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Talkeetna Experience!

2 Day/1 Night Tour     Price: starts at $244.00

Depart Anchorage for a 2½- hour drive to Talkeetna or step aboard the Historic Alaska Railroad Train for a 4-hour train ride north to Talkeetna. Welcome aboard America’s only full-service railroad, offering both freight and passenger service year-round. Construction of this 500 mile line began in 1915 and was completed in 1923. Work gangs built the railroad in sections. Their construction camps grew into section stations where crews who maintained the line lived, along with their families.. In fact, nearly 70% of Alaska’s population lives along the railroad corridor. You will head north through the vast land while enjoying narration from Alaska Railroad Tour Guides on the history of the railroad and points of interest along the way. Your train trip will end in Talkeetna. This “Northern Exposure” like town is filled with Alaska history and local charm. Talkeetna has long been the staging area for climbers of Mt. McKinley. This community of about 600 residents is located at the confluence of the Susitna, Chulitna and the Talkeetna Rivers, and about 60 miles from Mt. McKinley. The name “Talkeetna” means “river of plenty” in the Tanaina Indian language. In 1896 a gold rush to the Susitna River brought prospectors to the area, and it soon became a supply station for miners. By 1910, Talkeetna was established as a riverboat steamer station, and was becoming an established village. In 1915, Woodrow Wilson approved the railroad route north to Tanana River at Nenana, and Talkeetna was chosen as the site for the Alaska Engineering Commission Headquarters to build the railroad. Spend your afternoon in Talkeetna exploring the town, museums or taking an optional tour. (See tour options and prices following.) You will overnight in Talkeetna, which is located closer to Mt. McKinley than the official Denali National Park entrance. Talkeetna offers an unsurpassed view of the largest mountain on North America. There are several options in Talkeetna for overnight accommodations. We will book you at the location of your choice. The next day spend your morning exploring Talkeetna before boarding the Alaska Railroad for your return ride to Anchorage, or depart in your rental car.

Talkeetna Optional Tours

Option #1: Denali Grand Flightseeing Tour - Price $295.00
This flight will take you completely around Mt. McKinley! As your flight departs Talkeetna, you’ll begin to see how the last ice age shaped this land. Moments later you’ll enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. Experience spectacular views of the Alaska Mountain Range and a chance to see mountain climbers traveling the Kahiltna. You will see the south side of McKinley’s famous west buttress, Sheldon Amphitheater, Ruth Glacier and Great Gorge. Then fly across the divide to see McKinley’s incredible Wickersham Wall.
Tour Includes: Transfers, 1½-Hour Narrated Flightseeing Tour and Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A Minimum Requirement Of 2 Persons To Operate This Tour.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Departures May Vary Depending On Weather Conditions And Number Of Participants That Sign Up.

Option #2: McKinley Experience - Price $215.00
This flight takes you to within six miles of McKinley’s summit. Just moments after departure, you are surrounded by high peaks as you fly over the wide glaciers of Denali Park. Sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the land. Listen as your pilot guide describes the natural wonders of Denali Park. Visit the Sheldon Amphitheater; fly along the beautiful Ruth Glacier and through the world’s deepest gorge. As you cross the valley on your return, moose are commonly seen.
Tour Includes: Transfers, 1-Hour Narrated Flightseeing Tour and Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A Minimum Requirement Of 2 Persons To Operate This Tour.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Departures May Vary Depending On Weather Conditions And Number Of Participants That Sign Up.

Option #3: Horseback Ride - Price $109.00 
Enjoy a 2-hour guided horseback ride through the Alaskan wilderness on riverbed trails that thrill the novice rider as well as the experienced. Let knowledgeable wranglers guide you on a seasoned horse trail to witness majestic Mt. McKinley and the surrounding peaks and glaciers of the Alaska Range.
Tour Includes: Transfers, 2-Hour Guided Horseback Ride With Outback Coats & Cowboy Hats, And Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A Minimum Requirement Of 2 Persons To Operate This Tour.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Departures Daily. If You Are Arriving Via Train You Can Take An Evening Ride. If You Are Arriving Via Rental Car There Are Morning, Afternoon And Evening Departures Available.


