| Seals sit on sand bars watching the river drift by while waiting for the tide and the next feast of salmon. We can stop at the Garnet Ledge and hunt for these gems at the site of the first all woman owned corporation in the U.S.A.
Our day takes us up the main river to the Canadian border and down the side sloughs, home to a variety of wildlife including moose, bear, beaver, wolf, martin and otters. Cottonwoods and lush willow trees line the river creating habitat for geese, terns, kingfishers and a variety of songbirds.
Eagle nests with spans to 7 feet cling within the upper reaches of towering trees keeping chicks safe from predators below. Following the glacial flour marking the outfall of Shakes Lake, we weave our way between ice bergs and among steep walls of granite to Shakes Glacier at the head of the lake.
With a drainage area as large as Switzerland, river levels fluctuate daily with weather. Depending on river height and group dynamics we can include a stop to soak in the natural hot springs just upriver from Shakes Lake. Tours depart at 9am and return by 4pm. Non alcoholic beverages are provided – pack your own lunch and bring your bathing suit and towel.
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