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Getting to 1st Alaska Outdoor School

There are 2 ways to arrive or depart from our remote location: Hiking or Canoeing or a combination of the two..

You have several choices regarding on how you get to us, and how you will return to Fairbanks.

Check out the Unguided Canoe Departure, A GREAT VALUE!

Hiking Unguided, Arrival

This alpine hike is dramatic. You will be packing in your own supplies to 1stAOS, so you should pack as light as you can. We will suggest what to pack when you book your accommodations. This is an incredibly scenic hike through Alpine Tundra, Boreal Forest and you cross the Chatanika river (by walking, canoe or boat; your choice). We will spend time outlining the entire journey with you. The 7 mile hike will take approximately 3 hours, and it is all down hill.

Hiking - Unguided, Departure

The Hike Out is uphill, however we take your gear out for you & drive you to Fairbanks (35 miles - Arrangements made 5 days in advance). Transport of your gear is included for all B&B guests at no extra charge. Gear transport out is free for all our camping and hostel guests when staying five or more days with us. If you plan to visit for just a night or two, we can still arrange for your gear to be transported, (arrange this 5 days in advance) please discuss this option with us when you make your reservation.

DRIVING FROM FAIRBANKS TO THE TRAILHEAD FOR YOUR HIKE TO 1stAOS:

By car, drive approximately 45 minutes Northwest from Fairbanks to Murphy Dome. From the parking lot at the top of Murphy Dome, it is a 7 mile (11.6km) hike from the Dome to 1stAOS located on the Chatanika river.

Hiking - Guided, Arrival or Departure

Our guides will meet you in Fairbanks. Then drive you to Murphy Dome (the trailhead) and help you get oriented. One of our guides will transport your gear on an ATV using a special trail. Your guide will impart information about the unique and sensitive micro-environments you will be hiking through.

Your hike back to Murphy Dome is all uphill. To make your walk more enjoyable, we bring you to Murphy Dome and drive you to Fairbanks.

Hiking - Guided, Arrival: $ 100.- per person ( min. 3 people)

Hiking - Guided, Departure: $ 100.- per person ( min. 3 people)

Canoe Arrival and Departure

Due to the logistics and liability, and the transporting of third party canoes out from the Chatanika arriving guests (Guided or Unguided) should use canoes/kayaks from 1stAOS.

Lower Chatanika is rated whitewater 1-2 beginning at Elliot Highway Bridge.

The Chatanika, an historic and wild river with a variety of fish and wildlife is relatively narrow and easily navigated. Typical for the Chatanika are narrow curves, side currents, log jams and sweepers. The water travel is at a comfortable speed, winding its way through a variety of distinct ecosystems. These 3 to 8 day trips are within an undeveloped area and unknown except to the nearby Fairbanks community. Note* To guests without experience in the wilderness or with canoes/kayaks we suggest our guided tours)

Arrivals:

3 Day Unguided Canoe Tour: Ca. 18 Canoe-hours

When you have decided to rent a canoe from 1st AOS, your driver will pick you up in Fairbanks and drive you to the Whitefish Campground at the Elliot Highway Bridge, on the Chatanika River, about a 1 hour drive. From here to 1stAOS it is about 18 canoe-hours depending on the water level.

Canoe-Rental - $50 per day per Canoe + $200 transportation fee per person. You can return the canoe to us when you arrive at 1stAOS.

After your stay with 1stAOS you can choose one of our departure possibilities. Guests who reach us with 1stAOS canoes (guided or unguided) and leave us by hiking will be returned from Murphy Dome to Fairbanks without charge. Please arrange 5 days in advance.

3 Day Guided Canoe Tour: Ca. 18 Canoe-hours

Your canoe guide will meet you in Fairbanks and bring you to the Whitefish Campground at the Chatanika river. After an instructional canoe lesson you will start your 3 day trip. The adventure will bring you through a fascinating and pristine wilderness. Your Guide will inform you about all the flora and fauna along the route. While camping in the wilderness, fishing and canoe techniques will be introduced to you.

