Panorama of the Copper River from where we boarded the jetboat — Alaska.

This washed out bridge prevents vehicles from goin further down the Copper River Highway — Alaska.

And we are off for a ride up the Copper River — Alaska.

Miles, Lucas' black Russian Terrier, makes friends with Mui — Alaska.

Bald eagles frequently fish the Copper River — Alaska.

Harbor Seals with a distant glacier as a background — Copper River, AK.

The Copper River Highway, where it is washed out near the end of the road — Alaska.

Miles standing up to the wind generated as the jetboat travels the Copper River — Alaska.

Million Dollar Bridge & Childs Glacier where we tie up for the drive to the glacier overlook — AK.

Glimpse of Childs Glacier from where we tie up on the Copper River — Alaska.

Jetboating on the Copper River

July 14, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

The Copper River — known as the Ahtna River by the people of the same name — is some 290 miles long and drains into the Gulf of Alaska near Cordova. This fast-moving river is the 10th largest in the US … based on the amount of water discharged at its mouth.

The water was lower than usual today, likely because the glaciers here haven’t been seeing much sun recently, thus melting at a slower rate. That did not mean that it was flowing any less faster. One needs a powerful boat to be able to negotiate the strong currents. Lucas’ jetboat was able to do just that.

Stopping for photo ops was not really possible … nor was slowing down as the danger of drifting was very real. Hence, just a few photos to share from the ride.Read more