Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Float Review: An Amazing Adventure

So, you want to check out the Doris Lake hike with a pack raft float, do you? Well, it is that experience folks rave about for a good reason. The scenery’s rather breathtaking, it’s just a nice workout, and the float trip back is like, the cherry on top. Let’s check it all out so you, like, have some idea of what to expect, yeah?

Planning Your Trip to Doris Lake

Before anything, so to plan things out, think about the time of year. Summer (June to August) that tends to be ideal since the trails tend to be clear, the weather can be more predictable, and that water’s not going to, like, freeze you solid, you know? Also, permits and reservations may be required, especially if you are wanting to camp, that can be a headache if left to the last minute.

Gear is very important too. You will very much want a pack raft, of course, along with a paddle, that seems fairly self-explanatory, right? Oh, and very don’t forget a pump or inflation bag. You should check the weather conditions like your life depends on it too, bringing layers, that just allows you to, like, adapt, and that, basically, helps regulate your comfort when you, that is, start huffing and puffing, or when you’re, like, floating around enjoying the vista, or whatever. Lastly, but arguably more critically, that trip can not happen without a personal floatation device.

It could be worth it, too it’s almost, to check the current trail conditions before you leave. Trail reports that are usually available online from, like, local hiking groups, that is if the park, that is, doesn’t maintain something official. Also, so don’t forget your, your trusty map and compass, or that GPS device if you are someone who, just a little, prefers that stuff.

The Hike Up to Doris Lake

Very, the hike that goes up to Doris Lake, that actually is a moderate climb through some gorgeous Alaskan forest, that really is lovely to see. The trail tends to be very well-maintained, yet that means it can be a bit rocky, or root-y in spots, that requires you, that is, to watch where you step; the ankle, that’s kind of like an important body part for going anywhere, you know?

Be prepared for, actually, some elevation gain. It’s a good workout, so it tends to get your heart pumping, that helps take in the scenery a bit more too. It tends to get pretty warm and muggy sometimes in the Alaskan interior too, especially in the height of summer, right, so stay hydrated; you are going to need plenty of water.

Wild life, you know? You’re in Alaska, and in that case, keep an eye out. Bears that are often active in the area, basically, make some noise as you hike, so as not to accidentally sneak up on one of those animals. Bear spray, that just becomes essential. You may even very likely encounter some other animals too, like, moose or smaller critters. They usually are not anything to worry about, but really, always, maintain a safe distance and respect their, their area.

Setting Up and Launching Your Pack Raft

You, like, finally made it, and you’re at the lake’s edge with that raft! Pick a spot, so like one that’s flat and clear from anything pointy, very pointy, things to inflate it, yeah? A portable pump or inflation bag that really is, you know, key. That raft that really should be inflated until it’s very firm; don’t get cheap on the inflation!

Once you have your boat fully, you know, inflated, so give it a good once-over, and verify that the valves are very properly sealed. Any leaks that are a bad omen for having fun, right? Have all the necessities that you’ll want for the float very secured, for example, that paddle, and that water bottle. Attach those to that raft if, like, possible, or, really, pack them safely away. So there, you’ve verified all is good, let’s get that thing on the water, I mean, that’s why you carried it all this way.

When getting on the water, in some respects, enter it in an area that is rather shallow to help keep that raft stable. Now that you’re settled in, so just make sure you’re balanced, then go. Push off slowly with your hands or with the paddle, rather moving away from that shore, so then there’s space for you to enjoy your float, yeah?

The Float Back Down: A Different Perspective

Gliding very peacefully on the lake in a pack raft, that just really offers a unique view of the landscape that is around. As you float down the stream, so take in all the towering mountains that surround you and their reflection of that is just something else.

Keep a watch for those wildlife animals along the shoreline. From that water it gives you, like, a different view than hiking, alright, maybe there are opportunities for, like, some cool wildlife watching! You might, after all, catch a glimpse of birds, beavers, or very other animals that come down to the water for a drink.

Check out those currents; they tend to be stronger in some sections more so than in other locations, but basically, paddle a bit when needed so that you don’t get bumped on the banks or any obstacles, really, okay? It does not hurt, you know, to know, just in case there, just like, really happen to be any obstacles on your path down, right? Anyway, always face in the direction you’re going.

Safety Tips for Pack Rafting on Doris Lake

Always, like, wear your personal floatation device; basically, there are few rules that are simpler, very essential, or easily dismissed. Even though, you feel that, yes, you’re the Michael Phelps of backcountry swimming and paddling; you’re, you’re going to regret this choice if things, sort of, go south in icy Alaskan water. Don’t chance it, basically.

Let’s rehash some of the earlier tips so they stick, yeah? Monitor those weather conditions. Mountain weather, after all, tends to be really quite unpredictable. A calm, sunny day can turn very nasty surprisingly quick, so you may want to keep an eye on, like, developing storm clouds, that shift in wind, very suddenly dropping temperatures. Get out if there’s bad stuff.

Know the route for sure. I guess it’s the stream down to the highway where you parked, alright, so study your maps, and have some sense of orientation. Very much keep an eye out for any obstacles that are, like, strainers (downed trees across that stream), rocks, and very fast currents. When the water is very clear, it tends to be easier to avoid those obstacles; even so, in any location where visibility is restricted, get out and scout if, in that case, it isn’t very obviously clear. Never get trapped; that is what you want to tell yourself to prevent becoming a statistic. Stay in the middle, anyway!

Carry a signaling device for sure. A whistle to attract, that is, attention, and a waterproof signaling mirror, anyway, in case there aren’t any other folks close enough to listen to you, so they will make you, pretty much, like MacGyver of the North.