Option #4: Wilderness Jetboat Tour - $65.00
Be whisked away on the 51 passenger “Talkeetna Queen” into the heart of the wilderness in comfort. This is the most technologically advanced "jet boat" in Alaska, designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible. This jet boat is glass-domed and environmentally controlled. This tour offers you the opportunity to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, moose and bear in their natural habitat. Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture some of these unforgettable sights. You will also get a chance to get off the boat and participate in a ¼-mile walk to see how trappers lived at the turn of the century while visiting an authentic trappers cabin with its rustic furnishings. Your guide will display raw furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods. Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the Alaskan river system. On a clear day you will have a panoramic view of Mt. McKinley, which makes this an unforgettable 2-hour river adventure.
Tour Includes: Round Trip Transfers, 2-Hour Narrated Jetboat Tour And Logistics Staff Coordination.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Tour Departs At 8:45AM, 12:00PM, 2:30PM And 6:30PM. Complimentary Transfers Are Provided From Most Overnight Locations. All Transfers Pick Up ½-Hour Prior To Tour Departure.

Option #5: Three Rivers Jetboat Tour - Price: $110.00
This jetboat trip will take you on three rivers: the Talkeetna, Chulitna, and Susitna. You will go through the Chulitna River Gorge and experience Class 2 and 3 whitewater. During the ¼-mile leisurely nature walk you will visit an authentic trappers cabin with its rustic furnishings and see how they lived in the “Bush” at the turn of the century. You will also visit a replicated native encampment. You will be served a selection of hot beverages (hot chocolate, coffee, and tea) and locally baked chocolate chip cookies. This trip includes a stop at an amazingly large uninhabited beaver lodge in which you will be able to see right inside of the lodge from below the water line. As you travel sixty miles of river you will have opportunities to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, and moose. You just might see black bear or grizzly bear roaming the shore. Stand in the splendor of Denali and the Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River! Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the Native Indians for cooking and medicines. Wildlife, folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable and unique Alaskan river adventure. You will also have the option to disembark at the Princess McKinley Lodge. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this amazing experience. A gold panning demonstration is included.
Tour Includes: Round Trip Transfers, 3½-Hour Narrated Jetboat Tour And Logistics Staff Coordination.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Tour Departs Once Daily At 3:15PM. Complimentary Transfers Are Provided From Most Overnight Locations. All Transfers Pick Up ½-Hour Prior To Tour Departure.

Option #6: Salmon Fishing Charter - Price $175.00 
Sit back and relax while your experienced guide takes you to some of their favorite fishing holes in a 22' or 23' inboard jet boat or raft on the untamed Alaskan waters. This boat is equipped with overhead canopies to protect you from the weather. These fishing grounds are located at the confluence of the Talkeetna River and Susitna River. The Talkeetna River is part of the Susitna Rivers’ drainage system, which boasts the second largest run of migrating fish in the world. You will be introduced to some of the finest stream fishing in the state of Alaska. From this location you will have access to over 200 miles of prime fishing territory. Perfect for the avid angler. Your knowledgeable guide will determine what you will fish for (Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic Grayling) depending on how the fish have been migrating.
Tour Includes: Round Trip Transfers, 5-Hour Fully Guided Charter,  Fishing Gear And Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A 2 Person Minimum Required For This Tour To Operate. There Is A 6 Person Maximum Per Guide Per Boat.
Daily Departure From Talkeetna: There Are Two Daily Departures Early Morning And Mid Afternoon. Complimentary Transfers Are Provided From Most Overnight Locations. All Transfers Pick Up ½-Hour Prior To Tour Departure.
Note: Don’t forget to bring your drivers license to purchase your fishing license for $20.00. There are ½ day and drop off fishing options available. During King season more early AM departures are added. Please call or email for more information.

Option #7: Talkeetna River 2-Hour Float - Price $79.00
Few places in the world can equal the scale and beauty of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. On this two hour narrated Talkeetna River Natural History Float Trip, you will see spectacular vistas of this magnificent scenery. Explore the lower end of the famous Talkeetna River, which is steeped in history and the Alaskan pioneering spirit. At the river's edge, you will participate in a brief safety lecture before launching and floating down six to eight miles of pristine river. The Talkeetna river is a glacier-fed waterway teeming with salmon and other wildlife. The guides are versed in describing the flora, fauna, and scenery along the way. You will look for bears, eagles, fish, beavers, moose, fox, and waterfowl during this float. In addition, you will stop to visit two active Bald Eagles' nests, see beaver dams, look for bear tracks, and float past an old miner's cabin... all before joining the Mighty Susitna River for the loop back to Talkeetna. On the Susitna River, there is a stunning view of Mt. McKinley (20, 320') and the entire Alaska Range. On clear days, the view is amazing. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos! For a small additional fee, there will be a professional photographer available to take pictures of you, the raft, and your guide – with a stunning backdrop of Mt. McKinley!
Tour Includes: 2-Hour Narrated Scenic Float Tour, And Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A Minimum Requirement Of 2 Persons To Operate This Tour.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Tour Departs At 8:30AM, 11:00AM, 2:00PM And 5:30PM. Complimentary Transfers Are Provided From Most Overnight Locations. All Transfers Pick Up ½-Hour Prior To Tour Departure.

