Alaska The Dramatic Northwest

Explore breathtaking landscapes and come face to face with the people and wildlife of Alaska on this unsurpassed journey.

We'll hike on glaciers, travel by boat through fjords and across the Prince William Sound, kayak around icebergs in Kenai Fjords and walk through spectacular national parks.

We'll see marine and mountain wildlife with likely sightings of sea lions, porpoises, whales, puffin, caribou, moose and bear and come to learn more about Alaska's native Indians.

In the company of our expert guide, day hikes are the best way to explore the stunning alpine meadows and glacial wonders of Denali and the Talkeetna Mountains where we can appreciate their characteristic sweeping tundra ridges and sharp granite peaks.

This is the perfect non-camping itinerary for those looking for comfort in the natural wonderland of Alaska.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 Join Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, and make your own way to Susitna Place - our B&B which offers sweeping views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains.

DAY 2 To Seward
Meet your guides for breakfast and an orientation at 8am. Drive south from Anchorage through Turnagain Pass to Seward. The drive along the Seward Highway has been called one of the most scenic drives in the world. Beluga Whales cruise the waters of Turnagain Arm and glaciers cling to the rugged mountains of the Chugach Range. Our destination, Seward, a small port town on the
shores of Resurrection Bay is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, and in itself is a quaint fishing village. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and will then head for a hike at Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Kenai Fjords National Park
Today we'll kayak in Kenai Fjords National Park. Kenai Fjords encompasses almost 1 million acres of tidewater glaciers, jagged peaks, deep fjords, the vast Harding Icefield, wildlife including whales, sea lions, eagles, puffins, bears and Mt.
Goats. (B, L).

Day 4: To Valdez
We begin the day with a drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway. Along the way we'll make a short visit to the Portage Glacier Visitor Center. Upon our arrival in Whittier, we'll board an Alaska State Ferry for the trip to Valdez. Our crossing of Prince William Sound sails right along the face of the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. As we cross the sound,
we'll be on the lookout for the many creatures that call these icy waters home. With sharp eyes, patience and a little luck, Orca's, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Puffins will fill the view finders of our cameras. Valdez is also the terminus of the Alaska pipeline. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Kayaking in Shoup Bay
Today we spend the day kayaking in Shoup Bay. We'll squeeze into sea-kayaks and paddle up near the foot of this ancient tidewater glacier as it cracks, grumbles and calves massive blocks of ice into the bay. Sea kayaking among the floating miniature ice bergs makes for a fun obstacle course to test our paddling skills as does riding the swift current of the connecting stream on an
outgoing tide. We'll also paddle past the largest Black Legged Kittiwake rookery in Prince William
Sound. (B,L)

Day 6: To McCarthy
We drive the Richardson Highway to Chitina. We'll stop for a hike and picnic near the Worthington Glacier. The Worthington, a Natural
Historic Landmark, is a spectacular glacier that tumbles from the Chugach Mountains. Our hike will take us up a sweeping moraine and we'll enjoy stunning views of the blue ice and crevasses of the glacier and magnificent vistas of the mighty Chugach. From Chitina, we'll make the 40 minute flight through the Wrangell Mountains to the historic town of McCarthy. We'll check into the Kennecott Glacier Lodge, our home for two nights. This lodge has quite possibly the best view in Alaska and its historic charm, great food and warm hospitality make it one of the premier destinations in the state of Alaska. (B,L,D) .

Day 7: Glacier hike
After breakfast, we'll join St. Elias Alpine guides for an interpretive walk through the historic Kennecott Copper Mill before strapping on a pair of crampons and heading out on to the Root Glacier for a full 4 hours of glacier hiking. If time allows, we'll take an afternoon hike to the Jumbo Copper Mine. Our glacier hike is suitable for beginners and children and is an amazing adventure on a real moving glacier. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Talkeetna Mountains
We return by air to Chitina by noon. We then make our way north and west along the Glenn Highway. This beautiful drive gives glimpses of the multiple ecosystems and climate zones of Alaska. Views of Alaska's Chugach Mountains, the Wrangell Mountains and the Alaska Range will accompany us along the way. We'll check into Sheep Mountain Lodge where we'll sleep in log
cabins. Sheep Mountain Lodge, nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains, is a favorite destination for Alaskans and tourists alike. Its views and real Alaskan charm make for an unforgettable stay.
(B,L)

Day 9: Matanuska Glacier
Today we make the drive past the mighty Matanuska Glacier and through the fertile Matanuska/Susitna Valley. We'll stop along the
way for a picnic in Denali State Park. If the weather is kind, we may enjoy our first views of Denali (Mt. McKinley) and the rest of the mighty Alaska Range. That evening, we will check into our hotel along the Nenana River near Denali
National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Denali National Park
Today we'll board the shuttle bus for the 60 mile ride through the heart of Denali National Park. Along the road corridor, keep your eyes peeled for Denali's famous furry inhabitants carving out their existence amidst the some of the most amazing scenery in North America. The park is Alaska's most famous reserve and home to moose, bear, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves, as well as 130 different bird species. Of course, the highlight of the park is the highest mountain in North America & Mt. McKinley, at over 6187m, or 20,000ft. If the weather is favorable, our activities in Denali will provide overwhelming views of one of the most massive mountains on earth. Visible on a clear day is the stunning 18,000ft vertical rise of rock and ice from the mountain's base to its lofty summit. (BL)
*All commercial operators using Denali National Park & Preserve operate under a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). CUA operating provisions strictly regulate traffic, both motorized and non-motorized, within the boundaries of the park. All backcountry portions of the park, including those adjacent to the park road, are closed to guided activities including day hiking and backpacking. Guides accompanying clients in these closed areas will be assumed to be conducting guiding activities and considered to be
in non-compliance of the terms of the CUA. Therefore please understand that your guide will not be accompanying you on your bus ride into Denali today. Your guide will be happy to recommend certain hikes along the road though.

Day 11: Rafting the Nenana River
We'll spend a half day rafting the mighty Nenana River. The Nenana is an exciting whitewater river and our expert guides will take us through canyons and rapids as we enjoy spectacular views of Dall sheep grazing the peaks of the Alaska Range. The rest of the day can be spent exploring more of the park and its facilities, or enjoying simply relaxing to the sights and sounds of this magnificent place. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Anchorage
After a leisurely morning enjoying the sights of McKinley village, we'll board the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star for our 8-hour rail cruise
back to Anchorage. A highlight of the journey, the trip south by rail offers wonderful photographic opportunities and amazing views of this vast wilderness. Please schedule homebound flights
for after 10pm. (B,L)