of wilderness and the excitement of river travel on this clear and beautiful river. Romain Qunhen, a Belgian on a roadtrip from BC to Alaska, went missing on the Nass River, BC, Romains packraft and backpack were recovered. 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. Experience the grandeur of wilderness and the excitement of river travel on this clear and beautiful river. The trip can also be combined with the Arrigetch Peaks Backpacking Trip.. Departs from Fairbanks, AK. Routes. 7. Damn brother. For our summer vacation in 2015 we decided to spend a week in August backpacking the Wind River Range in Wyoming. We found his foot tracks in a gravel bar where we believe he had pulled in and looked downriver, Tim said. The group was evacuated three days later by helicopter. Ryan In the photo Packraftingboulder8 the pack rafts are outside the shelters. USARA statement regarding Peter JollesCTV News, Vancouver. The third boater noted Marty floating face up, pursued, caught and swam Marty to shore on river right, where CPR was unsuccessful. TRIP DETAILS Packrafting is an adventurous way to move through Alaska's Arctic. From the Elkhart Park trailhead, the trail passes several alpine lakes before you reach its crown jewel: Titcomb Basin, surrounded by the amazing Cirque of the Towers. I believe he had some gear essentials (stove, etc.) Enjoyed tour trip report and video! Ken Knight and I had a little exchange going in another thread in which I pulled in my horns a bitbut having spent 10 years guiding wilderness canoe trips and many more as an avid paddler, it's hard for me to not react strongly. He was wearing a life vest but not a dry suit. One specific question I came across only one blip about fishing on the river above Green River lakes, saying that there were no fish due to the glacial sediment. Check out Lander-based Wyoming Rivers Cooperative for details (they also offer incredible rafting trips). Again with the :~). The water temperature was not cold. Don't like ads? It can be found at the south end of Beaver Park. In all 3 of 4 boats were lost; all were later recovered by good Samaritans and/or Nova Alaska Guides. On Sunday, we put in back at the trailhead and paddled ~8miles below the lakes to the Big Bend pullout (http://wyomingnaturalist.com/river_green_warren.html ). Backpacking in the Wind River Range. Below Smith Rock are some meaty . The Continental Divide crests the Wind River Range's entire length. The major difference is the inability of the packrafts to edge as aggressively. A huge boat probably won't go, but some people do take smaller paddle rafts down the whitewater section when it's above 800 CFS or so. Authors note: this list is by no means exhaustive of all of the incredible activities, outfitters and shops in Wind River Country. mkset.ru (Russian)KP.RU (Russian)Gorobzor.ru (Russian)GTRK TV (Russian). I believe Forrest quotes the minimum at about 300. 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. Wow, glad you put this together, thanks. Marty then led the group from shore down stream. Started on a Friday at noon, finished on a Monday at noon, 2 hr. Fishing is magical. Wind River Mountain Range. He was seen to make 3 attempts to reenter his boat then appeared to rest. Satellite imagery shows large rapids just out of sight from his probable put in. It's hard to imagine a trip that's as action-packed and scenic as packrafting the Escalante River in Utah. . A Premium or Unlimited Membership* is required to view the rest of this article. I cancelled a river trip the next day on that note and went day hiking instead. Have you used one? It's fine with me for folks to take whatever risks that they wish, as long as they are informed. 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. Become a BCP Supporting Member and kiss them all goodbye. This is only .06 lbs heavier than the SOS Scout inflatable suspenders before any modifications to lighten them. Youll find picture perfect stops at Worthen Reservoir, as well as Frye, Fiddlers and Louis lakes. The analogy that comes to mind is going back to using cloths line to "protect" climbing routes becaues of it's handling characteristics while in your pack. I am sure that a custom PFD could be created that weighs less than the MTI Livery but, the safety tolerance would probably be lower. Video 3: River Hazards Run time: 1 minute 37 seconds While the water is flat and calm as it passes the dramatic cliffs in the state park, right above it is continuous class IV with some short flat areas and only a few access points into the canyon. I have found that if I invert mine and put a thin insulating pad on it, it makes a very cushy mattress. If there's a perfect packraft day trip, this might be it. With 130 glaciers, 1,300 alpine lakes, and 30 peaks over 13,000 feet, it's no wonder the Winds have made their place on thousands of backpacker's bucket lists. And yup there are some big creeks flowing from those hills. The highest point on this loop is Texas Pass at 11,500 feet above sea level. I stopped counting at about a dozen, and it wouldnt have been so bad if I had not had a full pack on the boat! The Windriver Range offers some of the lower 48s wildest country. Whoever you choose to go with, extended time in the mountains fishing is a must. Home Forums Campfire Photo Gallery Packrafting Wind Rivers 4/15/07. Come to Wind River Country, and enjoy the magic of our mountain water. He had no drysuit so if he had gone for a swim it couldve ended very poorly. He has developed a rudimentary understanding of its geology, and an awareness of the subtle changes in flora and fauna due to soil, elevation, aspect, and precipitation and how these elemental things interact with both ancient and modern humans. The Classic: Titcomb Basin Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Mileage: 29-30 miles RT Trip Type: Out-and-back - Yellowstone National Park - September 13, 2021, Grand Canyon Loop: Thunder River -> Tapeats -> Kanab -> Sowats. There was a rafting death on the Landsborough River recentlya really popular wilderness packrafting trip. 1 Thunder River Tr.