Option #8: Chulitna River 4-Hour Float - Price $129.00 
Rafting through the pristine wildlands of Denali State Park (and the borderlands of Denali National Park), you will see vistas and magnificent scenery most folks just read about or experience via magazines. The raft launch is at Mile 133 of the George Parks Highway. Your trip will begin here or in Talkeetna, depending upon where you are staying. (Complimentary transportation will be from Talkeetna.) At the river's edge, you will participate in a brief safety lecture and demonstration before launching and floating the nineteen miles of the glacial-fed Chulitna back to Talkeetna. Throughout the float, a stunning view of Mt. McKinley (20,320') and the entire Alaska Range provide a spectacular backdrop. This remote portion of the Chulitna River is prime bald eagle, bear, salmon and moose habitat. On clear days, the view is unparalleled for photo opportunities. For a small additional fee, there will be a professional photographer available to take pictures of you, your raft & guide – with this magnificent vista in the background!
Tour Includes: 4-Hour Narrated Scenic Float Tour, Refreshments, Snacks, And Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A Minimum Requirement Of 2 Persons To Operate This Tour.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Tour Departs At 7:00AM And 1:00PM. Complimentary Transfers Are Provided From Most Overnight Locations. All Transfers Pick Up ½-Hour After Listed Tour Departure.

Option #9: Dog Mushing with Sundog Kennel - Price $55.00
Just 35-miles north of Iditarod Headquarters and the sled dog capitol of the world, Talkeetna is at the heart of the home training ground for world championship mushers and their racing teams. At their rustic home of World Champion sprint musher, Kathleen Holden and Top 20 Iditarod musher, Gerald Sousa, you will be introduced to one of these teams. Tours begin at the little log office in downtown Talkeetna, with a short narrated bus trip, describing the history of Talkeetna and sled dog racing. You will visit an authentic Alaskan log cabin, meet the dogs and see a demonstration of sled harnessing and mushing preparation. Learn about the winter training program to get these dogs ready for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, held annually in March. You may opt for the sled dog ride on local trails through some beautiful and peaceful scenery. You may also have a chance to hold and play with future champions. By taking part in this tour you are strengthening Sundog Kennel toward being a main contender for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
Tour Includes: 1-Hour And 30-Minute Tour Of The Sundog Kennels And Logistics Staff Coordination. There Is A Minimum Requirement Of 2 Persons To Operate This Tour.
Daily Departures From Talkeetna: Departs Daily At 8:00 And 10:00AM. Complimentary Transfers Are Provided From Most Overnight Locations. All Transfers Pick Up ½-Hour Prior To Tour Departure.

Option #10: Happy Trails Kennel Tour - Price $35.00
Happy Trails Kennel is a family run operation world famous for its championship sled dogs. Located in Big Lake, Alaska and managed by husband and wife team Martin Buser and Kathy Chapoton, the kennel has garnered four Iditarod championships, the latest in 2002, along with a number of top 10 finishes. Martin Buser was born in Switzerland in 1958 and started mushing there in 1975. Martin moved to Alaska in 1979 to learn more about sled dogs and ran his first Iditarod in 1980 and again in 1981. After taking a short break from racing, Martin returned to the Iditarod in 1986 and has run every Iditarod since. Martin's first place finishes so far have been in 1992, 1994, 1997, and 2002. Martin became a US citizen in 2002 at the finish of that year's Iditarod. Martin guided each of the four Iditarod champion teams and is always a favorite for the title. In 1998 Martin was voted in to the Iditarod Hall of Fame.
Tour Includes: 1-Hour and 30-Minute Tour of the Happy Trails Kennels And Logistics Staff Coordination.
Daily Tours From Happy Trails Kennels: Tour Times Are 10:00AM, 2:00PM And 6:00PM.
Note: This tour is only available if you are renting a car and driving to Talkeetna. You would not be able to do this tour, if you were taking the train.