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Outdoor Alaska
Sparkling rivers of ice crack and groan, turquoise-green glacial lakes reflect silent mountains ablaze with purple fireweed. Grizzly bears fish for salmon while moose amble slowly by, munching on willow twigs. Caribou migrate here, and birds come from as far as Australia to spend their summers in Alaska.
KENAI PENINSULA
Leaving Anchorage we head the short distance south via the incredible Winner Creek Gorge to Seward. Situated on the Kenai Peninsula, the town, ringed by mountains and glaciers, enjoys spectacular views over the Gulf of Alaska. We discover this picturesque landscape on foot with our guide. A cruise round the frozen fingers of the Harding icefield offers Alaska's best marine life viewing: humpback or orca whales, sealions, seaotters and countless puffins (optional).
GLACIERS, CANYONS & VOLCANOES
With views of the Columbia Glacier from the ferry across Prince William Sound, we pause to enjoy Valdez before continuing on to the copper town of McCarthy that lies within the enormous Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Shaped by volcanoes and ice, the land is a confusion of glaciers, canyons and tundra meadows, with nine of North America's highest peaks. Dall sheep are found on the higher slopes and bison range along the Copper River, full of every variety of wild salmon.
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Heading west across alpine tundra we stop at Tangle Lakes before we are greeted by the breath-taking beauty of Denali National Park. The 'Call of the Wild' echoes through the spectacular scenery as we spend our time hiking park trails or whitewater rafting. Here we have highest chances of grizzly sightings. In summer an explosion of colourful plant life is splashed across the tundra. |
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| Price Includes |
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Flights ( London - Anchorage - London ) |
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Accomodation |
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12 Breakfasts |
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10 Lunches |
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7 Dinners |
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| Price Excludes |
| Local Payment 320 USD |
| Suitability / Level |
Easy |
| Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary & Highlights
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
SEWARD
Gateway to the spectacular landscapes of Kenal Fjords National Park.
VALDEZ
Fabulous ferry ride across Prince William Sound.
WRANGELL ST ELIAS N.P.
Home to 9 of North America’s 16 highest peaks.
Stunning hikes, breathtaking scenery and a range of optional activities.
DENALI N.P.
One of the planet’s truly inspiring wilderness areas. Mount
McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. Spectacular hiking trails and
abundant wildlife.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1. SATURDAY.
Join tour Anchorage
DAY 2. AM DRIVE TO ALYESKA FOR GUIDED HIKE, before continuing to Seward
Leaving Anchorage this morning we turn south, taking the Seward Highway and following the coastline of Turnagain Arm, towards the ski resort of Alyeska.
Set against the backdrop of Mount Alyeska, this stunning setting affords us an opportunity to take a short, guided hike that takes in the dramatic scenery of the Winner Creek Gorge, including an exhilarating crossing of the creek using a hand powered tram that spans the canyon high above the river.
From here we continue south, to the town of Seward, a picturesque port ringed by a stunning landscape of mountains and glaciers, lying alongside the rich waters of Resurrection Bay. Founded at the turn of the 20th century by engineers building the railroad to the Interior, it benefited from its status as an icefree port, prospering during the early years of the Nome gold rush and going on to become the gateway port for cruises into the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park. On arrival we will make our way to our camp, where we will spend the next 3 nights amidst this majestic splendour.
DAY 3. IN KENAL FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
Driving to Exit Glacier after breakfast we enter the breathtaking expanse of the Kenai Fjords National Park, a 580,000-acre wonderland of towering peaks, glaciers and coastline that is home to a rich diversity of marine wildlife, including sea otters, orcas, humpbacks and minkes.
The park is also the site of the immense Harding Icefield, a gigantic expanse of nearly 500sq km that feeds some 40 glaciers throughout these northern states, making it the largest icefield within the territories of the United States.
The fjords have been created by the retreat of these mighty glaciers, leaving behind an aweinspiring vista of dramatic fjords and cliffs covered in nesting seabirds, whilst the tidewaters glaciers on the coast regularly calve huge icebergs into the icy waters. Depending upon the interests of the group there may be a possibility enjoy a walk at the glacier, or perhaps even make a day of it by exploring something of the Icefield.
Those not wishing to partake in the walks today may like to check out Seward’s impressive SeaLife Centre, a remarkable project partially funded by the Exxon Valdez disaster that combines a unique mix of research and education and affords an opportunity to watch stellar sea lions, harbour seals and puffins in their natural underwater environments.