-->Esplanade-->Tapeats-->Deer. So the takeaway is that glacial rivers tend to be more continuous. It gets worn around the front of the chest, it's not long enough to go around your back. I dont recommend trimming the neck gasket as you can easily ruin it stretch it over a form and check it regularly so you dont over stretch it. It appears to have been windy on the day of the accident. Moose river loop up in Jackman Maine, More than 30 miles . 3 miles of this was really fun class II+ starting just before Moose Creek Rd junction. I also had to beg my little brother out of doing the Nenana Canyon without a drysuit, I couldve very well be sans 1 little bro at this point! ", Wrangell St Elias and Glacier Bay National Parks. He was paddling down the fjord during a multi-day trip. A Frenchman was reported overdue around the northern end of Lake Rotorua. The party members discussed and identified these factors as relevant causes: The rapidly risen water level, that had changed the complexity level of the rapid, overestimation of our own capabilities and underestimation of the severity of the obstacle were the cause of what happened. At normal water levels, the river is Class II with three gorges of greater difficulty. I took one swim in it (so far) and stayed totally dry and warm. The Windriver Range offers some of the lower 48's wildest country. . Richard, Thanks for sharing! The lyrics seem more real after seeing that video of you bombing through the reeds. They offer waded fishing trips and free evening casting lessons. It is unclear if these were involved in the fatality. 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. Wind River Visitors Council Hey Luc, Thanks for putting energy into this. Check out Lander-based Wyoming Rivers Cooperative for details (they also offer incredible rafting trips). Wind could hold you up in a packraft at times. Visit www.WindRiver.org for license information, outfitters and guides. An alpine valley at over 10,500 feet deep in the Wind River Range, Titcomb Basin lies below peaks on the Continental Divide that soar 3,000 feet above the Titcomb Lakes, the highest of which is 13,745-foot Fremont Peak. Snake River Lollipop Loop - Yellowstone National Park - August 8, 2021, Jemez River, Las Conchas Trail and Beyond, Pine River, Lake Creek, Flint Creek Loop San Juan. Rob was wearing rain gear and a PFD. Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more! Home Forums Campfire Photo Gallery Packrafting - Wind Rivers - 4/15/07. afternoon naps were a requirement on Saturday and Sunday; these dogs were barkin! Any correctly-fitted, US Coast Guard-approved PFD in working condition will keep you safe in a spill. You can also see a progression of the sport from Alaska-centric, to global, from 2009 to today. Obviously this river is not suitable for our 16 footer, though! I am very interested in cruising mild river conditions during an extended backpacking trek at some point in the future. If you own one, bring it along, and if you dont, you can buy one of your own at Murdochs in Riverton. Make sure you have your biggest net ready to go. So I guess it had been a while and a world ago since Id experienced that area. 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. There are some beautiful campsites nestled into the shores of the lakeslike the sandy campsites youll find when you kayak or canoe across Worthen Reservoir from the boat ramp. I like your approach of considering the drysuit as part of the initial kit & cost. River had dropped foot to ~1500 cfs. Stop in at a local fly shop like the Lander Fly Shop, Cutthroat Fly Shop in Dubois or Rocky Mountain Discount Sports in Riverton, where youll be able to buy your fishing license (or directed how to do it), buy the flies that are hatching and ask for some local beta about the hot spots. We then catch a smaller plane for a spectacular flight to the Wind River. One article suggests that he was missing for days, but I suspect this is just a google translate issue. Hiked in ~12miles on the Highline trail from the Green River Lakes trailhead to Beaver Park on Friday, set up camp, ran ~3miles of the river to the one class III drop to get a feel for the river. High peaks flank the valley on three sides. Native to the Sierra Nevada, California allowed their exportation for a brief time, and Wyoming stocked a handful of lakes in the Wind River Range. Twenty of the 21 highest mountains in Wyoming are in the Winds, all except for the Grand Teton, just a couple hours' drive north. MODIS, Sentinel 1&2, Landsat, Google Earth, ESRI, etc. You are using an out of date browser. Refine your skills before committing to a day of it. 