Alaska 2024
Jul
16
to Jul 22

Alaska 2024

Justin Yoder | LGBT Outdoors Executive Director - Trip Leader

Jule Harle | Alaska Packrafting School Owner -Guide

Justin Bickley | Alaska Packrafting School -Guide

 

HOST: Justin Yoder; LGBT Outdoors Founder, Jule Harle; Alaska Packrafting School Owner and Justin Bickley; Ambassador and Alaska Packrafting School Staff

ACTIVITY: Packrafting, Hiking

LOCATION: Anchorage / Manitoba / Kenai Peninsula

DATES: July 16-22nd, 2024

COST: $2,200 per person. *Does not include your flight to and from Anchorage.

LIMIT: min 5 people, max 8

Join us for a memorable week of road-based adventure, camaraderie, and the untamed beauty of Alaska. It's more than a trip; it's a chance to connect with nature and like-minded individuals. Secure your spot for a journey promising breathtaking landscapes, lasting memories, and friendships. Don't miss this unique Alaskan experience!

Thanks to Alaska's long summer days, our road-based exploration allows plenty of time for hikes and post-packrafting adventures. Stay comfortably in dry cabins and share group meals, creating a sense of camaraderie. Each area we explore is incredibly scenic, offering numerous opportunities for adventure in nature's grandeur.

SCHEDULE

Please note, while we do have a schedule, things change, especial in Alaska and with the weather. Please be prepared to roll with any punches that may come our way and we will do our best to make this a trip of a lifetime!

Pre-Trip Virtual Meetups (2):

  • Join our Zoom Meetings weeks before Arrival in Alaska  

  • Get to know your fellow adventurers, discuss expectations, and receive expert advice on gear.

  • Date and Time: TBA

Day 1: Tuesday, July 16th - Anchorage Arrival  

- Gather at our cozy AirBnB in Anchorage for introductions  

- Head to REI and do a grocery run to gear up for the exciting days ahead  

- Unwind with a group dinner, sharing stories and building connections  

- This first night, we will be sleeping at an AirBnB in Anchorage

Day 2: Wednesday, July 17th - Packrafting Orientation & River Running Fundamentals 

Morning Location: Lake near Anchorage AK 

  • Meet n’ Greet!  Team & Instructor Introductions

  • Flatwater Foundations Lake Session: 

    • Packraft 101: Gear intro, paddling & safety

    • Gear basics: equipment & terminology (boat, paddle, PFD, drysuit, clothes)

    • Stowing gear & rigging for rivers

    • Paddle techniques, body mechanics & boat control

    • Wet exit & re-entry techniques/self-rescue

    • Assisted & group rescue techniques

    • Group game

    • Debrief & the week ahead!

Afternoon Location: Eagle River, Briggs Bridge Greenbelt Trailhead Chugach State Park

  • Meet at the trailhead parking lot. Here we discuss packraft hiking basics (“raft-packing!”) and answer questions before packing up our gear and hiking to the river section put-in. The 2 mile hike is relatively flat with a trail the entire way.

  • We go over paddle techniques & safety concerns/situational hazards for moving water before launching. Then the river becomes our classroom: paddling 3.2 miles of class I while refining boat control & paddle strokes along the way. 


Day 3: Thursday, July 18th - Eagle River Adventure 

  • Continue your packrafting adventure on a different section of Eagle River  

  • Marvel at the scenic beauty as you hone your paddling skills  

  • Share stories around the campfire at the dry cabin in Eagle River  

Day 4: Friday, July 19th - Portage Creek Scenic Packraft Day

  • Embark on an unforgettable packrafting experience along Portage Creek  

  • Navigate through pristine waters surrounded by Alaska's untamed wilderness  

  • Relish the evening at a yurt in Manitoba, reflecting on the day's adventures 

Day 5: Saturday, July 20th - Kenai Peninsula Packraft Day

  • Dive into another day of packrafting, this time exploring one of the beautiful rivers on the Kenai Peninsula   

  • Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and embrace the thrill of the waterways  

  • Conclude the day with a peaceful evening at the Yurt in Manitoba  

Day 6: Sunday, July 21st - Hike Adventure Day  

  • Choose an adventure as a group from a variety of beautiful hikes along the road back to Anchorage 

  • Reflect on the week's escapades during a comfortable stay at an AirBnB in Anchorage

Day 7: Monday, July 22nd - Depart Anchorage



FAQ

  • Expect the unexpected. Temperatures range from 40-75 degrees F. Be prepared for varied conditions.

