Explore different rivers on this 3.5-hour, ~50-mile jet boat adventure, which features the Chulitna River Gorge and a unique braided river – one of few such extensive systems in the world! Travel in the comfort of our fully enclosed jet boats. This tour is an extension of our 2-hour wilderness excursion including a ¼-mile nature stroll to an authentic trapper’s cabin and Dena’ina Indian encampment.
Denali and the whole Alaska Range are visible from the river, but it is dependent on the weather.
Yes, the boats are covered and we provide umbrellas at the site for the trail walk.
There are bathrooms on the 50+ passenger boats but not on the 14 or 20 passenger ones; however there are porta potties available at the adventure site and at the dock.
We cannot guarantee wildlife but there are always opportunities while on the river.
No, Princess has shuttles that run between the lodge and town and drop off in our parking lot. They are located about a 1 hour drive away from Talkeetna.
Warm clothing, temperatures on the river change rapidly. For your comfort we suggest that you dress in layers: a T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, jacket and stocking cap. Sunglasses, the sun reflecting off the water can be very intense. You may also want sunscreen. Camera and binoculars, you may see wildlife on our tours. Rain coat.
Service animals are dogs and miniature horses trained to perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with physical or mental disabilities –such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, altering and protecting people prone to seizures, or other tasks directly related to a disability. Pets and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act or state law, and they are not allowed on our boats.
Why take this tour?
Your 3½-hour exciting trip will begin aboard the “McKinley Queen” as it whisks you into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. These are the most technologically advanced jet boats in Alaska designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible.The trip will show you our three rivers: the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. You will travel through the Chulitna River Gorge and experience an Alaska braided river, with a number of channels separated by small and often temporary islands. If Denali is out, you will be afforded one of the best views in the State, as she is framed by the very picturesque Tokosha Mountains.
As you travel ~fifty miles of river you may see nesting bald eagles and beaver activity or an occasional black bear or grizzly bear roaming the shore. Of course, there are no guarantees for siting wildlife as we have no control over nature.
During the ¼-mile leisurely nature walk, you will see an Indian Encampment of the Dena’ina, the earliest native settlers in the area, and visit an authentic cabin of a trapper, who was the earliest white man settler in the area. You will see its rustic furnishings and see how the trapper lived in the “Bush” at the turn of the century.
Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the Native Indians for cooking and medicines and what we still eat today. Travel Distance: ~50 miles roundtrip Check-in time: 30 minutes before departure Please dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes for the nature walk. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this amazing experience. This tour also includes a locally baked cookie and beverage. If you are staying at the Mt. Mckinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, you will also have the option to disembark at the lodge, saving you the hour-long coach ride back to your hotel.
401 5TH ST, SKAGWAY, AK 99840
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