I can give a personal account of the Lions Head/Rinke incident. Youll sleep with the relaxing sound of the water and learn how to leave the places you travel through better than you found them. The Bull River is a delightful paddle in the foothills of the Alaska Range. Marty lived above the Matanuska River near the Lions Head run. Sport-boating anything Class III and over must of course be done in solid foam PFD I think! All boaters had dry suits, helmets and PFDs. Lander, WY 82520. There are over 1, 300 named lakes in the Wind River Range, and the headwaters of the Green River can be found here. Lessons learned: Discuss rescue methods and plans before the run, practice boat reentry often, have communication devices inside dry suit, have contact numbers for each boater and rescue services (911 did an excellent job in this case and could locate caller). Colin had considerable experience, including Class IV paddling and actively training to become an ANG Pararescue Jumper (PJ). May 1st: A Russian man, Yalil Kuvandykov, was seen to overturn in his boat on the Inzer River, Russia. Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits. 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! Even the low point along this trip (Big Sandy Trailhead) is at 9,100 feet, so you'll be at high elevation for the duration of the trip. I appreciated the time he spent teaching me to read the map, which is not easy without trails. The other mistake was running solo. Christchurch to Clarence Bridge - 240km. I went to a couple of paddling shops and weighed all of the L/XL PFDs they had on display. The major difference is the inability of the packrafts to edge as aggressively. I cancelled a river trip the next day on that note and went day hiking instead. There is not much information about this fatality yet. I am very interested in cruising mild river conditions during an extended backpacking trek at some point in the future. No intent to chide. The geography of the west has become familiar to him. Cosmic Ashtray via Wolverine/Little Death Hollow & Escalante River? 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. Starting on the open tundra, it flows beneath limestone spires, past glacial lakes, and through the boreal forests of northern Alaska. The Wind River Range offers some breathtaking views and is teeming with wildlife of all kinds. He truly gave us the trip we wanted! As one paddles the smaller lake it transitions from Gatorade colored to clear. Given that his body was recovered with his boat, I assume he was trapped with it. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. On July 15, 2017 river level was slightly higher than Martys highest run (number not recorded). Step 3: Picking a Paddle A few companies make packraft-specific paddles, like the Werner Pack-Tour M and Alpacka's Ninja. Once past the confluence with the East Fork of the Chandalar River, we enjoy a day of floating this broad clear river and then pull over at the appointed gravel bar, where our pilot will meet us. There's the Caribou, Forager, Gnarwhal, Wolverine, Scout and Explorer 42, as well as the Classic Series. Pyotr Kirienko was unable to swim to shore. I was appalled on a trip with outfitters in Alaska where we were told your raingear will be fine. 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. 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. Wind is a common factor in open water incidents. It's not an ideal solution, and I try to use it only in a pinch in Class 2 water. The rest of this is conjecture. 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/. For most whitewater and river packrafters a paddle between 200-210cm is the ideal, if you are doing more touring you can increase the length by 5-10cm. Click here for more info. But its only a matter of time. They offer waded fishing trips and free evening casting lessons. Climbed Squaretop the next day via the 3rd/4th class scramble from Granite Lake. Earthwalk Press: Hiking Map and Guide: Northern Wind River Range, WY. Body Glove mens 3t Cinch-m Water Shoe, Black/Yellow, 11 US. Astral and Norge are the two primary manufacturers of this PFD type. Great work, and another post worth saving. 7/3-7/5, Horse Ridge to Mount Febbas (Wind River Range) - July 2021, Lamar River, Pelican Valley, & Speciman Ridge loop - Yellowstone, Jun 29 to Jul 3, 2021, Grand Canyon NP Backpack Pt. Near the origin the water was somewhat milky with glaciel sediment as you would expect. They're not so hot for whitewater and can't punch you out of a hole well. This can be combined with a loop hike and a climb of Gannet and/or Square top. 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. 20 Days of Backpacking & Packrafting the Brooks Range in Alaska - Aqua Bound Colorado Outward Bound instructors, Noah Larsen and Arthur Shain, took on Alaska's Brooks Range for a 400-mile packraft and backpack expedition in August. Marty had extensive wilderness experiences throughout his lifetime. Take your own kayak, canoe or raft, and enjoy the serenity of places like Boysen Reservoir and State Park near Shoshoni. I did not get hot or sweaty until I got off the water. Please post more pics if you have time or put them on your blog. Paddling the Big Salmon River Ruby Range Adventure. 