  • This is an introductory trip so there will not be big rapids. Rapids range from Class 1, clam like a like, to Class 6 which is too dangerous for packrafting. We will be on Class 1 to Class 3 rapids. Safety is our top priority and again, this trip is for beginners.

  • Wildlife encounters are possible. We follow safety protocols and provide guidance on wildlife interactions.

  • Comfortable hiking up to 5 miles or paddling up to 4 hours. Fitness is key for a rewarding experience.

  • Yes & No. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided as they are planned for during the Zoom sessions. There will be some snacks provided. If you want any additional snacks, beverages, or alcohol you will need to bring them yourself or purchase them on grocery runs. Any meals we decide to eat out at restaurants will be purchased by you.

  • For the initial and final nights, we'll be staying in an AirBnB rental house. During the other nights, our accommodation will be dry cabins/yurts with bed frames, but a personal sleeping pad is necessary. Restroom facilities include outhouses, and there is no running water or electricity. The cabin is equipped with a wood-burning stove for heating, though it will be used as needed during the summertime.

  • - PFD | Personal Flotation Device

    - Packraft

    - Paddle (under 210 cm)

    - Drysuit

    - Paddling pogies/gloves (optional)

  • - Backpack (60L min)

    - Hiking clothing

    - Base layers for under drysuit

    - 2 pairs socks

    - Paddling footwear

    - Hiking Footwear

    - Daily/Cabin Footwear

    - (3-10 liter) Dry bag for personal gear & 1 locking carabiner

    - Sleeping Bag (20-40 degree, synthetic or down)

    - Water Bottle (1 liter minimum)

    - Sunglasses & attachment strap

    - QUALITY rain gear (jacket and pants)

    - Water purification method: filter, iodine tabs, aquamira, steri-pen

    - Individual Camp Stove (MSR Jetboil, Reactor, or Pocket Rocket)

    - Paddling gloves or pogies (optional)

 

NOTE: The rapids in this video do not reflect the rapids we will be on.

View Event →
Colorado Fishing Trip 2023
Jul
14
to Jul 16

Colorado Fishing Trip 2023

Leader: Justin Yoder; LGBT Outdoors Founder & Justin Bubenik; FlyCurious Founder

Trip Description: Spend a weekend with LGBT+ Outdoors and FlyCurious Fishing in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, casting for trophy trout and warmwater species. Whether you’re a fly or conventional angler, Justin Bubenik, with FlyCurious Fishing, will lead a series of workshops and demonstrations throughout the weekend with a focus on reading the water, location-specific techniques, fly and lure selection, species identification, fish handling and field care, and cooking your catch, and Justin Yoder will be on hand to lend his expertise with on-the-water conventional fishing techniques. See below for a tentative schedule of events and optional workshops (based on your individual experience and expertise), noting that specific locations and timing is subject to change based on weather, river and lake conditions.

Location: Denver, CO area

Schedule: (subject to change based on conditions)

  • Friday, July 14th

    • Arrivals: 1:00pm - 6:00pm

    • Introductions: 6:00pm

    • Workshop / Dinner - Fly Fishing and Conventional - Colorado river fishing techniques and gear selection

    • Free time / fireside activities / purchase of fishing licenses

  • Saturday, May 20th

    • Breakfast

    • Workshop - Reading The Water, Food Fit for a Trout & Fly Casts and Line Control: Indicator Rigs (Only Required for new fisher people.)

