Series from 2015
Loggers once traversed Alaska's rivers using log rafts - a dangerous practice a few continue today.
On Alaska’s Yukon River, three raft crews each begin preparations for a trek downstream to sell goods to native villages. Each raft, made from wood collected from logs and timber, will serve as their home and, ultimately, profit for the next five weeks.
As three separate crews take on the Yukon River and begin their initial float downstream, they quickly learn the challenges of river life. The three rafts approach the first village of Rampart and must decide to barter or keep on floating.
With a week under their belts, all three crews have protein and cash on their minds. Yukon veteran rafter Neil takes son Lauro hunting for some protein, but when they have no luck they resort to an old fishnet trick.
After three weeks on the river, all the crews prepare to winterize their rafts for the fast-approaching freeze. Scotty’s crew insulates their raft with dried moss and collects firewood they hope to sell in the village of Ruby.
After weeks on the river, all crews have reached a crossroad with the same question in mind: should they push on for profit or cash out and leave the Yukon behind?
Three hundred miles down the Yukon, the crews arrive at Galena with the dreams to cash in and end their time on the river. Neil and his crew make a profitable decision to sell their supplies before the winter becomes unbearable.
