On Our Dog Sled Adventures

Daytime temperatures may range from above freezing to minus 20 degrees F, later in the season being on average warmer, but there is usually lots of brilliant sun at this time of year and considerable radiant heating. Temperatures at night may go down to minus 35 occasionally, but it is a very dry cold, and with our substantial Arctic parkas, snowpants, and other outerwear, and warm “arctic oven” tents and expedition sleeping bags you will be well protected. With the wood stove going in the tent or cabin, we can dry clothes and be comfortably warm.

Dogmushing

Driving dogs is something we think you’ll enjoy. The dogs like to run and their enthusiasm is contagious. We’ll fit you with a team of dogs sized to your weight and comfort level. We cover between 10 to 35 miles in a day depending on snow conditions and weather and the group’ s wishes. This can also include more or less “cabin time”. You don’t need to have Dog mushing experience– we will teach you– but it is strenuous (comparable to cross country skiing), so you need to be in good condition.

On the Springtime Tozi Mountains Backpacking Rafting Tour

The weather in late May and early June in this part of Alaska is usually moderate (20 degrees F at night at the higher elevations is the coldest, and 40 to 60 degrees F during the day) but often sunny, and ten to twenty degrees warmer at the lower elevations. The mosquitoes and gnats are not yet out except for a desultory few. Most of the walking is over high, mountainous, alpine tundra ridges, with great views of taller mountains to the north. Sometimes we may hit a caribou trail and follow it as long as we can, and we will occasionally cross spongy tussock fields, uneven ground that will slow us down for short stretches. Miles we cover per day will depend on the group. The walk is 35 miles, and we have up to 8 days to cover the distance. The rafting portion takes three days, and everyone paddles in four person rafts with a guide/captain in each– it’ s a great way to come home. We may use up to three of our sled dogs to accompany us and help pack some gear in dog packs, depending on the wishes of the group. They are personable creatures that are happy in their work and good company.

On the Yukon River - Ray Mountains - Hotsprings Backpacking Odyssey

The weather in this part of interior Alaska in late July and early August is usually between 45 and 75 degrees F, cooler at higher elevations or in a rainy period. There is a very remote possibility of snowfall at higher elevations, but it does not last on the ground. Mosquitoes have passed their late June peak, but are still occasionally present, as in all of Alaska. Insect repellent containing DEET is effective against them. Blueberries are available to pick all along our route. We will walk 42 miles, on average 4-5 miles per day, essentially cross-country, although sometimes on game trails or on open ridges or tundra. The bush plane flight from the end-point of our walk back to Tanana is very scenic and a neat way to see the big picture, but there is always the possibility of delays on account of weather, so travel insurance to cover the costs of possible delays for your connecting flights is a must. This is a strenuous trip and requires backpacking experiance, but you will see country unknown even to most Alaskans.

In General

We provide one or two guides depending on the number of clients, and welcome singles, couples, groups of friends, and families. We try to arrange tenting mates as seems sensible and as is acceptable to you. We can speak French and rudimentary Spanish if need be.

The trips include all meals and accommodation at tents and cabins while on the trips, and lodging in our guesthouse and meals with us while in Tanana. We’ll provide the equipment as mentioned, and will send you detailed recommendations on clothing and packing lists, and safety information along with an application on request.

We can help you make reservations for your flight from Fairbanks to Tanana and return, and also arrange hotel reservations in Fairbanks before and after your trip. Please contact us about any questions or for reservations. Our phone number is (907) 366-7111 or you may e-mail with the form on our contact page. If we’re out on a trip, we’ll be in touch as soon as we return.