    • Fishing

    • Lunch

    • Fishing

    • Dinner, free time \ fireside activities

  • Sunday, May 21st

    • Breakfast

    • Fishing

    • Lunch

Accommodations: We’ll be camping and have tents available to rent if you don’t have one.

Food: We will provide dinner on Friday and Saturday evening. We suggest to easy breakfast food, items for a lunch you can take with you to the river and plenty of snacks. If you are traveling from out of town and need any help or cooler space, just ask! We are happy to help out!

What to bring:

  • Waders and boots, hip boots or legs invincible to cold (we can help coordinate rentals with a local shop)

  • Polarized sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug spray

  • Hiking shoes/shoes you can get dirty

Cost: $149

Not Included:

  • Transportation (carpool coordination available),

  • Fishing License

  • Fishing rod, reel, line (fly setup available for an additional $150; conventional spinning rod setup available for an additional $50)

  • Meals “out” - Saturday dinner, Sunday lunch

  • Waders, wading boots (or tall rubber boots, hip boots, rentals available)

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: July 10, 2023

Minimum/Maximum: 5/10

Refund Policy: Refundable up until July 1, 2023 at midnight CST.

View Event →
Glacier National Park Trip
Jun
22
to Jun 25

Glacier National Park Trip

Leader: Justin Yoder; LGBT Outdoors Founder

Trip Description: Join Justin Yoder as he takes you to one of his favorite National Parks! You will be camping at West Glacier KOA Resort. Located just 7 minutes outside of the park, the beautiful campground is surrounded by pine trees and mountains. The campground is great especially for people new to camping because while we will be staying in tents, the grounds also have amenities like a pool, snack bar, showers, espresso bar (for you glampers) and other amenities. We have three main activities we plan on doing which are hiking, kayaking and horseback riding.

LOCATION: Glacier National Park; Montana. We will meet in Kalispell, MT by 12:30pm on June 22nd.

Included Activities: Camping (KOA Campground), hiking, horseback riding and Kayaking. All meals at the campground are included. Any extra activities you would like to do outside of group activities, you will need to pay for.

Airports: Glacier Park International Airport* (FCA) / Spokane International Airport (GEG) / Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)

If you fly into Glacier Park International Airport, we can pick you up at the airport. We will provide ground transportation from Kalispell, during the event and back to Kalispell.

Cost: $895

Deposit: $200 (Balance due 30 days before event)

Additional Expenses (not included): Lunch on the way to and from camp, snacks, souvenirs, adult beverages.

Deadline To Signup: June 8, 2023

Minimum/Maximum: 5/10

Tentative Schedule: subject to change and flexibility

  • Thursday

    • Arrive

    • Set up camp

    • Dinner

    • Evening sightseeing drive through Glacier National Park

    • Campfire and S’mores

  • Friday

    • Breakfast

    • Morning Kayaking

    • Lunch

    • Hike

    • Dinner

  • Saturday

    • Breakfast

    • Hike

    • Lunch

    • Willows HuckleberryLand

    • Horseback Ride and Cowboy Cookout

  • Sunday

    • Breakfast

    • Pack up camp

    • Depart

Refund Policy: The deposit is nonrefundable, but any other funds paid above the deposit is refundable up until June 19, 2023 at midnight CST if you are unable to make the trip.

Notes:

  • If you don’t have a tent or just don’t want to bring one, no worries, we have extras.

  • Everyone will meet in Kalispell at 12:30pm for lunch. If you have a car/rental car you are welcome to drive to the campground or ride with us.

  • While we have our plans and strive to make everything happen like we desire, we also have to have the realization that when making plans in the outdoors, we are in the hands of Mother Nature and things can change. However, we do believe that if everyone comes with a flexible and positive attitude, we’re sure to have a blast!

  • If any activity is canceled for some reason outside of our control, we will do our best to find another activity to replace it with. You do not have to do each activity we have planned, but we do encourage it. If there are any activities you’d like to do, we’ll miss you, but please know that those activities (and transport to\from them) are not included.

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