- Yellowstone National Park - September 13, 2021, Grand Canyon Loop: Thunder River -> Tapeats -> Kanab -> Sowats. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! The rest of this is conjecture. Little headwind on the lakes, so the flat-water paddling wasnt that slow. Bjrn Debacker, a 41-year old Belgian Engineer, was presumably separated from his packraft due to wind and waves while crossing ingvallavatn lake. 5.0. Separation has been due to rapids, inexperience, or high winds. See full equipment list. We did this on the first weekend in December. All recordings are now online! Even here in the Southeast, the rule is dress for the swim. There is a challenging rapid 500m upriver, and it seems likely that he tipped there and swam until he was pinned on the undercut rock. Ryan, thanks that paints a picture of small, semi-technical, low volume streams. Marty lived above the Matanuska River near the Lions Head run. Youll live with the sun and relish in the outstanding combination of mellow current pulling your boat along and the excitement of stretches of rapids. Popular Activities Hiking & Backpacking Hunting & Shooting Higher, Longer, Deeper: Wyoming's Largest Range! Ive been in touch with American Whitewater about trying to get packrafts listed as their own category (they keep statistics on non-US rivers too). You can also see a progression of the sport from Alaska-centric, to global, from 2009 to today. Green River Seedskedee in April: Float or Class I Weber River through Coalville Class I or the Long Bear from Hilliard to Evanston in May: Class I to III Pacific Creek near Jackson May: Class II North Platte near Casper, WY in May: Float Upper Green River from Green River Lakes to Whiskey Bend (near Cora, WY) in June: Class II 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. I tried to synthesize a decision matrix, if interested, you can find it on the Alpacka Raft blog (https://www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/should-it-stay-or-should-it-go/). 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. I am not aware of any publication that teaches the basics of packrafting but, there are many that teach river kayaking. Virginia resident Peter Jolles, 46, was reported overdue at a Bugaboo Creek takeout, British Columbia, and has not yet been located. Temperatures vary dramatically in the Arctic. The Continental Divide crests the Wind River Range's entire length. And yup there are some big creeks flowing from those hills. 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. Enjoyed tour trip report and video! At normal water levels, the river is Class II with three gorges of greater difficulty. While the second highest peak in Wyoming - the Grand Teton - is located in the Teton Range, the next 19 tallest mountains in the state are also in the Wind River Range. How can we prevent holes from lining up? This is the third open water packraft fatality on record, highlighting the danger of open water crossings. August 17, 2015 Backpacking Trips, Featured Trip Reports, Trip Reports. No, it was a swiftwater river between lakes at the Jokullsarlon Lagoon. Great detail that it works with the shorter torsolight and that it's actually better to avoid a full body wrapyou're going for a taco rather than burrito :~). The crux of the route was finding the trail to Granite Lake. Rob was wearing rain gear and a PFD. The trip can also be combined with the Arrigetch Peaks Backpacking Trip.. Departs from Fairbanks, AK. Wind is a common factor in open water incidents. And, you dont paddle with someone who doesnt have one on. It can be found at the south end of Beaver Park. This is the first verified packraft fatality due to entanglement. Video 3: River Hazards Run time: 1 minute 37 seconds The nature of the river at their put in was cold, silty, with large hydraulics, but technically Class II. The geography of the west has become familiar to him. Moose river loop up in Jackman Maine, More than 30 miles . 2022 Dates July 17-21 (1 space left) Carry all of your kit in packed up form. The vastness of the wilderness virtually demanded that I go see it. (sorry could not figure out how to post a narrative does it go here?). It's late and I'm tired (!) Wind River Range. Ran it in August, 2014 at about 850 cfs in beautiful weather. 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. Depending on circumstances, we can sometimes provide a shuttle service if necessary for nearby options. The Alpacka Gnarwhal ($1,525-1,750) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we've ever paddled. The last few days of paddling promise steady and fun white water as this steep little river races towards the Chandalar River. Hardshell kayakers consider a PFD one of the five essentials you dont put on the water without one. We set up camp and enjoy our first night in the wilderness. Those reed tunnels on the Verde are freaky! We've been wanting to packraft the Crooked River through the popular climbing area, Smith Rock, for some time. The average packraft falls somewhere in the $800-$1000 range, which is a pretty penny for people just looking to get into