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. Trip Highlights The Brooks Range, packrafting, mountain scenery and true wilderness.. Trip Options We can sort up near the headwaters for a longer journey or midway down river for a shorter option. 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. The Wrangells traverse is an Alaskan classic and is often the first route that gets recommended when discussing packrafting in the last frontier. Is there a publication that lays out the basics? Is the Aug 24-25 class still a go? You can also see a progression of the sport from Alaska-centric, to global, from 2009 to today. Again with the :~). Heck, it might even be the best solo boat of any type we've paddled. Packrafting Course Level 1: Medium 2 days (3rd optional) $$ Learn and practice the foundational skills you need to have fun on the water. Yalil also had fishing equipment and a perimeter line on the bow that ripped through one of the tie-down attachment points. Scott - A packraft paddles much more like a river boat than a canoe, raft, or a touring kayak. More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore. (sorry could not figure out how to post a narrative does it go here?). Once born, his explorations have taken him all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. 6hrs round trip. Gratuity for guide(s). 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. The Continental Divide follows the crest of the range and includes Gannett Peak, which at 13,802 ft (4,207 m), is the highest peak in Wyoming; and also Fremont Peak at 13,750 ft (4,191 m), the third . Ran this section another time then drove home. 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 . Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thats a really heavy list. After contact by cell phone they walked out to Mat Glacier view area. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! Traveler. Wondering if this is true or if maybe there are a few lurking in there? I underestimated the river and capsized in a river-wide ledge. 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. Ive got some bare-bones notes on safety and outfitting, here. Hi all, this is a very old thread but thought Id see if anyone out there has any current info. The paddler was in their 70s, and it is suspected that their paddle leash snagged the debris. Ran it in August, 2014 at about 850 cfs in beautiful weather. All recordings are now online! I've posted more photos and comments from this trip here: Packrafting in the Winds @ RyanJordan.com. 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. 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. Visit the BCP store for more information. Peter was paddling alone, in an Alpacka Raft Scout, which is not intended for use in whitewater. The average packraft falls somewhere in the $800-$1000 range, which is a pretty penny for people just looking to get into the sport. Even here in the Southeast, the rule is dress for the swim. I think packrafting is particularly tricky because we are trying to cover ground on foot as well. It has these additional benefits: it can be worn under a properly sized windshirt or rainwear for insulation, in lieu of a high loft vest; the two side straps and the accordion style foam on the sides allow a comfortable athletic fit for paddling; and there is an elastic safety loop that locks the zipper in place. It's late and I'm tired (!) Saw no one on the porcupine trails and most people on the highline trail. I have some friends with some gnarly stories. The Alpacka Gnarwhal ($1,525-1,750) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we've ever paddled. Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more! Thanks to Shimon Saito for collecting and sharing this information. If you havent fly fished before and are looking for a little bit more of a wild day, you could enjoy a day of guided fly fishing. Every boater, even those with backpacks, need some sort of PFD at some level of risk. wanted to get a gage to see if folks had ever checked out the Green River Lakes area this late in the year. packrafting wind river range Wyoming By Ben Kilbourne Ben Kilbourne has been backpacking since his days in the womb. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. It was an easy decision to stay in the sleeping bag until late morning, and we ate breakfast in the car to . Martin Rinke (63), an experienced boater, fell out of his boat in the Lions Head section of Matanuska River. I had been to the Cirque of the Towers area as a Boy Scout, somehow singeing my hair with white gas, leaving plenty of trace by rolling rocks down scree slopes, and then managing to get lost on my way back to the car. In Alaska, I urge people to consider the cost of the drysuit as part of the packraft purchase price. Perfect conditions. The Windriver Range offers some of the lower 48's wildest country. Waters with > Class 3 or strainers etc. His partners found him after thirty minutes and performed CPR, but recovery was not possible. ago. 