The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, Aurora for short are one of the most beautiful and amazing phenomena to be seen.

On night tours and camping trips, there is always the possibility. However is is Mother Nature who ultimately runs the show. If the Northern Lights are out the best way to see them is far away from the light pollution of Fairbanks. Our out of town location offers excellent opportunity to view Aurora in all it’s glory.

Learn more about the Aurora:
links will open in a  new tab

• What causes the aurora borealis? EarthSky
• Written in the Sky: Aurora Borealis Explained (video)
• Aurora Forecast from UAF Geophysical Institute
• Northern Lights Photography – The Definitive Guide, Dave Morrow
• Photographing the Northern Lights with your Smartphone

You will want to dress in multiple  warm layers so that you can adjust on the trail as needed.   Avoid cotton socks and base layers, choose wool or synthetic.  It is better to have an extra layer you take off and carry in the sled then to not have enough gear.
And you will definitely want your camera, you will want to make sure you are using lithium batteries as alkilines don’t work when they get too cold. Also consider extra batteries as they do not last as long in the cold.  For longer rides and camping you may want a thermos for hot drinks, and chemical heaters/hot hands for inside your mitts make for cozy warm hands.  For the camping trip or night run you will want a small LED headlamp or flashlight.

And be sure to bring a sense of adventure!

***We do have some gear available, please contact us prior to your trip if you have any concerns about your gear so we can make sure you will be comfortable and prepared for your trip.  All guest will have a gear check during orientation to ensure they are prepared for the conditions.***

Read more about Dressing for the Cold, a University of Alaska publication. (this will open in a  new tab)

Dog mushing is physical activity, and many guests prefer to experience it as a passenger with one of our experienced guides. Most guests enjoy a try at driving a tag sleds, that follow directly behind the guide and allow guests to experience the power of driving a team.  Guests take turns riding in the sled, ideal for taking photos and speaking with your guide, and driving their own tag sled.

We have experience and are happy to accommodate guests with physical limitations. If you have concerns please contact us to discuss your situation so that we can design an adventure with your safety and comfort in mind.

All guest will be required to sign a release waiver. waiver DCK

Tours are offered in a variety of locations in and around the Chatanika Valley on the Steese highway; an easy and senic drive from Fairbanks. This enables us to customize our tours and take advantage of the best available conditions.   It also means repeat guest can experience different trails with the Dew Claw Dogs.  We are permitted with the BLM to offer excursions in the White Mountain Recreation Area. We travel on the Chatanika River and also on a series of local trails near our kennel. Weather and snow conditions dictate where we operate in order to ensure our guests have a safe and memorable trip. Once you book a Dew Claw Kennels Alaskan Husky Adventure we will contact you to discuss the details of your trip and give you directions to the trail we will be using for your adventure.

Cancellation Policy:

A full refund will be issued if the cancellation is received before 7 days of the tour.

A 25% processing fee will be charged to cancellations inside of 7 days.

No refunds will be issued if the cancellation is less than 24-hrs prior to the tour.

Day of booking cancellations will not be refunded. No shows will be charged in full.

We reserve the right to cancel due, but not limited to, hazardous weather or trail conditions, and dogs best interest.  In the event of a cancelation on our part guests will be offered a re-booking at no cost at an earliest shared convenience or a full refund.

Terms and Conditions

• Once we receive your reservation we will contact you with driving directions, trailheads are all located approximately an hours drive from Fairbanks on a well maintained road.
• Participants must sign a waiver, see below
• Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• All guests must be able to follow instructions given by our guides. You are going to be in traveling by dog sled on the snow covered trail.  This requires attention to our instructions at all times while acting as the driver (musher) or sitting in the basket of the sled.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather,
  Good weather link for us : https://weather.com/weather/today/l/Chatanika+AK+USAK0314:1:US
  Contact us if you have questions or concerns about how to outfit yourself for the cold.
• Please advise us if you have health or mobility issues that may require adaptations for your comfort.
• Everyone is welcome on Dew Claw’s Alaskan Husky Adventures, guests under the age of 13 and those with physical limitations will enjoy traveling as passengers.
• Thank you for planning you Alaskan Husky Adventure with Dew Claw Kennels

Dew Claw Kennel – Dan Kaduce & Jodi Bailey

Alaskan Husky Adventures  –  www.dewclawkennel.com

Assumption of Risk, Release and Waiver of Agreements, Agreement not to Sue, Agreements to Indemnify and to Hold Harmless

All references to “Dew Claw Kennel” includes owners, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, volunteers, and dog handlers.

I/we ___________________________________ in consideration of participating in dog sledding and/or instruction and/or camping with “Dew Claw Kennel”AGREE to the following:

(I understand that I am giving up legal rights I might otherwise have.)

I acknowledge there are inherent risks involved in dog sledding.  Dogs are not always controllable. There are dangers from others such as motor vehicles, other dog teams, wild animals, snowmobilers, horses, ORV’s, and trail obstacles.  Winter weather increases the risks.

By PARTICIPATING, I/we assume all risks including, but not limited to, those listed above and equipment failures.   ______________  (initial when read and agreed to )

I/WE AGREE NOT TO SUE “Dew Claw Kennel” and will hold “Dew Claw Kennel” harmless from any and all claims for injury, death, loss, or damages including costs and attorney fees.

____________  (initial when read and agreed to)

I/We further expressly AGREE TO INDEMNIFY “Dew Claw Kennel” for all costs and attorney fees expended in defending any gross negligence allegation that does not result in a verdict for plaintiff and to indemnify “Dew Claw Kennel” for all costs and attorney fees expended in defending any suits filed alleging vicarious, direct, or ordinary negligence in derogation to the above agreements.

____________  (initial when read and agreed to)

I/we acknowledges that this document has been read, I/we understands it’s contents, and voluntarily make the above agreements binding on his/her heirs and estate.

PRINT NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: __________________________________________  DATE: ________________________

PRINT NAME: _________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE: __________________________________________ DATE: _________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________ CITY: __________________________

STATE: _________________ ZIP CODE: ____________  PHONE NUMBER :______________________

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT: ____________________  PHONE: __________

MINORS: LEGAL GUARDIANS’S RELEASE WAIVER, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, INDEMNIFICATION AND AGREEMENT NOT TO SUE ON BEHALF OF MINOR

I _____________________________ , minor participant’s parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult have read this agreement and agree to all above agreements on behalf of the minor participant listed above.

PRINT NAME: _______________________________________________  AGE: __________

PRINT NAME: _______________________________________________  AGE: ___________

In addition to mushing there are some great opportunities for year round recreation, as well as access to historical sites.  Please feel free to explore our guide book for the area at our AirBnB listing.

Jodi’s Guidebook for visitors to Dew Claw