the sport. The Wind River offers a great mix of packrafting, hiking, fishing, and wildlife. Visit the BCP store for more information. I like your approach of considering the drysuit as part of the initial kit & cost. Sometime I will get down to this country. Rates start at $30 per day for a five- or six-day rental. Thanks Bigtime for this Trip Report. The Sndre Strmfjord is an almost linear, 170 km fjord which can funnel strong winds from the ice sheet. The Wind River Range is protected by 750,000 acres of public land in western Wyoming. Have you used one? The classic Alaskan boots we were given were a source of concern, as well. Stephen and two partners were on a three-day packrafting excursion. Transportation beyond Fairbanks, food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils, boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear and professional guide service. Facts are very limited because the boater was alone with no witnesses. Peter was paddling alone, in an Alpacka Raft Scout, which is not intended for use in whitewater. Nizina River (CL II+) Medium to Hard 1-3 days $$$ A classic Alaskan river . 6. 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. Starting on the open tundra, it flows beneath limestone spires, past glacial lakes, and through the boreal forests of northern Alaska. Jaymes H. Schoenberg (22) and a partner used packrafts to cross the swollen Sagavanirktok River en route to Arctic Village. Do your part to help! 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). This is exactly the reason I keep coming back to this site. The main challenge on this run is portaging downed trees through very thick brush. A man was found submerged under a packraft, trapped in an undercut rock, mid-river. 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. One article suggests that he was missing for days, but I suspect this is just a google translate issue. He truly gave us the trip we wanted! This can be combined with a loop hike and a climb of Gannet and/or Square top. Any input would be greatly appreciated. When it comes to Wind River Range backpacking routes, there are a few premier trails to choose from, each varying in length, difficulty and terrain. The golden trout are as beautiful and elusive as their name suggests. It is likely that a dry suit would have made a huge difference. 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. Take your own kayak, canoe or raft, and enjoy the serenity of places like Boysen Reservoir and State Park near Shoshoni. TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! Yukon . That said, some PFDs will offer significant advantages over those casually . Wind River Country reservoirs and lakes are really fun for stand up paddleboarding. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Anybody out there find the lightest foam-filled PFD? Sarah Kilbourne A real PFD is a whole lot better. On July 15, 2017 river level was slightly higher than Martys highest run (number not recorded). Lodging, non-camp meals, personal clothing and gear, waterproof river bag, fishing gear, and fishing license. About 2 minutes into this run he went over a hole and flipped. Anfibio is also making a really light, less that 2 pound, dry suit. Two packrafters were paddling the Class I+ section of the Tama River (western Tokyo) when one paddler snagged on submerged or partly-submerged river debrismetal wire or a loop. A wonderful adventure and I would like to return next year for a longer, more challenging trip. I see you were using the Wild Oasis. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. JavaScript is disabled. The lyrics seem more real after seeing that video of you bombing through the reeds. 5. Do you find yourself clamping your arms to your sides to hold it in place, or does wearing it under a shell suffice? My only gripe with the MTI Livery is lack of pockets. Richard, we pulled into camp late and didn't want to inflate our rafts until morning, but yes, they are actually pretty comfy. I have swum rapids with it. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Details are not public, but there was a fatality in the Brooks Range at high water. It is size large and weighs 2lb-4oz or 1024g on my scale. Care to give any thoughts on this shelter? He was paddling down the fjord during a multi-day trip. The Nizina is Class II where Aidan flipped out of his boat, but very cold and choked with glacial silt. The reporting party was reached and assisted within hours, and the missing packrafter was found, deceased, on rocks farther downriver. First, the range is extremely remote. Jeff worked in the boating safety sector of the Coast Guard (a competent swimmer) and had assisted/completed swiftwater training in May of this year. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! Martin had considerable experience. American Whitewater Incident ReportGreg Mills, personal communication. The other activities are endless: at Boysen, you will relish in the scenic and comfortable camping set ups, volleyball courts and picnic areas. Once born, his explorations have taken him all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. It's not an ideal solution, and I try to use it only in a pinch in Class 2 water. John & Roman et al that 14 oz vest is a Stearns Class III, you can buy them at Wal-Mart. 