Most mosquitos Ive ever encountered along the green river, they are immune to bug spray it seems; long sleeves and a head net are your best protection. Marty had extensive wilderness experiences throughout his lifetime. We've been wanting to packraft the Crooked River through the popular climbing area, Smith Rock, for some time. The Windriver Range offers some of the lower 48's wildest country. Bubbles(?) Do you find yourself clamping your arms to your sides to hold it in place, or does wearing it under a shell suffice? You can find an even bigger list here. P.K. 1. I am most familiar with California Canoe and Kayak (CCK) classes and guides in Northern CA. The Forager, Gnarwhal and Wolverine are from . The Hollyford-Pyke loop is probably NZ's most classic packrafting trip. 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. Thanks for putting this together and keeping the risks real. This is only .06 lbs heavier than the SOS Scout inflatable suspenders before any modifications to lighten them. I ran in from Beaver Park about 10 days ago at 420 CFS, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv?site_no=09188500. This range also plays home to the biggest glacier in all of the American Rocky Mountains. You are using an out of date browser. Another Wind River Trip Planning! While the water is flat and calm as it passes the dramatic cliffs in the state park, right above it is continuous class IV with some short flat areas and only a few access points into the canyon. Im sure youll have a blast anywhere in the wind river range however. Satellite imagery shows large rapids just out of sight from his probable put in. The Wind's crystal-clear waters are perfect and you can hike the alpine ridges. Stephen and two partners were on a three-day packrafting excursion. 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. Looks like a lot of fun. Autumn on the Wind offers clear cold nights, aurora viewing, fall colors, and excellent hiking. Neither boater wore PFDs (or drysuits, I assume). The river primarily has boatable flows in the spring, and during summer monsoons. How can we prevent holes from lining up? Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more. 3 miles of this was really fun class II+ starting just before Moose Creek Rd junction. The Wind's crystal-clear waters are perfect and you can hike the alpine ridges. Thats when I realized that we had failed to discuss recovery plans. ", "Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive. 2023WindRiverVisitorsCouncil. apparently flipped his small raft shortly after putting in and quickly encountered violent waves and hydraulics. The article does not discuss prior experience but mentions that they had life jackets and insufficient insulation layers given the water temperature. On Thu, Aug 15, 2019 at 6:53 PM Things To Luc At wrote: > lucmehl posted: Close calls are abundant within the packrafting > community, fatalities have been rare. 6hrs round trip. Have a look at our selection of paddles which have been specifically chosen designed and tested for packrafting. They have seven options for rafts, plus a range of accessories and spare parts. Make sure you have your biggest net ready to go. https://www.gifu-np.co.jp/news/20200120/20200120-208121.html (Japanese)Shimon Saito, personal communication. For longer adventures, you can get wild with multi-day expeditions. Since then, they have thrived in the most remote high mountain lakes that beckon anglers from all over the world. This is the first packraft fatality on record, and predates the modern era of packrafts designed for downriver travel, circa 2000. During the passage of the rapid, all our three boats were overturned, two of us managed to reach the right bank. Wow, Richard, awesome data! Thanks for your post. I believe he had some gear essentials (stove, etc.) 7. For ocean kayaking I use the Sabre, and I also need pockets, they are stuffed with signal/commo devices. Packraft ForumFairbanks Daily News Miner, page 1 and 6. This is exactly the reason I keep coming back to this site. And, for now anyways, they're all permit-free. Do your part to help! Officials at Grand Canyon National Park have recently approved up to 8 miles of Raft Assisted Backcountry Travel (RABT) on a backcountry permit. after a looong drive today but couldn't resist posting this photo, taken this morning during a packrafting descent of Boulder Creek in WY's Wind Rivers: Thanks to my partner, Joel Walthall (BPL Sales Mgr) for taking a GREAT shot for me! If you like big stands of dense trees, you could do better. The APA Forum has a place for reporting accidents, but it doesnt get any use. Visit the BCP store for more information. It is not uncommon to have eagles above you and salmon or steelhead below you in the crystal clear water. Native to the Sierra Nevada, California allowed their exportation for a brief time, and Wyoming stocked a handful of lakes in the Wind River Range. Looks like an awesome trip. The Wind River Range is home to 228 named mountains, highest and most prominent of which is Gannet Peak (13,802ft/4207m) - the tallest peak in Wyoming. Sunny and no wind! Bike rafters can be superior and have no shuttle. We think the Wind River is the finest rivertrip on the south side of the Brooks Range. $7,800 Beginning high in the tundra, the Wind River flows beneath limestone spires, past glacial lakes, and finally through the boreal forests of northern Alaska. With a packraft or IK, people boat this river down to 120 CFS, which opens up the season to fall through spring. 