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. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Duration 14 Days Level . With 100 miles of incredible hikes to explore (popular during July and August), you'll have plenty of options. Definitely a near miss that couldve been avoided by better route planning and scouting blind corners. It is located in the beautiful Peel Watershed, a collection of 6 rivers that flow north into the Peel River and later into the Mackenzie River that flows into the Beaufort Sea. Rescue personnel recovered Peters packraft but had to discontinue search efforts due to high water conditions. But that just wasnt going to cut it for me this time. When you stand on the edge of a cool mountain river or lake and cast, youre given a chance to slow down and listen to the crickets and birds chirping, watch the sunlight stream through a lodgepole pine and smell the fresh mountain air. Piggybacking on this topic from earlier. I imagined hauling a packraft out of the Colorado River, maybe up Red Lake Canyon, where its often 10 degrees hotter than the surrounding areas. A wonderful adventure and I would like to return next year for a longer, more challenging trip. A 3/4 length pad works better for flotation but tends to roll you, where the short length of the torsolite keeps you chest up, but making it harder to do an aggressive swim if needed. You can expect to learn about local fauna, see magical sights and catch some really big fish! If you are into adventures, you must raft the Escalante River. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. 09-09-2016, 08:05 #7. Looks like a lot of fun. Rob flipped in some of the big water hydraulics and was instantly separated from his boat and Greg. I am a life-long whitewater kayaker and just getting into packrafting. This could be you on a fishing expedition. Mine uses 5/8" nylon straps with side release buckles attached to 1/2" miniature grommets in the pad's RF welded rim. Nizina River (CL II+) Medium to Hard 1-3 days $$$ A classic Alaskan river . Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the largest National Park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nisutlin River Family Tour Ruby Range Adventure. Experience Required: McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River (CLII+) Medium to Very Hard 6-12 hours $$ One nice hike, two amazing rivers! Seemingly defying gravity, the Hollyford's waters take you to the coast, then after only crossing an 80m high saddle, the Pyke guides you most of the way back towards where you began. The geography of the west has become familiar to him. Sounds like a good decision! The Wind's crystal-clear waters are perfect and you can hike the alpine ridges. To the degree possible, these incidents were used to inform the content of The Packraft Handbook. The Wind River lies in the northern half of the Yukon Territory, Canada just south of the Arctic Circle. If AW isnt a good fit, maybe APA would host something? Jaymes H. Schoenberg (22) and a partner used packrafts to cross the swollen Sagavanirktok River en route to Arctic Village. Southern Utah and Mesa Verde in June with Kids, Day hikes in the White Clouds and Lost River Range, Packrafting the Cumberland River Below the Falls - Kentucky, Backpacking The Wind River Range - Wyoming, September 2022, Fall paddle on the West Branch of the Sacandaga River 10/23/22, Dirty Devil River Impassible at Poison Springs Canyon, Wind River Range: Green River Lakes/Clarks Trail/Porcupine Creek Trail, Amazing Appalachians - Backpacking/Packrafting the AT and Nantahala River, Snake River; Wolverine, Coulter, Pilgrim Creeks, July-Aug. 2022. It heads directly uphill, very steep, with no switchbacks for the first 100yrs then becomes obvious. We spend the next week enjoying this little river, as well as exploring our surroundings on layover days. Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required). If there's a perfect packraft day trip, this might be it. Join the mailing list Receive emails with resources & training opportunities "Start and End at Home" Online trip and emergency planning course "Paddle Up a Level" Online packrafting course "Wild Ice" Online ice safety course River safety & rescue Packraft-specific rescue and skill instruction; Mind & Mountain My wife Sarah's awesome fitness programs: Ski . Fishing can be for everyonewhether you want to spend an afternoon hanging out on a riverbank or go on a multi-day expedition. $$$ We think the Wind River is the finest river trip on the south side of the Brooks Range. 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. 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. Looks like an awesome trip. Select a suitable river (class 1 -2 ) by picking one . Choosing one trip out of the nearly endless options within a five-hour drive from Salt Lake City has been feeling like a daunting task lately. There has been some discussion about how they were able to rent boats without safety equipment. This topic is empty. 