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. Rates start at $30 per day for a five- or six-day rental. Scott - A packraft paddles much more like a river boat than a canoe, raft, or a touring kayak. Join. A Membership is required to post in the forums. I dont know if that will come back around, but maybe worth watching their site. Anybody out there find the lightest foam-filled PFD? Experience Required: McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River (CLII+) Medium to Very Hard 6-12 hours $$ One nice hike, two amazing rivers! 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. Jaymes H. Schoenberg (22) and a partner used packrafts to cross the swollen Sagavanirktok River en route to Arctic Village. Wyoming's Wind River Range offers one of the most scenic and rewarding backpacking trips in the Lower 48. As one paddles the smaller lake it transitions from Gatorade colored to clear. Following deep valleys, across 3 major lakes and wild west-coastlines, the soaring . Reach the edge of the water and make your transition: inflate your packraft, assemble your paddle and stash your kit in the raft. Starting on the open tundra, it flows beneath limestone spires, past glacial lakes, and through the boreal forests of northern Alaska. Luc, thanks for caring, researching, and publishing! Our water! Wind River Range Packrafting - YouTube Footage compiled from three separate packrafting trips in the high Winds, summer 2018.The Wind River Range features the largest set of glaciers in. You can now take guided packrafting trips in Wind River Country. 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 told, the range has more than 30 peaks higher than 13,000 feet and over 130 glaciers dispersed across three-quarters of a million acres of public land. Stephen and two partners were on a three-day packrafting excursion. With at risk kids we took 6-9 days but you could do it faster. Or the Outfitters of the Wyoming Wilderness and Bear Basin Adventures in Dubois offer customizable pack trips with professional guides. Some rugged country thru there. Never Summer Wilderness, Colorado. Any input would be greatly appreciated. A small amount of each fee goes into (very) slowly building up PRANZ funds: For future projects which could involve training subsidies, maybe legal fees for the court battle to prevent a company damming a fantastic packrafting river The future is uncertain, and PRANZ wants to be in a position to help defend our packrafting opportunities. The reporting party was reached and assisted within hours, and the missing packrafter was found, deceased, on rocks farther downriver. Ive got some bare-bones notes on safety and outfitting, here. Astral and Norge are the two primary manufacturers of this PFD type. All recordings are now online! Thanks for putting this together and keeping the risks real. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Juneau Police Department information release (2021-09-07)Juneau Empire article. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. The geography of the west has become familiar to him. Standard technique: feet down, chest up. American Whitewater Incident ReportGreg Mills, personal communication. Temperatures vary dramatically in the Arctic. Sat comm options, principles of self-rescue, Lobbying for the Arctic Refuge, Washington DC, Queenstown man killed in rafting accident was passionate about wildlife, Juneau Police Department information release (2021-09-07), https://www.gifu-np.co.jp/news/20200120/20200120, https://www.terracestandard.com/news/search-called-off-for-nass-river-kayaker/, https://www.haidagwaiiobserver.com/news/belgian-man-linked-as-possible-missing-kayaker-in-nass-river/, Wrangell / St. Elias NPS Incident reports, https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/should-it-stay-or-should-it-go/, Risk Assessment for Rivers and Avalanches Things To Luc At, May 2021: Promoting the packrafting Culture of Safety Things To Luc At, The Packraft Handbook by Luc Mehl chicagobackpacker.com, If my book were a playlist Things To Luc At, The American Whitewater Accident Database Things To Luc At, How To Stay Safe When You're Packrafting - Jacksons MMA, One Boot for All: Backcountry Ski Boots For Everything, Improper equipment (packraft not intended for whitewater), Wood hazards were present and the boat was damaged, but nobody really knows what happened, Presumed flush drowning (difficult swim through rocks), Significant experience, but considerable discomfort with water. August 17, 2015 Backpacking Trips, Featured Trip Reports, Trip Reports. * A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events. It was initially (wrongly) reported in the news as a packrafting fatality. Hi Jay, yeah, a $50 PFD and $600 drysuit might have saved three of these lives. Pretty country. New TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! Insufficient safety equipment (PFD and/or drysuit) was common in the earlier incidents, and perhaps less so more recently. Thanks for your post. The immediate cause of Peters death was apparently the inability to swim out of the rapid barrel (reverse water flow [backwash]), possibly a stone hitting. If you know details, please do not post them as comments on this page until (if/when) a public incident report is available. I tried to synthesize a decision matrix, if interested, you can find it on the Alpacka Raft blog (https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/should-it-stay-or-should-it-go/).
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