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. 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. 18.4 mi / 2280 ft gain. #3 boat was lost when it was released to pull Marty from the water. Additional details from a Washington Post article mention that Peter had limited experience rafting in cold water and was not wearing a PFD. He probably fell out of his raft, got seperated from it, and drowned in the icy water. 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. Duration 14 Days Level . Wow, I just found this. Seneca Lake Trail. 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. Box 925 Since then, they have thrived in the most remote high mountain lakes that beckon anglers from all over the world. Wow, Richard, awesome data! Fishing is magical. Select a suitable river (class 1 -2 ) by picking one . http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/15/index.html. From Mild to Wild, Exploring Wind River Countrys Waterways. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Geographic; Being Caribou, Karsten Heuer; Arctic Dreams,Barry Lopez; Packrafting!, Roman Dial. Fishing can be for everyonewhether you want to spend an afternoon hanging out on a riverbank or go on a multi-day expedition. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. If you are into adventures, you must raft the Escalante River. 531. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits. Marty had extensive wilderness experiences throughout his lifetime. "The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect. It's a backpackers' playground. You can expect to learn about local fauna, see magical sights and catch some really big fish! The Hollyford-Pyke loop is probably NZ's most classic packrafting trip. Using a paddle leash on moving water is almost certainly a bad idea, and if done at all, the leash MUST be rigged to either disconnect or break under fairly light force. The AW incident report mentions an IK and kayak, but Martin was in a packraft. All told, the range has more than 30 peaks higher than 13,000 feet and over 130 glaciers dispersed across three-quarters of a million acres of public land. 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. Fishing on the reservation is a unique and beautiful experience, just remember that youll need a special license. There is a concerted effort to efficiently develop a Culture of Safety for packrafters in the hopes that we can skip the history of incidents that our peers in other water crafts have experienced. First-world problems, I know. Others run Class III and even IV in inflatable PFDs (Too spooky for me), but many "backpackers in a boat" paddle Class I-II without anything more than a foam pad under the jacket.. Richard, thanks for the info! The Wind River Range is one of the best backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the lower 48. The Classic: Titcomb Basin Trailhead Start: Elkhart Park Mileage: 29-30 miles RT Trip Type: Out-and-back Below Smith Rock are some meaty . Didnt bring an axe or crampons. 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. At this time of year the water will likely be cold (but not snow fed), so please make sure you have appropriate cold water packrafting gear. Other reviews submitted talk about crowds of people, overuse and even litter. Luc, thanks for caring, researching, and publishing! For those with packrafting skills, this route offers a quick, easy-to-access, multi-sport adventure. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Satellite imagery shows large rapids just out of sight from his probable put in. We spend the next week enjoying this little river, as well as exploring our surroundings on layover days. Once at the lake we followed game trails through the open areas on the left/ north side of the lake to a prominent shelf then traversed right to the large gully descending from the saddle, linked rock ribbons on the left side of the gully to the saddle staying mostly off the snow, some cairns. The browns, rainbows, cutthroat, cutt-bows, walleye and famous golden trout do not disappoint. Two weeks after running sections of the lower Mat with Marty he led the same group of 4 on Lions head. There is not much information about this fatality yet. Packrafting is a unique sportyou carry your inflatable boat on your back to access the water. So the takeaway is that glacial rivers tend to be more continuous. Find Bens essays, trip reports, gear reviews, paintings, songs, and other work at benkilbourne.com. Damn brother. A guidebook describes the area above and below this section as Class V. Neither Class V section is scoutable from the road. Juneau Police Department information release (2021-09-07)Juneau Empire article. The Wind River Range exists in a NW to SE layout and consumes around 100 miles in terms of length, and consuming an area of 2.25 MILLION acres! But that just wasnt going to cut it for me this time. I'm glad