A trip down the Tatshenshini river in August

This August was an opportunity to go on the Tatshenshini (Tat) with two excellent co-guides and some fantastic clients. We had a high-pressure ridge which looked promising for the weather and nice flows.

The Tatshenshini (T’achansheeni~Tlingit) (Shawshe Chu~Southern Tutchone) river travels out of BC, into the Yukon, and back into BC. Then joins the Alsek River as it heads into Alaska down to Dry Bay and eventually the Gulf of Alaska. Of which, we cover 215km from where we put in at Dalton Post (Shawshe).

This is a river that is like a slow reveal of its wonders and magnificence. August trips can be both wonderful, warm, and dry however they can also be a bit wet at times. Having had both types, it was grand to be mostly dry on this outing.

It is always exciting dropping into this beautiful river for a week and a half and this time didn’t disappoint. From warm weather and great camping. We only saw other people at Sediments Creek, Melt Creek, and Alsek Lake. For the rest of the trip, we floated by eagles, looked for bears, and saw some American Kestrel, Tundra swans, Trumpeters, and Grizzlies with cubs at Melt Creek. Went for a number of walks to explore the valleys and viewpoints.

Enjoy the pictures below,

Evening light at Wolf Howl Camp
Floating down toward Sediments Creek

The hiking up above sediments creek is quite the highlight

View upstream of Sediments Creek
Pond/wetland upstream of Sediments Creek
Heading down the river toward Monkey Wrench rapid. Passing Mt Carmine out of the picture to the right.
Watching Grizzlies at Melt Creek

Clouds and light were quite excellent as we spent time at Melt Creek.

Chives are alive and well as we take in lunch views on our way into Alaska, onwards to Walker Glacier.
Loading up in the morning, greeted by a rainbow as we prepare to head downstream to Alsek Lake.
Stellar Co-guides on the Tatshenshini – Chris and Urs
The author enjoying a moment on the Alsek at Chive Island.

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