How do I get to McCarthy Alaska?
This
is one of the top questions we get asked. One of the reasons that
folks like to come out to this corner of Alaska is that it's remote,
even by Alaska standards. But that means it takes a bit more planning
for transportation.
You can get to McCarthy by motor vehicle or air. Access into
McCarthy from where the road ends at the Kennicott river is via
a footbridge - you must park near the bridge. Transportation will
be provided from the footbridge in to town. Click for more information
on getting to McCarthy.
What's included
in the cost?
Unless otherwise specified, the cost listed for each trip is
from arrival in McCarthy. It includes all costs of the trek:
- Bush flight in and out of the backcountry
- All meals for the trek
- Group gear (tents, stove, cooking gear, etc.)
- Professional guide
- First aid kit
- Etc.
Not included in the cost is:
- R/T Transportation to Alaska
- R/T Transportation to McCarthy
- Lodging in McCarthy before and after the trek
- Meals in McCarthy
What gear do I need to bring?
Trek Alaska provides all group gear including tents, stoves,
fuel and fuel cannisters, cooking gear, dining tarp, all food
for the trip, first aid kit, VHF radio and all other equipment
that will be shared by the entire group. This gear will be devided
among participants for carrying.
Each participant will need to provide all of their own personal
gear such as pack, sleeping pad and bag, boots, clothing, eating
utensils, etc.
See our gear checklist for a complete listing of what you will
need to bring.
What do the guides do for us?
Your guide
will meet you upon arrival and manage all the logistics of your wilderness
trip until your departure. While in the McCarthy/Kennicott area they
can arrange for local transportation, Kennicott tours or other details.
They will meet with the group the night before departure into the
backcountry and go over everyone's gear and distribute food and other
group gear.
In the backcountry your guide will manage all organizational aspects
of day to day life in the mountains. He will take charge of route
finding and navigation and be responsive to the client's needs and
interests. The guide will take care of meal preparation and other
camp chores although group participation is always appreciated.
Beyond these basic functions, your guide will do all he can to
make your trip as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. He also will
take advantage of opportunities to teach new skills. One of our
goals is to provide you with skill and experience that you can apply
to future adventures.
Clients
will be responsible for setting up their tents and packing up their
gear.
What if I want to do a custom trip?
Custom
trips can be arranged for any group size. Any of our regular Group
Trip Calendar can be done as a custom trip or we can plan somethhing
especially for your group. Trips can be organized for any group size
but prices will be greatere the smaller the group.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancellations
made more than 90 days prior to the trip starting date will be refunded
in full minus a $75/per person administration fee. Cancellations made
within 90-45 days of the trip starting date will be refunded 50% of
the balance. Within 45 days of the trip start date, it will likely
be impossible for us to fill that spot in our schedule. Therefore
no refunds will be given for cancellations made within 45 days of
the trip starting date.
If
a trip is cancelled by Trek Alaska for any reason, a full refund
will be made.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Weather
in Alaska is difficult to predict, especially in the mountain wilderness
of this rugged area. It is possible that we could find ourselves grounded
in McCarthy due to weather conditions that make flying impossible.
In such circumstances we would consider the options of waiting out
the weather or selecting a different itinerary if possible. No refunds
can be made if a trip is canceled, modified or delayed due to weather
conditions. When planning your return home after your adventure, you
might want to plan an extra day as a cushion in case our return to
McCarthy is delayed due to weather. It would be unusual for a trip
to be cancelled due to weather, and it's never happened yet, but you
might want to consider
trip
insurance.
What about gratuities for the guides?
Many people
are unsure of what is customary regarding gratuities for guiding services.
Our rates for trips do not include a gratuity for your guide. Any
gratuities are at the clients discretion and amounts are typically
within the 10-15% range. Our guides work very hard to make sure your
adventure is a success. They strive to make your wilderness experience
a more comfortable and enjoyable one. Guides aren't making Wall Street
wages so always appreciate any gratuity offered.
How should I contact Trek Alaska about a reservation?
The best
year-round method of contact is via email.
info@trekalaska.com
Or by phone: 907.350.3710