Blanchard Whitewater Rafting

Join us for a fantastic rafting trip on the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers. This class III-IV whitewater trip offers paddlers a chance to enjoy fun rapids while experiencing the beauty of the Yukon.

The trip begins in Haines where we will meet and take the 1.5 hour drive over the Chilkat Pass and into Canada. After donning wetsuits and life jackets, the experienced guides will offer instruction on paddling and river safety. Soon we’ll be splashing our way downstream. The Blanchard River starts with a series of nice drops that allow paddlers time to practice before the confluence with the Tatshenshini. The Tatshenshini is a larger volume river and has 3 named rapids: Boulder Garden, C to C, and Twin Holes. The final section of the Tatshenshini is fun class II and III rapids to our take out at Dalton Post.

GETTING TO HAINES: Regular flight service runs to Juneau, AK. From there you are a short 45 minute flight or a 4 hour ferry along the Alaska Marine Highway to get to the small coastal community of Haines.

GETTING TO THE RIVER: After meeting in Haines, we will drive in private vans up the Haines Highway through the Chilkat Valley Bald Eagle Preserve. At Mile 42 we will pass into Canada. Guests must bring a passport for crossing the border into Canada. After about an hour and a half, we will reach the put-in for the Blanchard. Typically, we plan on a 7:30 am departure from Haines, returning around 6:00 pm.

RAFTING: We utilize either paddle boats or oar-powered rafts depending on water levels and group preference. No experience necessary.

THE RIVERS: The Blanchard is a beautiful tributary that flows into the Tatshenshini River. The Blanchard portion of the trip consists of about an hour of class II/III rapids in clear green water. The Tatshenshini is a classic whitewater run that eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean 160 miles downstream. The Tatshenshini is a class III/IV glacial river complete with spawning salmon and grizzly bears.

OUR GUIDES: Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School Inc. instructors and guides are professionals. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska and the world and they genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge. Their skill and positive attitudes help our guests to have the best possible experience during their trip. Your safety and enjoyment are their primary goals.

How cold is the water?
Both the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers are glacially fed and tend to be cold, between 5 and 10 degrees above freezing. We supply heavy duty wetsuits or drysuits to all guests. We also bring hot beverages down river if anyone gets chilly.How much will I have to paddle?
Alaska Mountain Guides utilizes both paddle boats and oar-powered rafts for whitewater trips. Guests wishing to paddle the whole way have the option of riding in a paddle boat. There is an oar-powered raft on every trip in which the guide propels the boat. The oar guide may ask for paddle assist in some of the larger rapids, but the paddling required is minimal. If there is a person in your group that does not want to paddle, they are welcome to ride in the oar-boat.Do people ever fall out of the boat?
Yes, it is possible you may fall out of the boat. Often guests that join the “Tatshenshini Swim Team” find their swim to be the most fun and exciting part of the trip! All our raft guides hold current Swiftwater Rescue certifications and practice rescue scenarios throughout the summer. The guides will also hold a pre-trip safety briefing where they demonstrate various techniques to help keep everyone in the boat.How are the bugs?
There are virtually no biting insects while on the river. There may be mosquitos at the put-in, at the lunch stop, and at the take-out. We recommend that people that are highly sensitive to bug bites bring repellent.Will I need my passport?
Yes. This trip departs out of Haines, Alaska and will travel into Canada at the historic Dalton Cache/Pleasant Camp border crossing.

Trip Documents:

• Trip Information – Printable trip information
• Whitewater Registration Form  – Outlines policies, and essential information.  One required per participant.
• Health Form – This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Liability Waiver  – One required per participant over the age of 18.
• Travel Info – Helpful information on how to get to/from Haines, Alaska.

CLICK HERE FOR DATES & PRICES

What is included in the trip price:

• Rafting Gear – rafts, paddles, PFDs, helmets, etc…
• Lunch – we stop for lunch at the confluence of the Blanchard and Tatshenshini Rivers
• Transportation – travel to and from the river, from Haines, AK
• Professional guides – Our guides have extensive knowledge of the area and a passion for rafting in wild places.

Guests are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & equipment
• Food & Lodging in town – there are a variety of restaurants and coffee shops in Haines
• Trip insurance – we highly recommend trip insurance for all of our programs
• Travel to and from Haines
• Reviewing trip policies – please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and guest responsibilities.
• Gratuities

To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

1. 1. Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information via this link:

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2. Place a $250 deposit to reserve your spot: this can be place over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
3. Once you’ve reserved your spot, you’ll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
4. We kindly ask that you submit all of the necessary trip registration information at least 45 days prior to your trip.

Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!

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