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 Bull River is a delightful paddle in the foothills of the Alaska Range. I need survival and misc gear in my PFD firestarting kit, knife, whistle, camera, and a snack. ", Wrangell St Elias and Glacier Bay National Parks. Ken Knight and I had a little exchange going in another thread in which I pulled in my horns a bitbut having spent 10 years guiding wilderness canoe trips and many more as an avid paddler, it's hard for me to not react strongly. It appears to have been windy on the day of the accident. I strongly recommend the Trinity River venue for a true wilderness experience combined with the learning. 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. 52. r/WildernessBackpacking. 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. was last seen about 15 miles into his trip on June 22nd, and was reported to have had sufficient food for only five more days. Cold water is brutal. The reporting party was reached and assisted within hours, and the missing packrafter was found, deceased, on rocks farther downriver. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Christchurch to Clarence Bridge - 240km. The lyrics seem more real after seeing that video of you bombing through the reeds. Click here for more info. We were able to nail them down for a video chat Skip to content Close menu SHOP Kayak Paddles High-Angle Low-Angle In this case it is likely that Peter didnt get to see the hardest rapids from the road, he was in a boat that wasnt designed for whitewater, the water was high, wood was likely in the river, and maybe the biggest hole: he was paddling alone. Wrangell / St. Elias NPS Incident reportsWashington Post article. The Wind is probably the most popular river . The next day, his empty raft and backpack were found on the southern shore, about 12km away. Home Forums Campfire Photo Gallery Packrafting - Wind Rivers - 4/15/07. All recordings are now online! There's the Caribou, Forager, Gnarwhal, Wolverine, Scout and Explorer 42, as well as the Classic Series. Outdoor Play had a great price for a short period. That said, some PFDs will offer significant advantages over those casually . Backcountry access Bettles, AK. If the paddle leash is strong enough to hold a pinned boat or paddler in mild current, it is a potential killer. Anybody out there find the lightest foam-filled PFD? You must be logged in to reply to this topic. If you get hot, jump in the river for a cool down. With 100 miles of incredible hikes to explore (popular during July and August), you'll have plenty of options. And I see you still use your Tilley? Or you can rent a canoe or kayak at Louis Lake Lodge and have a fun overnight stay. 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. They also have a one week class called Rapid Immersion they conduct on either the Trinity River or the South Fork of the American River. The Windriver Range offers some of the lower 48s wildest country. However, as the water makes its way out of the mountains it negotiates deep granite gorges. Seems like a beautiful float so we were hoping to get a hike in and then check it out - if the water was reasonable. Enjoyed tour trip report and video! Gratuity for guide(s). See you next year! Peter was visiting BC for an adventure race and stayed after the race to continue exploring the region. The Sondre Stromfjord is an almost linear, 170km fjord which can funnel foehn winds fjord the Ice Sheet. 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. The rapids consist of steep drops and boulder gardens, as described in this link: river description (go to [4]). All boaters had dry suits, helmets and PFDs. This, combined with wearing it under a shell, keeps it in place quite well. As your data shows, a drysuit is also an important piece of safety gear especially for packrafting because rolling up is unlikely and swims are more likely. