Aaron Fetter crosses a glacial stream in the Alaska Range, with Mark and Joan Strobel.
On any Alaska Alpine Adventures backpacking trip, it is likely that you will encounter at least one stream, creek, or full fledged river you must cross in order to complete the route. River crossings make for incredible photographs and interesting challenges. They are also probably the most dangerous part of any backpacking trip.
For the last two decades AAA guides have helped guests to carefully evaluate and execute safe river crossings. Guides consider many factors such as guests’ strength, height, and comfort level, location on the river, time of day, footing, speed, opacity, and depth of water when choosing when and where to cross a river.
A rewarding and challenging part of backcountry travel in Alaska, river crossings teach AAA guests a critically important wilderness skill.