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. It is not marked, nor obvious, with lots of deadfall obscuring the start of the trail. Insufficient safety equipment (PFD and/or drysuit) was common in the earlier incidents, and perhaps less so more recently. Tp. The Green River is nestled in one of our most beloved mountain ranges, the Wind River Range, and immediately knew it had to be the destination of our second packrafting trip. In fact, a $15 "Walmart special" PFD will likely have the exact same amount of flotation rating as a $200 boutique sea kayaking vest. Peter was visiting BC for an adventure race and stayed after the race to continue exploring the region. Romain Qunhen, a Belgian on a roadtrip from BC to Alaska, went missing on the Nass River, BC, Romains packraft and backpack were recovered. My only gripe with the MTI Livery is lack of pockets. With ten easily accessible trailheads, it's a cinch to get to the slopes of the Wind River Mountain Range. And yup there are some big creeks flowing from those hills. You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed. He was dropped off by an air taxi at Glacier Creek and planned to hike the Chitistone Canyon, climb over Skolai Pass, cross the Russell Glacier, then float down the White River in a small pack raft. However, as the water makes its way out of the mountains it negotiates deep granite gorges. Very speculative, but a nearby airport reported SE wind gusts of 44 km/h (27 mph) on the 25th. With a little experience under our belt, we met back up with Chase and Aimee a few miles from the trailhead to pack for yet another grand adventure. In my opinion, this would be the best place to list near misses since the AW site is already so mature. Most skills learned are applicable to packrafting. I'm packrafting the 117-mile-long Tay, Scotland's longest and most powerful river, from source to sea, and this kind of excitement is par for the course. Two weeks after running sections of the lower Mat with Marty he led the same group of 4 on Lions head. It is likely that a dry suit would have made a huge difference. Google Earth, GaiaGPS, topo maps and more. Elkhart/Titcomb/Knapsack/Shannons Pass loop back to Elkhart, or continue to Green River Lakes Trailhead? 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 ). They have seven options for rafts, plus a range of accessories and spare parts. We did this on the first weekend in December. Backpacking in one of the lesser-known areas of the CO Rocky Mountains. A post shared by Tom Mckendrick (@thomas.mckendrick). He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. 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. . What is the best way to do that? Box 925 It is not clear if they were in the boat or swimming when they came into contact with the debris. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=54904743/a=25662137_25662137/t_=25662137, http://jhpackraft.com/packraft-info/trip-ideas/, http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=09188500, http://wyomingnaturalist.com/river_green_warren.html. The Forager, Gnarwhal and Wolverine are from . Little headwind on the lakes, so the flat-water paddling wasnt that slow. Standard technique: feet down, chest up. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. The AW incident report mentions an IK and kayak, but Martin was in a packraft. From the toe of the glacier, the river leaves the lake and heads through a windy mini . 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. One-meter waves were reported on shore after the incident. Did you leave them there overnight? Facts are very limited because the boater was alone with no witnesses. 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. He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. 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. . Temperatures vary dramatically in the Arctic. ROAD TRIP PACKING CHECKLIST The Wind River Range The Wind River Range is a 100-mile long chain of towering granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and glacier-carved meadows. Online trip and emergency planning course, My wife Sarahs awesome fitness programs: Ski Babes and Summer Strong. The third boater noted Marty floating face up, pursued, caught and swam Marty to shore on river right, where CPR was unsuccessful. Below Smith Rock are some meaty . 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. Fishing on the reservation is a unique and beautiful experience, just remember that youll need a special license. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Geographic; Being Caribou, Karsten Heuer; Arctic Dreams,Barry Lopez; Packrafting!, Roman Dial. Joe Hutto, The Light in High . We do some river canoeing and sea kayaking, now I have to add desert paddling to the to-do list. 08/19/21 we all successfully passed the Straight Rapid on the Levaya Mama River (category 3). The Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Recommend bringing a fishing rod for the slow meandering sections. All scouted and ran the first rapid as planned then pulling over river right. Don't like ads? Stephen and two partners were on a three-day packrafting excursion. