Our philosophy combines environmental awareness, adventure, learning, camaraderie and attention to detail with guiding in the classic tradition. The style of our adventures is informal, spontaneous and intimate. We emphasize sharing and participation. We've found that those individuals who get the most out of their trip are those who put the most into it. You make your own adventure in many different ways: paddling, riding the rapids, hiking and exploring, fishing, learning the natural history of the area, helping in camp or just sitting alone on the riverbank relaxing.

Our tours move at an informal leisurely pace that allow ample time to take in the scenic beauty. At other times we are spontaneous, taking time to experience an unexpected adventure. Whenever possible on multi-day tours we take layover days to explore, hike, fish, photograph, or just unwind. Backcountry Safaris practices ecologically sensitive adventure tours and uses camping techniques to minimize environmental impact. We remain dedicated to providing our guests an opportunity to learn the wonders of Alaska.

Our Guides
We are extremely proud of our guides and believe they are some of the best. Our guides are experienced professionals who are chosen for their personality, leadership and enthusiasm. One of the key elements to successful and rewarding adventure travel is the quality of the guides and naturalists leading the trip. You'll find that our guides bring with them a wealth of knowledge and willingness to share their knowledge on the local culture, flora, fauna, and geology.

We maintain high guide standards. Our trip leaders have rescue training and advanced first aid training, Wilderness First Responders (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians (WEMT) training.

The Owner
Ron Clauson is a well-known Alaskan adventurer and has been rafting, kayaking, hiking and exploring Alaska's backcountry for more than 30 years. Having traveled throughout the Alaskan bush, Ron has acquired a lifetime of knowledge on logistics, expedition planning and group travel into remote parts of Alaska.

Ron is also known for his whitewater rafting skills, fly fishing and innovative fly patterns as a professional fly tier. Some of his well-known Alaska fly patterns have appeared in various local and national publications including "Fly Fisherman," "Salmon Trout Steelheader," "Alaska Outdoors," and the book "Fly Patterns Of Alaska." Ron has Wilderness First Responder training and Swiftwater Rescue Technician training.

Your Comfort On A Backcounty Safaris Guided Adventure
Your level of comfort is of the utmost importance to us. Unless otherwise stated, we provide at no additional cost the personal and specialty gear necessary to enjoy Alaska's environment.

On Backcountry Safaris guided sea kayaking and whitewater rafting adventures we provided our guests with dry suits for your comfort. Dry suits can help protect you from hypothermia, cold water shock and help keep you warm and dry. Also provided are rain suits, rubber boots, tents and self-inflating sleeping pads if needed. A complete pre-trip packet detailing all equipment and other pertinent information will be mailed to you upon reservation.

Meals
Our menus vary depending on the type of trip. Sea kayaking trips are self supported, and all food, cooking fuel and group camping gear must fit into the limited space of our kayaks. Because of this, our sea kayaking and bear viewing trip menus are generally simpler, compact and lighter than our raft trips.

Despite the need to travel light on some trips, we NEVER use freeze dried foods. Our hearty meals are substantial and flavorful and include fresh vegetables and fruits. A typical sea kayak trip dinner consists of an entree, salad or side dish and dessert. Lunches are a deli-style buffet and may feature lunch meat, sausages, breads, garnishes, condiments, fruit and snacks. Breakfast might include French toast, omelets, and a variety of fruit and melons. We always offer a variety of hot drinks including teas, cocoa and coffee.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our camp cuisine. We gladly accommodate vegetarian, kosher and any special dietary needs you may have. Please notify us in advance

Emergency Communication
We carry a satellite phone, marine or VHF radio or other communication equipment that allow us to make emergency contact should any needs arise.