Our philosophy combines ecological 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. You can do as much or as little as you wish. 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 is committed to recycling our natural resources and has practiced ecologically sensitive adventure tours since its inception. We remain dedicated to providing our guests an opportunity to learn and appreciate environmental awareness. We hope you will join our quest to protect all that is naturally beautiful. Backcountry Safaris supports the dollar-a-day for conservation program. One dollar per-day from your fare is passed on to conservation groups to help protect our environment.

Our Guides
We are extremely proud of our guides and believe they are the some of best in the business. Our guides are highly-trained and 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.

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 is also certified as a Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician.

Safety – Our First Concern
Your welfare is our highest priority and is reflected in everything we do. We are vigilant about your safety. To maintain our high standards of safety, hygiene and comfort we have a continuing comprehensive guide-training program. Our guides have rescue certifications as well advanced first aid training and are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians (WEMT).

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

Meals
We're known for our exquisite wilderness cuisine. In fact, we are convinced that some people come on our trips just to gain weight. A typical evening meal might include grilled salmon steak, rice pilaf, Caesar salad, stir-fried vegetables, chilled wine and freshly baked Dutch oven desserts. Lunches are a deli-style buffet with a variety of fresh meats and cheeses, fruits, cookies and all the trimmings. Breakfast might include French toast, omelets, hash browns, a variety of fruit and melons, hot coffee guaranteed to give you a boost and various juices. We guarantee that our cuisine will impress you.

We gladly accommodate vegetarian, kosher meals or any special dietary needs you may have. Please notify us in advance.

Our Equipment
Our equipment is the best you can buy, with some being custom made to meet our specialized needs. Your safety and maintaining a high 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. Drysuits, 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.