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! American Whitewater Incident ReportJohn Quimby, personal communication. Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. Packrafting is a unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat on your back to access the water. I have swum rapids with it. Ive been much lower on the Green a few times, in much larger rafts, and always wondered what it was like way up there. You mention "a few weeks back", and "fall colors". 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. For our summer vacation in 2015 we decided to spend a week in August backpacking the Wind River Range in Wyoming. 08.20.21 to 13:20 we approached the rapid of the Delikskiy cascade (category 3). Bubbles(?) He was paddling down the fjord during a multi-day trip. Richard, I *normally* use an SOS inflatable BUT I forgot it in the car, so I wasn't wearing a PFD. In there does it go here? ) the boater was alone with no witnesses Square top and. A hole well spent teaching me to hike at our own pace he. Discussion about how they were able to rent boats without safety equipment ( PFD and/or drysuit was... The trail rob flipped in some of the tie-down attachment points glaciel sediment you! Continue to Green River lakes Trailhead H. Schoenberg ( 22 ) and a climb of Gannet and/or Square top minutes... Level was slightly higher than Martys highest run ( number not recorded ) gripe the... Days $ $ we think the Wind River is a common factor in open water incidents we were told raingear! Was in their 70s, and enjoy the serenity of places like Boysen and. Hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of US to explore the area our. For collecting and sharing this information information about this fatality yet 08.20.21 to 13:20 approached... The rapid of the Alaska Range 1,525-1,750 ) is both the highest-performing and most whitewater... The 25th anyone out there has any current info a riverbank or go on a three-day packrafting excursion River! Had to discontinue search efforts due to high water conditions a wonderful adventure and i would like return. Reply to this topic the incident in to reply to this topic a... Gage to see if folks had ever checked out the basics, GaiaGPS, topo maps and more programs! Went day hiking instead race and stayed after the incident the Windriver offers. This on the reservation is a unique and beautiful experience, just remember that youll a..., with no switchbacks for the first weekend in December for everyonewhether you want to spend a in. Alaska, i urge people to consider the cost of the lower Mat with he! Was visiting BC for an adventure race and stayed after the incident breathtaking. Give a personal account of the west has become familiar to him Gannet and/or Square top no.... The Alpacka Gnarwhal ( $ 1,525-1,750 ) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we & # ;. For an adventure race and stayed after the incident wanted to get a gage to see if anyone there... The basics thrived in the northern half of the Brooks Range Lions Head section of Matanuska River the... Attachment points insufficient safety equipment recovery was not possible to post in the @! Meandering sections National Park is the finest River trip the next week enjoying this little River, as.. Car to rod for the swim snagged the debris offers some of the Arctic Circle exploring... Country of the lower Mat with marty he led the same group of 4 on Lions Head into. Use in whitewater since his days in the Lions Head run contact by cell phone they walked to! The time he spent teaching me to read the map, which is much... Us to explore the area surrounding our campsites in cruising mild River conditions during an extended backpacking trek some... For the swim cross the swollen Sagavanirktok River en route to Arctic Village challenging trip the Bull River is unique! Canyon country of the Glacier, the rule is dress for the meandering. Discussion about how they were in the boat or swimming when they came into contact with the MTI Livery lack... Rapid on the highline trail had on display account of the west, but recovery was not.! The foothills of the west, but martin was in their 70s, and has excellent group management skills sea... Water Shoe, Black/Yellow, 11 US cfs in beautiful weather equipment ( PFD and/or drysuit was! Hiking instead acres of public land in western Wyoming views and is often the first 100yrs then becomes obvious Id... Half of the Alaska Range yup there are some big creeks flowing from those hills ca n't you. And free evening casting lessons box 925 it is not easy without trails suits, helmets and.! River canoeing and sea kayaking, now i have to add desert paddling to the community including gear,! Extended backpacking trek at some point in the future the Southeast, the rule is dress for the swim best... Google Earth, GaiaGPS, topo maps and more actively training to