Lucas is a fantastic guide. While I was new to pretty much everything on the trip (ice hiking and climbing, pack rafting, etc.), I always felt encouraged to reach beyond my comfort zone and try to accomplish more without ever feeling unsafe. He’s very thoughtful, always enthusiastic, and surprisingly personable for a White Sox fan.

Annie O.
Ultimate Wilderness
2012

Having never spent a full night in a tent before, you’d imagine it a big task for me to flawlessly enjoy my first experience, particularly in such a remote place. Such was the level of service and comprehensive provision of equipment that I traveled with only hand luggage. Our trip was tailored before and during the trip as we wanted to encompass all in the trip description, as well as mushrooming, hiking a rockslide, an extended period of time on the glacier, time to do our own walking, and dressing up as pirates. It really was a lifetime experience, and if I never find myself returning to the area, I can rest content having seen as much as I could in a week and in the best possible way.

Kyle S.
Grand Alaska Adventure
2010

All of our expectations were more than exceeded! Gaia was more than helpful in organizing our flights to McCarthy, she organized free transport while we were there to visit the mines, She gave us a bedroom free of charge in the power house. She simply tried harder. Gaia was very quick replying with emails… very detailed emails too!!

The whole Copper River Rafting Trip trip was totally amazing, each day was spectacular! The knowledge, skill and professionalism of the guides in each area each day was very interesting. The spectacular “Groover” scenery each day was awesome. The food was way better than we expected too… It was camping with luxury food and the worlds most scenic camp sites each night.

But the main thing was forgetting about regular life, not seeing anyone or any cars for the whole week. Thank you to Gaia, Nik and Jake for making it a special time away for us. We have been away from home in Australia for almost a year now and this has been our most special part!

Ashley and Renee
Copper River
2008

Jason and Kirk were outstanding guides. They were experienced adventurers and were patient leaders on our beautiful kayak trip. They were also very knowledgeable about the ecology of the area.

Tammy M.
Kennicott Glacier Kayaking
2014

I cannot think of grand enough words to describe the vacation you arranged for us. Alaska was absolutely beautiful and the plans you made allowed us to enjoy its full splendor. I hated to leave at the end of the journey. I felt as though I was leaving good friends behind. What a glorious trip!

B. Smith
Grand Alaska Adventure
2000

Our family of 4 (kids aged 8 and 11) did a 3day/2night wilderness rafting trip with Copper Oar that was fantastic. Top notch all the way. We’ve done multiday rafting trips in Utah and Idaho before and the trip we took in Alaska compared very well to those trips and had a completely diffferent feel to it.

Well worth the money. We started by flying in a bush plane from Chitina to McCarthy and an overnight in McCarthy (which was a great experience in itself! Loved the amazing tasting menu restaurant there!) We put in in McCarthy just down river from the Kennicott glacier and ended up in Chitina after 3 days on the river. We didn’t see a single person the whole time, just a bear, a couple of moose and lots of bald eagles. Great bouncy water the first day then smooth floats the second and third day and the water volume increased and the river bed spread out.

We camped at two different spots on the river and were fed great meals by our guides Jules and Dale. Oddly enough, the camping was one of the highlights. It was so serene to be out in the middle of nowhere watching the sun set (sort of) and the rise (again, sort of) with craggy mountains and huge vistas all around us. We had fun spotting bear tracks (black and brown) and moose tracks. The gear provided to us was great and handled the cold nights well — I never felt cold.

Our kids LOVED the whole experience and we’d all go back in a heartbeat and do another trip with Copper Oar. The rafting was a wonderful way to get away from everybody else and experience Alaska in a very intimate and awe inspiring way.

Nicola W.
Alaska River Journey
2010

The planning was exquisite! Gaia helped me plan the day trips at Kennicott, including the mill tour and a day hiking on the glacier. We loved Noah and the day we had just as a family walking on the Root. She also helped us with booking the plane from Chitina (which included telling us where to park our car), booking the Lodge, picking us up in McCarthy, and arranging the dates for the raft trip, etc. I felt like a had an experienced travel agent! And I don’t even think travel agents understand the needs of an adventurous family. She was great and made the trip easier, with no hassle at all, a true vacation for all. I would definitely 100% recommend to other families.

Melanie F.
Alaska River Journey
2011

All the staff at Copper Oar made our trip memorable. Their dedication to our enjoyment despite some challenging weather conditions was outstanding. Thank you!!!!

Michael M.
Nizina River Raft, Hike & Fly
2008

Copper Oar and St. Elias Alpine Guides exceeded my expectations. They helped me fulfill my dream of plein air painting on an extended wilderness trip. Their high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill coupled with the right equipment led to a safe, comfortable trip.

I enjoyed my guides’ and fellow travelers good cheer, humor, companionship, not to mention the tasty meals. I am planning on returning for more adventures with St. Elias and Copper Oar.

Jackie B.
Copper River
2012

It was all I expected and more. … Andy and Gaia were both super friendly and informative, and if all of the staff is just as awesome I would expect all of your trips to be just as great. You will see me again in the future!

Nick T.
Nizina Canyon Raft & Flightsee
2014