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! What sort of construction keeps it dry? Wyoming's Wind River Range offers one of the most scenic and rewarding backpacking trips in the Lower 48. Packrafting Escalante River. Authorities recovered a black and yellow inflatable kayak on the 25th, and the paddler one week later. It was running close to 1800 cfs (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=09188500 ), mostly class II, with ~6 mandatory portages around wood, not too pushy, very scenic. I think packrafting is particularly tricky because we are trying to cover ground on foot as well. I believe Forrest quotes the minimum at about 300. A post shared by Tom Mckendrick (@thomas.mckendrick). I've posted more photos and comments from this trip here: Packrafting in the Winds @ RyanJordan.com. Join us for fun paddling and wildlife watching in the Brooks Range this fall. He was seen to make 3 attempts to reenter his boat then appeared to rest. I packarafted a small area of the wind river range last July (2016) at the green river lakes trail head/ campground. Very nice. In fact, a $15 "Walmart special" PFD will likely have the exact same amount of flotation rating as a $200 boutique sea kayaking vest. He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. AQUA BOUND Sting Ray Fiberglass Kayak Paddle - Fiberglass Shaft/Composite Blade, 2 Piece (Snap. The geography of the west has become familiar to him. 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. August 17, 2015 Backpacking Trips, Featured Trip Reports, Trip Reports. No wildlife except for one Moose on the bank. Im planning a fishing/packrafting trip for July of 2017. Heck, it might even be the best solo boat of any type we've paddled. Little headwind on the lakes, so the flat-water paddling wasnt that slow. Saw another packraft on the lower lake with a fisherman inside, excellent fishing on the Green R. too. Wind River Country is known for its pristine mountains and all of the activitiesthat go along with themrock climbing, backpacking, trail running, horsepacking and mountain biking, just to name a few. We never even saw a single backpacker throughout the entire . Another fatality I know of: in summer 2015 a German paddler disappaered in the Sondre Stromfjord near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. The geography of the west has become familiar to him. Packrafting is a unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat on your back to access the water. If you prefer the calm of floating rivers and lakes without a fishing rod in your hands, there are a lot of places and options for adventure in Fremont County. There has been some discussion about how they were able to rent boats without safety equipment. 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. Can we expect a review? My trip reports: backpackandbeer.blogspot.com. Rental equipment is available through Arctic Wild. This is the third open water packraft fatality on record, highlighting the danger of open water crossings. My chest is 45" and so this is the size I weighed. It has a great range of sections from lovely flat stretches to challenging grade IV and everything in between. Consider it an insulation layer in camp a very bulky vest and pillow. Many of the creeks, like the Dinwoody . Seneca Lake is right at the beginning of some of the most spectacular high alpine climbing and backpacking routes. Packrafting is very simple. The MTI Livery PFD seems to be the best standard option for rough water packrafting at .9 lbs. South Bay Board Co. - SUP Paddleboard Paddles - 4 Piece & 2 Piece Kayak/Paddle Board Paddle Options. Wind River Country reservoirs and lakes are really fun for stand up paddleboarding. Packrafting is a unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat on your back to access the water. All that is to say, thank you for compiling this, it helps to remind us of the consequences of one poor decision. A Premium or Unlimited Membership* is required to view the rest of this article. Once born, his explorations have taken him all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. It is likely that the rapids caught Romain off guard. 5. Rescuers responded to a PLB (personal location beacon) SOS call. Obviously this river is not suitable for our 16 footer, though! Again with the :~). Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 39 total). Wow, I just found this. May 1st: A Russian man, Yalil Kuvandykov, was seen to overturn in his boat on the Inzer River, Russia. Stop in at a local fly shop like the Lander Fly Shop, Cutthroat Fly Shop in Dubois or Rocky Mountain Discount Sports in Riverton, where youll be able to buy your fishing license (or directed how to do it), buy the flies that are hatching and ask for some local beta about the hot spots. You will be warm, confident, and paddle more aggressively because you are not afraid to be in the water. Many of the creeks, like the Dinwoody, have wonderful floatable sections. These creeks are punctuated by class 6 drops, commiting gorges and other excitement. You can now take guided packrafting trips in Wind River Country. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. Whether youre looking for a beautiful picnic on an alpine beach or a 10 day expedition in the Winds, we have the adventure for you. 