The History of Alaska Rivers Company

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In 1974, a young adventurous well traveled Gary Galbraith acquired pristine acreage on the upper Kenai River at what he thought was the most beautiful place in the world.  At that time, he joined just two others, Bill Wright and Bruce Nelson, offering both rafting and guided fishing on the upper river in Cooper Landing.  A 3rd generation fisherman and raised on fishing vessels  off the coast of California, Gary brought his love for deep sea fishing and water sports to south central Alaska. A slight difference to his business was that he also guided rafting trips around the state and  as well as being one of the state’s top kayakers, offered kayaking and canoe lessons as well.  To feed his adrenaline junkie habits in the off season, Gary shared his back country winter pursuits with others in offering snow cat tours and heli-guiding.  For those not familiar with the area and to put this all in perspective, there are not too many rivers around the Kenai Peninsula and throughout the state that Gary has either rafted or completed first descents on in a kayak, or snowcapped skiable mountains in this back country that he has dipped his ski tips into. This may seem like quite the life to lead, but all was not work and just play.  On top of building his outdoor adventure company and river front cabin accommodations, he worked in the Oil Industry and for the Alaska Department of Transportation while supporting his family.    

Gary founded his company on the principle of striving to enrich people’s lives by providing outstanding adventure experiences.  He pushes safety first, fun second.  His principals for operating a business while not tarnishing the surrounding environment have been there from the conception of ARC, before ecotourism became popular. This is known to the many who have been coming here for years, and is quite visible when folks visit the private grounds of Alaska Rivers Company. Our greenhouse and garden feed the staff and clientele throughout the season, recycling and conservation is mainstream, and leave no trace behind principles on all trips and hikes has been practiced from the beginning. Our river front cabins were hand built and are authentic log construction.  And, as one of the few operators with his family that lives with his family year round in Cooper Landing, through ARC , Gary supports the locals and the community through pursuing local hire, purchasing from local vendors, and supporting the local community social services and organizations. 

• 1974 - Began operations on upper Kenai and floats around the state.
• 1976 - Began instructing kayaking on Kenai River. Completed several 1st descents for kayaking in Alaska, California, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and South America.
• 1978 - Completed successful expedition of Denali.
• 1979 - Completed successful kayak descent of Devils Canyon.
• 1980 - Continued fish guiding and expansion of Rafting operations
• 1981 - Began leading trips in Grand Canyon
• 1982 - Birth of Leon, first son.
• 1983 - Additions of cabins on property, authentic log construction and helped with legendary log cabin builder, Paul Smith.
• 1984 - Began hiring of multiple employees.
• 1985 - Birth of Jesse, second son. Left working oilfield.
• 1986 - Growth of Alaska Rivers Company accelerates.
• 1987 - ARC behind non motorized use on Upper Kenai River.
• 1988 - Princess Lodge arrives in Cooper Landing and ARC begins working with them in providing guided rafting, fishing and hikes.
• 1989 - Back to roots, begin ocean charters in Seward.  ARC wins local softball tournament.
• 1990 - ARC business structure sound, but Gary still finding his love of rivers a priority!
• 1991 - Began participating in what would become years of worldwide adventures and travels with Doctor Phunn.
• 1995 - ARC’s growth up to 20 employees.
• 2003 - Led 9th expedition down Grand Canyon
• 2004 - Led expedition down Talkeetna and joined in Salmon River, Idaho expedition.
• 2005 - Drove motorcycles through Argentina and Chile. 
• 2007 - Led 10th expedition down Grand Canyon
• 2008 - Enjoyed first trip down Grand Canyon not as a guide!
• 2010 - Oldest son Leon lead guide for Grand Canyon Expedition