Trek Leaders and Shakedown:

Upon arrival, your Crew will be picked up at the airport and transferred to a site where you will get a few hours sleep. The next morning you will meet your Trek Leaders. The first task will be for your Trek Leader to thoroughly shakedown all gear to insure that you have everything necessary for a week in the backcountry without carrying extraneous weight. In addition, they will review medical forms, discuss backcountry protocols, review Leave No Trace Principles, and distribute the necessary crew gear including group cook gear, stoves, fuel, and food. After completing your shakedown, your crew will then take their swim test at Lost Lake. From there you will head down the beautiful Richardson Highway towards Paxson. You will be dropped off at Paxson Lake, your entrance to this exciting trip.

Wildlife:

It is possible to see several species of wildlife on this trip including beaver, moose, eagles, marmots, caribou, bear and wolf. Your Trek Leader will review personal bear safety protocols and carry adequate protection for the group. There is no need to bring or purchase personal bear sprays or other types of protection. TSA will not allow you to bring it on the plane anyway.

Fishing:

The Gulkana is one of the most popular salmon rivers in the interior and if you are making the trip at specific times during summer, you will want to purchase a salmon tag. Trout and Arctic Grayling are the most common fish to catch both on Paxson Lake and in the Gulkana River. Trout is catch and release. You will be asked to debarb all hooks. The fish respond to both spin rods and fly rods. All tackle should be bought before you arrive because there may not be spare time available once you reach the base. An Alaska Fishing License and salmon tags can be purchased at the Base. One, three, and seven day licenses are available.

Bear Canisters:

In this unique landscape, there are few trees in which to hang bear bags. On this Trek, food and any “smellables” will be stored in bear canisters and placed 200 ft down-wind of where you are camped.

Mosquitoes and Bees:

Mosquitoes are particularly thick in Interior Alaska. We suggest that you bring long pants, a head net, and/or bug dope (20% deet is adequate). Picaridin is just as effective as deet without the side effects. It is not a solvent and it is non-toxic. The brand name is Cutter Advanced. If you are severely allergic to bee stings, we recommend a personal epi-kit or other form of medication. Be sure to notify your Trek Leader of special medical needs or allergies.

Leave No Trace:

For the most part you will be camping in established campsites on the Gulkana River. You do need to be aware that there may be some nights that you will be camping in a pristine area. In these pristine sites, you will not be able to have campfire and you will need to take extra care to follow Leave No Trace Principles. Your Trek Leader will go over all the principles before you hit the water. As part of our Leave No Trace Policy, we do not use soap or camp suds on our trips. Many of the streams and drainages are in pristine condition and we avoid adding nitrates or detergents to these waters. Waterless hand sanitizers are provided for hand cleaning and procedures for dishwashing are followed to ensure sanitary conditions without the use of soap. If you desire to use any personal hygiene items (lotions, sun block, deodorant) they must be placed in the bear area with the other “smellables” each night.

Weather and Climate:

Temperatures in the backcountry of Alaska will vary widely in the summers. Temperatures can range from a hot 90° F to a freezing 32° F. Rain is frequent particularly in July and August. We strongly suggest a good set of rain gear (top and bottoms) and you should dress in layers to accommodate for the changes in temperature. Gloves and hat are encouraged.