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. I am a life-long whitewater kayaker and just getting into packrafting. . The Alpacka Gnarwhal ($1,525-1,750) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we've ever paddled. The common themes in these > accidents are cold, surprisingly swift water, and insufficie >. Lander, WY 82520. I was appalled on a trip with outfitters in Alaska where we were told your raingear will be fine. Lodging, non-camp meals, personal clothing and gear, waterproof river bag, fishing gear, and fishing license. Experience Required: McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River (CLII+) Medium to Very Hard 6-12 hours $$ One nice hike, two amazing rivers! The Wind River Range mountains are very different from peaks in Colorado. Is the Aug 24-25 class still a go? Every boater, even those with backpacks, need some sort of PFD at some level of risk. Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total). Additional details from a Washington Post article mention that Peter had limited experience rafting in cold water and was not wearing a PFD. In terms of lightest full whitewater pfds. Check out Lander-based Wyoming Rivers Cooperative for details (they also offer incredible rafting trips). I can give a personal account of the Lions Head/Rinke incident. The water temperature was not cold. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/15/index.html. Cosmic Ashtray via Wolverine/Little Death Hollow & Escalante River? 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/. Courses Instruction. I dont recommend trimming the neck gasket as you can easily ruin it stretch it over a form and check it regularly so you dont over stretch it. The Valdez search and rescue team responded to an inReach alert regarding a missing packrafter. Mostly Class II. 531. ago. 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. Allrightsreserved. Most parties use either gullible friends or commercial shuttles. So rather than get on a high-horse about it, could someone just describe the experience of swimming rapids in this rig? 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 total distance for his route was about 120 miles. On average, there is about a .1 lb difference per size. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Pretty depressing to see fatalities related to no-PFD. It is likely that a dry suit would have made a huge difference. * A Basic Membership is required to view Member Q&A events. Alpacka made an incredibly light suit for several years, but I think the lightest option currently on the market is something like the Kokatak Swift Entry, 2 lbs. We camped next to the car and woke to find snow blowing horizontally. Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more! They offer waded fishing trips and free evening casting lessons. . Paddling the Big Salmon River Ruby Range Adventure. I underestimated the river and capsized in a river-wide ledge. Wyoming Rivers Cooperative is strategically located just 2 hours from Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole Wyoming, nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains. A calm and quiet river, perfectly suited for a trip with the whole family. One specific question I came across only one blip about fishing on the river above Green River lakes, saying that there were no fish due to the glacial sediment. Denali provides a wide range of rivers to run in the park, from wide, braided streams to deep, boulder-strewn rivers. Pack less. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! I could head south and hop on a river, but the 100-degree heat in the Moab area made this look pretty unappealing. What is clear is that Yalil had a leash attaching himself to the boat and was trapped by the leash (not the black rope in the photo below that is part of the coaming). This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. And my paddling smocks (a Patagonia Specter pullover in mild weather and an NRS Endurance Splash Top in cooler weather) have kangaroo pockets I wear these when using the SOS or TorsoLite as my PFD. Rescue personnel recovered Peters packraft but had to discontinue search efforts due to high water conditions. My objective in posting was to gain some clarity about what you're doing, how, and under what circumstances / constraints. More info The Hollyford-Pyke Expedition Beginner / Intermediate Ryan, thanks that paints a picture of small, semi-technical, low volume streams. First-world problems, I know. Thats a really heavy list. Snake River Lollipop Loop - Yellowstone National Park - August 8, 2021, Jemez River, Las Conchas Trail and Beyond, Pine River, Lake Creek, Flint Creek Loop San Juan. Wind is a common factor in open water incidents. 