Venturing Down the Wood-Tikchik

It’s no secret that Alaska is an endless expanse of breathtaking vistas and gorgeous natural wonders. When you’re driving through the state in your Alaska car rentals, you’ll get an idea of the beauty of the countryside, but there’s nothing better than experiencing the land on a more personal basis.

The Wood-Tikchik state park is a perfect example of Alaska’s landscape. If you’re looking at getting a one-on-one relationship with Alaska, it’s time to park the Alaska car rentals and take a trip through the Wood-Tikchik.

Picking your trip

Depending on the sort of traveler you are, there are a variety of ways to see the Wood-Tikchik. The Wood-Tikchik Park is 1.6 million acres, making it the largest state park in all of the United States. If you aren’t much of a wilderness camper, then your best bet will be to park the Alaska car rentals in a nearby lot and take a day trip.

A daylong canoe trip down the river will give you a wonderful opportunity to see the sights of the Wood-Tikchik Park. Pack the canoe with a lunch for your day, including a few bottles of water. You’ll see wildlife in its natural settings, and be able to fish along the river in peace. Plan your route in advance so that you don’t end up stuck in the middle of a river after sundown. Make sure you can always find your way back to your Alaska car rentals, regardless of where you are on the river. Bringing along a map of the area is a smart idea.

If you are more willing to go on an extended camping trip, be certain to pack bear mace just in case. You’ll see bears, waterfowls, moose, caribou, and beavers along the route, as well as many other creatures you’d never see otherwise. There are plenty of camping spots along the river that you can camp on, including a lodge.

Make sure to be aware of the rapids! You’re likely to get wet while you travel through these. Be ready to walk your canoe through them if the water is shallow enough.

Park the Alaska car rentals and take a float trip

Float trips in the river are rather common. Participants float down the river on rafts to their campsites. However, if you’re going to float for a camping trip, you’ll need a permit for $100. Lakes that require permits include Nisklik, Upnuk, Slate, and Chikuminuk. Also be aware that certain campsites on the Upper Tikchik Lakes require camping permits.

Remember you can only camp on a single site for a maximum of 10 days. However, that doesn’t mean that you must end your camping trip. If you want to continue your camping trip after 10 days, all you need to do is float an extra mile up the river.

If you want to have a fire on your trip, make sure to keep it only to gravel bars, state park provided fire pits, or beaches along the way.

Make sure to pack the screen and spray

Two of the most important things you can pack are the bug spray and sunscreen. The bugs are certainly not forgiving – nor is the sun. Unless you want to come back to civilization covered in bug bites and coated in peeling sunburn, reapply both screen and spray every two or three hours. When you’re hiking the trails or canoeing down the river, you’re going to be exposed to more sun than you’re likely used to.

Keep equipment protected

Keep your rafts and kayaks safe. Bears and porcupines damage these easily, so make sure to cover them up with a sturdy tarp.

Food is also important to keep away from the rest of your campsite. Coolers will give off enough scents to attract bears, so your best bet is a scent-proof food barrel. To be safe, keep this barrel a small distance away from your tent.

Begin exploring the Alaska wilderness today when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today.