Itinerary

Days 1-2: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest

We’ll travel south on the scenic Seward Highway (a USDA National Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and All American Road) along the Turnagain Arm to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on the Kenai Peninsula. The mountains of the Chugach Range and the Kenai Mountains will tower above us as we marvel at the scenery and look for wildlife along the way. We’ll camp near the waters edge at one of our favorite Alaskan lakes.

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 and encourage you to use our canoes to explore the local lakes.
Other popular activities in the area include:

Hiking- There are multiple hiking trails within the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to enchant a wide variety of hiking interests and abilities. Some of the highlights include pristine alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains; spawning salmon leaping up a waterfall; and great wildlife viewing opportunities throughout our stay in the area. Your guide will explain your hiking options and will make recommendations based on our many years spent exploring and guiding in this region.

River Rafting- Two hour and full day scenic river rafting trips are available on the Kenai River.

Scenic Float- Float within the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. During the two hour scenic float your guide will talk about the wildlife and history of the area. The views are outstanding. $54, $34 ages to 11.

Kenai Canyon Raft Trip- Travel deep into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on a full day float down the Kenai River to Skilak Lake. The trip is capped with a motorized float along the shore of this very large, glacier carved lake- a true wilderness experience. $140, $99 ages to 11.

Guided Drift Boat Fishing- The Kenai River and its neighboring waters are known throughout the world for their abundance of salmon and trout. Anglers prize these world class waters for Sockeye (red), Coho (silver), and Chinook (king) salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden. Guided drift boat fishing on the Kenai River includes all necessary equipment and instruction (from beginner to advanced): $175 ½ day, $250-$275 full day.

Horse Back Riding- Trail rides are offered in the Chugach National Forest. Ride along the base of Mt. Langille and perhaps continue to Russian Gap, or travel to Crescent Lake in the late summer. Traveling by horseback in Alaska is like going back in time. $95 2 hours, $159 ½ day, $190 full day.

Day 3: Seward/ Kenai Fjords National Park

Today our destination is Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, home of the 300 square mile Harding Ice Field and abundant marine wildlife. You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. Tonight we’ll stay at a Seward hotel.

There is outstanding hiking here for those who didn’t get enough the past few days. Hikers can choose between the Harding Ice Field trail at Exit Glacier or Caines Head trail on beautiful Resurrection Bay.

Or consider the other activities available. The glacier/wildlife cruise is one of our favorites.
Other popular activities in the area include:

Hiking- We recommend one of two day hikes in the Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park area. Choose between the Harding Ice Field Trail at Exit Glacier or Caines Head trail along the shore of beautiful Resurrection Bay. The Harding Ice Field Trail is a strenuous hike into Kenai Fjords National Park up the side of Exit Glacier; the higher you go the more sweeping the views. The Caines Head Trail follows the shore of Resurrection Bay through dense temporal rainforest with towering trees and magnificent views of the ocean. Depending on the time of year spawning salmon can be seen. Both hikes are wonderful.

Glacier/Wildlife Cruise- By far the most popular activity in the area is the glacier/wildlife cruise into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Look for the abundant wildlife that can be observed including whales- orcas and humpbacks, sea otters, endangered Stellar sea lions, Dall porpoises, and colonies of nesting sea birds- including Puffins, cormorants, Oyster Catchers, and Bald Eagles to name a few. On the way you’ll visit an active tidewater glacier and watch and listen for falling ice. This is one of Alaska’s premier wildlife and glacier viewing trips and we highly recommend it! $144, $72 Age to 11.

Sea Kayaking- Explore Resurrection Bay by sea kayak with a shoreline paddle along Cain’s Head State Recreation Area. Look for sea otters, spawning salmon, eagles, seabirds and many others while enjoying the tranquility of the water from your kayak. From $65.

Dog Sledding- Fly out to a glacier for a ride with a team of sled dogs. Breathtaking scenery of Resurrection Bay treats you during the entire helicopter ride to the Godwin Glacier; upon landing you will find over 80 dogs waiting to take you for a ride. Your guide will explain the history of the legendary Iditarod Sled Dog Race and the fundamentals of dog sledding and then off you go with a dog team across the glacier. $450 adult, $420 child.