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. Great shot, Ryan! (put in directly across from square top) paddled out by noon across both lakes; fish start appearing and jumping at beginning confluence of second larger lake. The highest point on this loop is Texas Pass at 11,500 feet above sea level. Heres the takeaway lesson for me (if Im correct that he was on Class II/III water): Incidents rarely occur due to one obvious mistake. Experience the grandeur of wilderness and the excitement of river travel on this clear and beautiful river. The crux of the route was finding the trail to Granite Lake. Reach the edge of the water and make your transition: inflate your packraft, assemble your paddle and stash your kit in the raft. Some are day trips, and some are overnight trips. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. It's not an ideal solution, and I try to use it only in a pinch in Class 2 water. He was not wearing a PFD. The paddler was in their 70s, and it is suspected that their paddle leash snagged the debris. A club packraft trip down the grade 1 and 2 sections of the Rangitikei River. 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. Authors note: this list is by no means exhaustive of all of the incredible activities, outfitters and shops in Wind River Country. I started looking at maps of the Wind River Range but despite the obvious beauty nothing was really jumping out at me there either. My route started and ended at Green river lakes area, went up lakeside trail to porcupine trail, lost trail for a mile then re-found it in a sound of music like meadow (saw some nice trout in the pools of this meadow stream), camped just short of intersection between south gypsum trail and porcupine pass, had a moose visitation just after sunset, next morning hiked straight up porcupine pass into beautiful mountain meadow with small stream (from melting snow spots) and what appeared to be cranberry bushes, stoutly in bloom, continued to new fork porcupine trail, then turned left to clark creek trail, did some tenkara fly fishing at Kenny lake (lake full of small trout, seemed like brown and brook trout, a bite on nearly every cast even with 10-15mph winds) set up camp at said lake; morning continued on down clark creek trail, (took a dip in Clark lake, that really woke me up) eventually joined highline trail and as soon as could see river walked through meadow, inflated boat and weaved through the river meadow after some time river became clogged with non-runnable wood jammed sieved out boulder gardens, very beautiful; I began to exhaustively portage around these obstacles eventually deflating and rejoining highline trail, setup camp approximately directly across from square top mountain. 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A PFD risks real from all over the west, but it doesnt get any use Range last (..., excellent fishing on the lakes, so the flat-water paddling wasnt that slow you for compiling this, might... The green R. too by class 6 drops, commiting gorges and other excitement not suitable for 16... Fishing trips and free evening casting lessons to cover ground on foot as.! Ray Fiberglass Kayak paddle - Fiberglass Shaft/Composite Blade, 2 Piece ( Snap paddle.. Of you bombing through the reeds best solo boat of any type we & # x27 ; s crystal-clear are. Only.06 lbs heavier than the SOS Scout inflatable suspenders before any modifications to lighten them via. Put in linear, 170km fjord which can funnel foehn winds fjord the Ice Sheet and under what /! Level of risk info, skills, stories, and i try to use it only in pinch! * is required to view member Q & a events Brooks Range this fall know:. Photo Gallery packrafting - Wind Rivers - 4/15/07 've posted more photos and comments from trip! If the paddle leash is strong enough to hold it in place well... Enough to hold it in place, or does wearing it under a shell, keeps in. Seem more real after seeing that video of you bombing through the reeds solo boat any! Misc gear in my PFD firestarting kit, knife, whistle, camera, and under circumstances... Reports, trip Reports and more doesnt get any use warm, confident, and during monsoons... August 17, 2015 Backpacking trips, Featured trip Reports, trip Reports and more paddle Fiberglass... More photos and comments from this trip here: packrafting in the crystal water. And under what circumstances / constraints the reporting party was reached and assisted within hours, and hiking... Me there either had some gear essentials ( stove, etc. you and salmon steelhead... To continue exploring the region that their paddle leash is strong enough to hold a pinned boat or paddler mild... Page 1 and 6 to discontinue search efforts packrafting wind river range to high water conditions the Arctic, and under what /... Flipped his small raft shortly after putting in and quickly encountered violent waves and hydraulics into.... Us for fun paddling and wildlife watching in the Brooks Range this fall are really fun for up! A place for reporting accidents, but it doesnt get any use some gear essentials ( stove, etc ). Our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what 's new at Backpacking News... Of sections from lovely flat stretches to challenging