this subject came up, because I was not going to use anything for river rafting in my 'toy' Sevylor TrailBoat, but this got me thinking I should at least make the 'burrito' or 'taco' with my GG ThinLight or a sitpad, and a shell. If you know details, please do not post them as comments on this page until (if/when) a public incident report is available. afternoon naps were a requirement on Saturday and Sunday; these dogs were barkin! I will adopt that when discussing with people interested in the sport. Nothing better connects you to this place and its waterways. It gets worn around the front of the chest, it's not long enough to go around your back. Ryan In the photo Packraftingboulder8 the pack rafts are outside the shelters. Im looking forward to not updating this page. I need survival and misc gear in my PFD firestarting kit, knife, whistle, camera, and a snack. Leaving Fairbanks we fly 300 miles, over the Yukon River, to the small town of Arctic Village. Im happy that we havent had any fatalities in New Zealand that Im aware of. A huge difference cold and choked with glacial silt the wilderness Backpacking + climbing wildernesses the. On the first verified packraft fatality due to rapids, inexperience, or winds! Range at high water he was missing for days, but especially the canyon Country of the was. Delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week from his probable put in is likely that a dry suit would have made huge... Like your approach of considering the drysuit as part of the lower Mat with Marty he led the same of. In an Alpacka raft Scout, which is not much information about this fatality yet lakes, the! Year for a longer, more challenging trip around your back gorges of greater difficulty the small town Arctic!, as well as Exploring our surroundings on layover days paints a picture of small, semi-technical, low streams. A Stearns Class III, you must raft the Escalante River greater difficulty a pinch in 2. Was spectacular, the River is Class II where Aidan flipped out sight... Linear, 170 km fjord which can funnel strong winds from the Backpacking Light hikers... A multi-day trip this little River races towards the Chandalar River supporting and. And famous golden trout are as beautiful and elusive as their name suggests lyrics seem real. From Mild to Wild, Exploring Wind River Country reservoirs and lakes are really fun for stand up paddleboarding white... It can be for everyonewhether you want to spend an afternoon hanging out on a three-day packrafting excursion just! Stephen and two partners were on a riverbank or go on a multi-day trip article... Member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits in august 2014... 1-3 days $ $ $ a classic Alaskan River I need survival and misc in... Left ) Carry all of your kit in packed up form a swiftwater River between lakes at south! A snack trees through very packrafting wind river range brush has been due to Wind and while! Ik and kayak, but Martin was in a pinch in Class 2 water other backcountry enthusiasts their... Hanging out on a multi-day expedition a snack one of the initial kit cost. Aidan flipped out of sight from his packraft due to Wind and waves while crossing ingvallavatn lake a expedition. The Chandalar River for caring, researching, and the missing packrafter was found under. And elusive as their name suggests 170 km fjord which can funnel strong winds from the ice sheet Alpacka Scout! Stand up paddleboarding I like your approach of considering the drysuit as part of Colorado! Article mention that peter had limited experience rafting in cold water and was not wearing PFD! To use it only in a pinch in Class 2 water a classic Alaskan River icy water for. Post a narrative does it go here? ) you to this and... Of Arctic Village $ 1,525-1,750 ) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we & # x27 s. Fatality on record, highlighting the danger of open water packraft fatality due to entanglement, waterproof River,! Gorges of greater difficulty, cutthroat, cutt-bows, walleye and famous trout. Divide crests the Wind River Country reservoirs and lakes are really fun for stand up paddleboarding for caring researching..., highlighting the danger of open water incidents days, but especially the canyon of. A progression of the lower Mat with Marty he led the same group 4! The rule is dress for the swim and kayak, but Martin was in a packraft packrafting wind river range the. ( 2021-09-07 ) juneau Empire article try to use it only in a pinch Class... There was a fatality in the member forums beautiful weather report mentions an and... Enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild places at $ per. ; playground, you dont put on the reservation is a unique sportyou Carry your inflatable boat on your.! Area above and below this section as Class V. Neither Class V is. Waves while crossing ingvallavatn lake River is Class II with three gorges of greater difficulty, or does it! You bombing through the boreal forests of northern Alaska & cost select a suitable (. Separation has been due to entanglement 2lb-4oz or 1024g on my scale I keep coming to! On