Alaska Sea Life Center- Visit a world class marine research facility. The many exhibits at the Alaska Sea Life Center immerse visitors in marine ecosystems and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats as well as research settings. This is a great ½ day activity. $20 Ages to 11 $10.

Day 4: Prince William Sound

Today we’ll cross Prince William Sound on the Alaska State Ferry to Valdez. 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.

Day 5: Valdez

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: the outstanding sea kayak trip to Shoup Glacier.
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. $189.

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. $229.

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: To Tangle Lakes

En route we'll cross beautiful Thompson Pass, hike at the road accessible Worthington Glacier and view the Alaska Pipeline. This afternoon you can canoe on Tangle Lake and or hike from our campsite.

Day 7: Denali Highway and Denali National Park

Today we’ll travel the 120-mile unpaved Denali Highway along the south side of the Alaska Range to Denali National Park. This is the original road to the park. Many Alaskans consider this to be one of the most beautiful areas in the state. We'll look for wildlife and stop along the way for short hikes to explore the treeless tundra.

Days 8-9: Denali National Park

We’ll spend two full days exploring Denali National Park.

One day is set aside for a wildlife viewing tour into the heart of Denali National Park (included in tour cost). Keep your camera ready as you search for grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, arctic fox, and if you're lucky, tremendous views of North America's largest mountain Mt. McKinley (Denali). Get off the bus for a hike in a wild and remote wilderness.

The other day is set aside for recreational activities based near the park entrance. There are multiple hiking options within Denali National Park near the park entrance. Another popular activity is the free sled dog kennel tour offered by the National Park Service.
Other popular activities in the area include:

Hiking- There are a number of great hiking options in Denali National Park. Hike up Mt Healy for sweeping views of Denali National Park and the Nenana River corridor. For those desiring a less strenuous hike there are multiple established trails surrounding the visitor center that are great hikes. Or, head into the park 15 miles on the free park shuttle and hike along the Savage River or hike up a nearby peak. Your guide will explain your hiking options and will make recommendations based on our many years experience exploring and guiding in this region.

Guided Ranger Hike- Guided ranger hikes are offered by the National Park Service. These vary in length and location. No Charge.

Sled Dog Kennels- Visit an active sled dog kennel. The Denali National Park sled dog kennel is responsible for the winter patrols of the Denali National Park wilderness- where no motorized vehicles are permitted. There is an informative talk along with a dog sledding demonstration. No Charge.

National Park Bus- You can head back into the park again for more wildlife viewing, perhaps a good view of Mt. McKinley, and/or another hike. $25.

River Rafting- Mild and wild whitewater rafting trips are offered on the Class II-IV Nenana River, the river that forms part of the Denali National Park Boundary.

MILD: Relax, and enjoy the scenery on a 2 plus hour float along the boundary of Denali National Park. Take in Mt Fellows, Mt Healy, Musher’s Monument and other surrounding peaks. Watch for wildlife along the river bank; moose, caribou, bears and wolves can be seen. $80, $52 Ages to 13.

WILD: The Nenana River Canyon is packed with over 10 Class III and IV rapids over a stretch of river 11 miles long, fun whitewater that is very suitable for beginners. Paddle rafting and oar rafting options are available. $85, $62 Ages 10-13.

River Kayaking- For a little more intimacy in your river experience, paddle an inflatable kayak down the float section of the Nenana River. Navigate a few class two rapids and practice your kayaking strokes while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. $85.

Flight Seeing- Flying is the most impressive way to view Mt McKinley (Denali) and the incredible scenery within Denali National Park. On a good weather day the views are truly breathtaking. Add a glacier landing for an experience beyond description. From $349 per adult, $235 Ages to 12.

Mountain Biking- Rent a Mt. Bike for a ride into Denali National Park- ride the park road or take the bus in and ride back. $40 full day $7 hour.

Day 10: Scenic trip to Anchorage

Casual drive to Anchorage with time to stop for sightseeing and day hikes. Mt. Denali (Mt. McKinley) (20,320 ft.), Mt. Foraker (17,400 ft.), and Mt. Hunter (14,573 ft.) are all visible from several vistas along the way. We will arrive in Anchorage by 5:00-5:30 pm and will bring you to the Anchorage location of your choice.

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