This Guided Canoe Tour - $400 per person includes canoe, guide and drive to starting point. Bring your own food and camping gear, or ask for complete outfitting from 1stAOS when booking. Our outfitting for 3 day Rental includes a tent space, sleeping matt, cooking utensils and basic food at $ 50.-

1stAOS sells these items to you for:

Basic fishing gear $ 50.-

Summer sleeping bag: $ 50.-

Cooking utensils: $ 50.-

Departure:

1 Day Unguided Canoe Tour: Approximately 8 hours canoeing w/ drive back to Fairbanks - 4 hours

You will leave 1stAOS early in the morning and the canoeing will bring you past the few houses of settlers to the 15 mile trail. Your driver will meet you and transport you on a back country trail to Murphy Dome and then back to Fairbanks. Only $50 per Canoe per day ( incl. the drive back) An easy trip!

4 Day Unguided Canoe Tour: Approximately 20 canoeing hours (3 days) w/ drive back to Fairbanks - 5 hours (1 day)

This trip takes you into Minto Flats, a famous bird sanctuary and then on into the Athabascan Indian village of Minto. Along this route many migratory species of waterfowl and other birds spend their summers. A substantial wetlands preserve for Alaska's bird life. One of the very few Trumpeter Swan nesting areas. Our staff will meet you at Minto Village and transport you and your gear to Fairbanks or Murphy Dome depending on your arrival method.

Canoe Rental - $50 per day (4 days) per canoe + $200 transportation fee per person.

8 Day Unguided Canoe Tour: Approximately 40 canoeing hours (6days), Manley Hot Springs (1day) w/ transport to Fairbanks (1 day).

The canoe trip along the Chatanika River will bring you through the north side of the Minto Flats and to the Tolovana River. The Tolovana flows into the Tanana River which empties into the Yukon River. After about 1 day on the Tanana our river traveling will end at Manley. But the tour is not quite over yet, Manley Hot Springs has a long history and a lot to give to the traveler who every now and then stops at it's shores. This is why we planned a whole day for you in Manley. Locals can guide you in fishing expeditions, dog mushing explanations from a known Alaskan musher, hiking on gold trails and of course, the famous Manley Hot Springs. On the 8th day our drivers pick you up in this historic town and bring you back to Fairbanks (1 day). (see link: Manley Hot Springs)

Canoe Rental - $50 per day (8 days) per canoe + $200 transportation fee per person.

1 Day Guided Canoe Tour: Approximately 8 canoeing hours w/ drive back to Fairbanks - 4 hours

You will leave 1stAOS early in the morning. Your Guide will bring you safely to the departure trail. Canoe exercises and information will be imparted to you along with information about the settlers on the Chatanika river. We will bring you on a back country trail to Murphy Dome and on to Fairbanks.

We offer this Tour for $200 per person ( 2-8 people) incls. canoe, guide and transport

4 Day Guided Canoe Tour: Approximately 20 canoeing hours (3 days) w/ transport to Fairbanks - 5 hours (1 day)

The canoe adventure will bring you along the banks of the Chatanika river with the homesteads of the few settlers and on through to the north side of Minto Flats. This series of lakes is one of the most important bird nesting areas in Alaska. The Alaskan Bush with its wild animals, fish and birds welcome you in their pristine habitat. This tour will bring you into a village of the Athabascan Indians, Minto. Your Guide will have significant information about indigenous peoples of Alaska. Information concerning Alaska's fish, flora and fauna will also be discussed. Your driver will meet you and transport your party on the historic Elliot Highway for a return to Fairbanks.

We offer this Tour for $500 per person ( 2-8 people ) incls. canoe, guide and transport.

Bring your own food and camping gear, or ask for complete outfitting from 1stAOS when booking. Our outfitting for 4 day Rental includes a tent space, sleeping matt, cooking utensils and basic food at $ 50.-

8 Day Guided Canoe Tour: Approximately 40 canoeing hours (6days), Manley Hot Springs (1day) w/ transport to Fairbanks (1 day).

We offer this Tour for $900 per person ( 2-8 people ) incls. canoe, guide and transport.

Bring your own food and camping gear, or ask for complete outfitting from 1stAOS when booking. Our outfitting for 8 day Rental includes a tent space, sleeping matt, cooking utensils and basic food at $100.

1stAOS sells these items to you for:

Basic fishing gear $ 50.-

Summer sleeping bag: $ 50.-

Cooking utensils: $ 50.-