Itinerary

Day 1: Matanuska River Valley

We’ll depart Anchorage in the morning for a beautiful trip to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest accessible glacier in Alaska. En route we’ll visit the Hatcher Pass Recreation area and Independence Mine State Historic Park.  This afternoon we’ll walk out onto the Matanuska glacial ice and moraine and explore a variety of unique glacial features.
Days 2 and 3: Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the U.S. (13.2 million acres) and is part of one of the largest protected areas in the world (a world heritage site). Four major mountain ranges can be found here; the Chugach, St. Elias, Alaska, and the Wrangell Mountains, containing some of North America's highest peaks.

Stairway ice fall, Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Stairway ice fall, Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Our destination within the park is the old copper mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. En route we'll cross the mighty Copper River and travel the old railway path to McCarthy.

The Kennecott mines (different spelling then the town) were developed starting in 1907 and were, for awhile, the most productive copper mines in the U.S. Today they remain as a national historic landmark and an excellent example of early 20th century Alaskan history.

Located nearby are the massive Kennicott and Root Glaciers. They converge here and are overshadowed by the 5000 foot Stairway Icefall. This is a truly unique location not accessible to the average tourist.

For the next 2 nights we will stay at either a historic hotel or in cabins.

You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area. Hike along the side of the Root glacier or climb up to Bonanza Mine for sweeping views.
Ice climbing, Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Ice climbing, Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Other popular activities in the area include:

Glacier Hiking with Crampons- Wrangell St. Elias National Park is one of the best places for glacier hiking in Alaska. The approach to the glacier begins with a walk through a historic ghost town and along the side of the vast Root Glacier below the base of the magnificent 5,000 foot Stairway Icefall. Donoho Peak and Mt Blackburn loom in the distance. Once equipped with crampons the hike continues onto the white and blue expanse of the glacier. The glacier comes to life while your guide describes its unique features. $65-$100.

Ice Climbing- Expert guides will show you “the ropes” of glacier climbing. This trip is like the above Glacier Hike but includes the opportunity to ice climb on the glacier as well. An introduction to the sport, basic skills and several techniques will be applied to explore a few ice cliffs. All ice climbing equipment is provided. $125.

Flight Seeing- From the air you will be offered an entirely new perspective of this vast area. You will have the opportunity to witness a variety of natural wonders, including; 16,000 ft peaks, volcanoes, rivers, glacial expanses, alpine lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. Wildlife including Bear, Dall Sheep, Moose, Caribou, and Mt Goats may be seen. From $95-$210.

Historic Mine Tours- Take a guided tour of Kennicott and learn about the area’s fascinating human history. The historic Copper mine of Kennecott (different spelling) was built in the early 1900’s and is a National Historic Landmark. Throughout the 2 ½ hour tour you will venture into the 14-story Mill Building and walk back in time. Your guide will provide you with a fully narrated tour; allowing you a glimpse into the history of this remote wilderness mine. $25.
Days 4 and 5: Valdez and Prince William Sound

En route to Valdez we’ll view the Alaska Pipeline and stop at the road accessible Worthington Glacier for a short hike. Later, we’ll cross scenic Thompson Pass and arrive in Valdez in time to explore the harbor or go on a short hike.

Often referred to as the 'Little Switzerland" of Alaska, Valdez is beautifully situated at the base of the towering Chugach Mountains on the shores of Prince William Sound. Made famous by the Alaska Pipeline, and later the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Valdez has since become a popular tourist destination. Visitors are attracted to the lush landscape, high concentration of glaciers, and great outdoor recreation.

You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area or consider our other favorite activity: the sea kayak trip to Shoup Glacier.

Alaska glacier tour photo

Glacier Tours in Alaska: Sea Kayaking near Valdez
Other popular activities in the area include:

Sea Kayaking- There are two sea kayaking trips from Valdez that we highly recommend.

An outstanding sea kayaking trip to the face of Shoup Glacier- view wildlife and a tidewater glacier, perfectly suitable for beginners. On this full day trip you will paddle within a protective cove past one of the largest Kittiwake rookeries in the area up to the face of Shoup Glacier. If you are lucky ice from the glacier will calve into the sea. $159.

Or, consider the slightly longer trip to the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound! Here you can paddle among the icebergs and through some remote bays that are completely inaccessible by motorized boats. $199.

Glacier/Wildlife Cruises- Look for wildlife and enjoy the outstanding glacial scenery while you cruise Prince William Sound. Not only will you see South Central Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, the Columbia Glacier, you will have the opportunity to view fantastic wildlife of that area including; sea lions, whales, seals, puffins, sea otters, eagles, goats, bears and much more. $115, $57 Ages to 12.

Ocean Fishing- Fish for halibut and/or salmon. Your choice of either an all day Halibut fishing trip, approximately 12 hrs, between May and September; or a silver salmon charter between July and September. Halibut- $250 Salmon- $150-$225.
Day 6: Prince William Sound

Today we’ll cross Prince William Sound on the Alaska State Ferry. We'll look for bears, humpback and killer whales, Dall porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, and mountain goats as we relax and enjoy the scenery. En route we'll pass the Columbia Glacier, one of the largest and most magnificent tidewater glaciers in the state. The Columbia Glacier covers an area the size of Los Angeles and casts thousands of tons of ice into the sea each year.

Our destination this afternoon is the small, end of the road town of Hope.
Whitewater rafting, 6 mile creek

Whitewater rafting, 6 mile creek
Day 7: Hope to Anchorage

Today we’ll explore the fascinating gold rush town of Hope (population about 200). Walking among the narrow roads lined with well preserved log cabins is like going back in time to turn of the century Alaska. There is great hiking in the area as well as outstanding whitewater rafting on one of Alaska’s premier whitewater rivers.

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