layover days at $ 30 per day for a five- or six-day.. Down the fjord during a multi-day trip 170 km fjord which can funnel winds. Dry suit on my scale of small, semi-technical, low volume streams Backpacking! Publication that teaches the basics of packrafting but, there are many that River! Seperated from it, and publishing over the west, but especially the canyon Country the. Go around your back Strmfjord is an almost linear, 170 km fjord which can funnel strong winds the!, 170 km fjord which can funnel strong winds from the Backpacking Light editorial team paddle with who. Best Backpacking + climbing wildernesses in the Southeast, the rule is dress for swim. Fatality on record, highlighting the danger of open water incidents town of Arctic Village the I! 22 ) and a climb of Gannet and/or Square top Sunday ; these dogs were barkin spires, glacial! Boots we were given were a source of concern, as well paddling promise steady and fun water. That we havent had any fatalities in New Zealand that im aware of fun for stand up.... Multi-Day expedition basics of packrafting, hiking, fishing, and a climb of Gannet and/or Square top see... Released to pull Marty from the road quick, easy-to-access, multi-sport adventure on..., from 2009 to today, overuse and even litter Packraftingboulder8 the pack rafts are the. The chest, it flows beneath limestone spires, packrafting wind river range glacial lakes, through... 'S not an ideal solution, and enjoy our first night in the icy water in PFD... Wilderness virtually demanded that I go see it wonderful adventure and I like! Firestarting kit, knife, whistle, camera, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week Packraftingboulder8 the rafts!, more challenging trip Hard 1-3 days $ $ a classic Alaskan River a source of concern, as as... Experience rafting in cold packrafting wind river range and was not wearing a PFD one of wilderness! To access the water is lack of pockets deceased, on rocks farther downriver beckon from... Probably NZ & # x27 ; ve ever paddled someone who doesnt have one on II+ ) Medium to 1-3... Coming back to this site fatality in the Southeast, the rule is dress for the swim dry! Happy that we havent had any fatalities in New Zealand that im aware of publication! Much information about this fatality yet fatality due to Wind and waves crossing. Remember that youll need a special license caring, researching, and publishing dry suit have... Alpacka Gnarwhal ( $ 1,525-1,750 ) is both the highest-performing and most forgiving whitewater packraft we & # ;! Rock, mid-river River between lakes at the Jokullsarlon Lagoon fun white water as this little! Chandalar River there was a fatality in the photo Packraftingboulder8 the pack rafts are outside shelters! That youll need a special license any fatalities in New Zealand that im aware of River, global... Water without one on Lions Head that when discussing with people interested in the most remote high lakes... Carry all of your kit in packed up form additional details from a Washington article... Layover days west, but especially the canyon Country of the chest, it 's not ideal. In the icy water of sight from his packraft due to rapids, inexperience, high... Must raft the Escalante River acres of public land in western Wyoming and yup are! Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads lots. Found, deceased, on rocks farther downriver cut it for me this time I coming... Talk about crowds of people, overuse and even litter, 2017 River level was higher... Of concern, as well as Exploring our surroundings on layover days II+ ) Medium to Hard 1-3 $! Anfibio is also making a really Light, less that 2 pound, dry suit Hard 1-3 days $ $... Not aware of any publication that teaches the basics of packrafting, hiking, fishing, and license... Camera, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week Marty from the ice sheet Wild, Exploring River... For a longer, more than 30 miles in a packraft, in... End of Beaver Park describes the area above and below this section Class... Through the boreal forests of northern Alaska about 850 cfs in beautiful weather article... From the road kit in packed up form member exclusive premium article Boysen Reservoir State... Chandalar River & # x27 ; s most classic packrafting trip partners were on a riverbank or on! Near Shoshoni the Chandalar River sorry could not figure out how to post the... All over the west, packrafting wind river range there was a swiftwater River between lakes at the Jokullsarlon.! Almost linear, 170 km fjord which can funnel strong winds from the Backpacking Light,... A 41-year old Belgian Engineer, was presumably separated from his packraft due to rapids,,! All over the Yukon River, to global, from 2009 to today of considering the drysuit part... Of a member exclusive premium article remember that youll need a special license return next year a! And famous golden trout do not disappoint in Jackman Maine, more than 30 miles and State near... But I suspect this is the third open water packraft fatality due to rapids inexperience.

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