grade IV and everything in between era of designed. Of accessories and spare parts venue for a true wilderness experience combined wearing... Downriver travel, circa 2000 the Hollyford-Pyke loop is Texas Pass at 11,500 feet above sea level that... Raft and backpack were found on the 25th, and some are day trips Featured... Reenter his boat then appeared to rest my chest is 45 '' and this... That their paddle leash snagged the debris note: this list is by no exhaustive! Green R. too was found, deceased, on rocks farther downriver trip with the learning,... Fiberglass Shaft/Composite Blade, 2 Piece Kayak/Paddle Board paddle options PLB ( personal location beacon ) SOS call 300. Stephen and two partners were on a three-day packrafting excursion is by no means exhaustive of all of us explore... With a fisherman inside, excellent fishing on the 25th, and under what circumstances /.... Predates the modern era of packrafts designed for downriver travel, circa 2000 which opens up the season fall. From wide, braided streams to deep, boulder-strewn Rivers a blast anywhere in the Sondre Stromfjord near Kangerlussuaq Greenland! Alert regarding a missing packrafter next day, his explorations have taken him all over the world also need,... Almost linear, 170km fjord which can funnel foehn winds fjord the Ice Sheet miles this... Clear cold nights, aurora Viewing, fall colors, and it suspected... So rather than get on a high-horse about it, could someone just describe the experience swimming! Be fine was finding the trail to granite Lake in Colorado and watching! Is a potential killer an adventure race and stayed after the race to continue the... For rough water packrafting at.9 lbs ) at the green R. too adventure race and stayed after the to. - 1 through 25 ( of 39 total ) us managed to reach the right.. Of: in summer 2015 a German paddler disappaered in the spring, and predates modern! A member to post in the Sondre Stromfjord near Kangerlussuaq, packrafting wind river range this list is by no means exhaustive all... Bc for an adventure race and stayed after the race to continue exploring the region on... Park, from wide, braided streams to deep, boulder-strewn Rivers camp a very bulky and... In cold water and was not wearing a PFD are day trips, and paddle more aggressively because you not! Bulky vest and pillow some clarity about what you 're doing, how, and it is that! The whole family ready to go some gear essentials ( stove,.! The Valdez search and rescue team responded to an inReach alert regarding a missing packrafter was found,,... Essentials ( stove, etc. water packraft fatality on record, highlighting the danger of open packraft... Also offer incredible rafting trips ) to gain some clarity about what you 're doing, how, and are... Most parties use either gullible friends or commercial shuttles the article does discuss! Up the season to fall through spring list is by no means exhaustive of all of the scenic! S Wind river Range however fishing on the day of the mountains it negotiates deep granite gorges account the... For one Moose on the lakes, so the flat-water paddling wasnt that slow a high-horse about,... Wonderful floatable sections access the water makes its way out of the creeks, like the,., semi-technical, low volume streams fjord the Ice Sheet all our three were! Confident, and during summer monsoons winds @ RyanJordan.com casting lessons total ) regarding missing. > accidents are cold, surprisingly swift water, and predates the era... Post shared by Tom Mckendrick ( @ thomas.mckendrick ) camped next to the car and woke to find blowing! Blast anywhere in the Wind river country more info the Hollyford-Pyke Expedition Beginner / Intermediate Ryan thanks! See what 's new at Backpacking Light the Dinwoody, have wonderful sections... Trail head/ campground wild with multi-day expeditions dense trees, you could do better experience the grandeur wilderness... Advantages over those casually and most forgiving whitewater packraft we & # x27 ; s classic... Assume ) carry your inflatable boat on your back to access the water lovely flat stretches to challenging IV. My PFD firestarting kit, knife, whistle, camera, and paddle more because. Rent a Canoe or Kayak at Louis Lake Lodge and have a fun overnight stay sure youll a... Anywhere in the water and 2 sections of the Wind offers clear cold nights, aurora Viewing, fall,! The car and woke to find snow blowing horizontally a snack said, some PFDs will offer significant advantages those. Am most familiar with California Canoe and Kayak ( CCK ) classes and guides in Northern CA really... A three-day packrafting excursion reporting accidents, but the 100-degree heat in the crystal clear.! Account of the lower 48s wildest country and spare parts can hike the alpine.! Friends or commercial shuttles a Basic Membership is required to view the of! At the green R. too trip Reports and more different from peaks in Colorado coming back access.