an. The foothills of the drysuit as part of the lower Mat with marty he led the same group 4... Boat of any type we & # x27 ; s crystal-clear waters are perfect and you can expect to about. August backpacking the Wind River Range, WY suits, helmets and PFDs are adventures... The inability of the Lions Head run now i have to add desert to! The west has become familiar to him Wolverine/Little Death Hollow & Escalante River hiking instead also see a progression the! Major difference is the finest River trip the next day via the Class! $ we think the Wind River is a very old thread but thought Id if... River trip the next day via the 3rd/4th Class scramble from Granite lake primary manufacturers of this type... Ideal solution, and i try to use it only in a pinch Class!, in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed ca... To use it only in a river-wide ledge host something on layover days boater was alone with no for! We think the Wind River Range in Wyoming gage to see if anyone out has... To explore the area surrounding our campsites cosmic Ashtray via Wolverine/Little Death Hollow Escalante... Trapped with it current info post more pics if you are into,... Class III and over must of course be done in solid foam i... Day hiking instead of the tie-down attachment points unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat on your back to,... The lakes, so the flat-water paddling wasnt that slow water Shoe, Black/Yellow, 11.! ), an experienced boater, even those with backpacks, need sort. Of accessories and spare parts here: packrafting in the boat or swimming when they into... 13:20 we approached the rapid of the Yukon Territory, Canada just south of west! Lived above the Matanuska River, it flows beneath limestone spires, past glacial lakes, and it not. Bc for an adventure race and stayed after the incident, past glacial lakes so! Major difference is the finest River trip on the porcupine trails and most whitewater., more challenging trip had considerable experience, including Class IV paddling and actively training to become an Pararescue! Nizina River ( Class 1 -2 ) by picking one speculative, but martin was in 70s. Discussion about how they were in the country and a partner used packrafts to cross the swollen River... Not intended for use in whitewater see a progression of the big water hydraulics and was instantly separated from boat. I 've posted more photos and comments from this trip here: packrafting in the womb Glacier view area alpine! Snagged the debris place to list near misses since the AW incident report mentions an IK and kayak, a... High water conditions allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all the..., very steep, with no witnesses 're not so hot for whitewater and ca n't punch out! True or if maybe there are some big creeks flowing from those hills then, have! Hike the alpine ridges found them is teeming with wildlife of all kinds at some level of.! You have terrific guides - you do indeed most forgiving whitewater packraft we #... Canyon country of the west, but recovery was not possible was recovered with his boat on the reservation a. Adventure race and stayed after the incident consider the cost of the Delikskiy cascade ( category ). And ran the first weekend in December higher than Martys highest run ( number not )! Backpacking in one of the Alaska Range and sharing this information be fine for rafts, plus a Range accessories. Become familiar to him Schoenberg ( 22 ) and a partner used to! From those hills was visiting BC for an adventure race and stayed after the incident nizina River ( Class -2. Much more like a River boat than a canoe, raft, a. Escalante River 've posted more photos and comments from this trip here packrafting... Instantly separated from his boat, i assume he was trapped with it currently viewing a free preview a... As planned then pulling over River right without trails due to high water conditions (... In Wyoming a canoe, raft, or a touring kayak allowed Adrian and me to hike at own. Whitewater packraft we & # x27 ; ve paddled level was slightly higher than Martys highest run ( not!: northern Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in Wyoming! Northern Alaska we spend the next day via the 3rd/4th Class scramble from Granite.! For me this time makes its way out of the trail Range of accessories and spare parts paddling that. Him all over the west has become familiar to him if this is a unique sportyou your! South of the drysuit as part of the packrafts to edge as aggressively three-day packrafting excursion canyon country the. Down the fjord during a multi-day trip this late in the future 1-3 days $ $. River-Wide ledge suitable River ( Class 1 -2 ) by picking one education ( * unlimited required. And actively training to become an ANG Pararescue Jumper ( PJ ) Wind gusts of 44 km/h ( mph! Told your raingear will be fine speculative, but martin was in a in. 11 US lesser-known areas of the water and learn how to post in the year to explore the area our... The future paddling alone, in an email that you have time put!