Day 4. IN SEWARD. Free day for optionals
Today has been left free for you to enjoy as you see fit. There is an option to take a 4 hour hike up nearby Mount Marathon, to enjoy some of the spectacular views out across the National Park and the coast.
We would also recommend either a full day or half day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. A remnant from the last ice age, deep fjords stab the mountain ridges, with over 30 named glaciers plunging like frozen fingers from the vast expanse of the Harding Icefield, calving directly into the salt water along the coast. Porpoises, Humpback and Killer whales can sometimes be seen, along with tufted puffins and sea otters, while sealions bellow hoarsely from rocky cliffs.
Other options include a helicopter flight over Godwin Glacier, dog sledding out into the surrounding country, horseriding, kayaking, or fishing from the campground.
Day 5. ROAD AND FERRY TO VALDEZ VIA PORTAGE GLACIER AND WHITTIER
Departing Seward this morning we follow the railway through the Chugach forest and over to Moose Pass, so named because in 1903 a mail carrier driving a team of dogs had considerable trouble gaining right of way from a giant moose!
Heading for Portage Glacier Visitors Centre, we then continue through the old mountain tunnel to Whittier, at the western end of Prince William Sound. From here we board a ferry to take us to Valdez, the northenmost ice-free port in the western hemisphere, ringed by the snowcapped peaks at the end of the Valdez Narrows. During the two hour crossing we can enjoy some spectacular views of the retreating Columbia Glacier, perhaps witnessing icebergs carving into the ocean, leaving the bay packed with icebergs, whilst seals laze on the icefloes and kittiwakes and bald eagles wheel overhead. Valdez is the terminus of the 800 mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline which begins in Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean. This astounding feat of engineering traverses the Brooks Range, crossing rivers and valleys, above and below ground, before finally feeding its oil into the waiting tankers. The economy of the town depends very much on the oil industry and salmon fisheries, and it is an ideal base for a number of optional tours.
Once we have settled into our campsite the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. There are wildlife-spotting cruises available in larger boats, but one of the best things to do is take a sea-kayaking trip to the Shoop Glacier and paddle amongst the icebergs, viewing the wildlife close up. You can also take a flight over the Columbia Glacier, have a look at the salmon hatcheries, or perhaps take a short hike In the area.
DAY 6. DRIVE TO McCARTHY
Our route today takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska, as we drive through forested hills and past cascading rivers, fed by small glaciers on the Chugach Mountains. The numerous rivers in this area are full of fish. Five species of salmon are found in Alaska and the spawning season, in midsummer, is a major event for all the animals, with bears and birds waiting to catch the weakened fish, exhausted from their spawning runs.
The views are even more dramatic as we reach Keystone Canyon, where sheer cliff walls covered in lime green moss present cascades of crystal water tumbling over the edge to the river below. ‘Bridal Veil’ and ‘Horsetail’ Falls evocatively describe the
scene. The canyon is steeped in history from the gold rush period and this was once the scene of a bloody gun battle, whilst the remains of the sled trail used in the early days are still visible.
Crossing Thompson Pass we head towards the Worthington Glacier, heading south through Chitina and onto the McCarthy road. Stopping at the Copper River, we then cross the Kuskulana River on a narrow railroad bridge high above the water and
continue through a vast expanse of untouched wilderness, following an unpaved road through the remote forests. At the end of the road we reach the small town of McCarthy (pop 42), which grew to serve the Copper mine at Kennicott, located 4.5 miles up the valley. Here we camp next to the Kennicott River with views of the Stairway Icefall (the largest nonpolar icefall in the world), Mt Blackthorn (18000ft) to the North and the mighty Chugach Mountains to the South.
DAY 7. WALKING IN THE WRANGELL St ELIAS NATIONAL PARK
Nestling amongst the wild landscapes of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park, McCarthy presents us with an ideal base from which to explore this stunning setting further. Less accessible than Denali, Wrangell St Elias contains the largest concentration of glaciers on the continent and some 13.2 million acres of the park system have been declared a UN World Heritage area.
Shaped by volcanoes and ice, the park has 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the United States, including Mount St Elias, the second highest in the US. Mount Wrangell (4,318m) erupted as recently as 1930 and its thermal mud springs are evidence of continued volcanic activity. Mountain goats and Dall sheep with long curly horns can be found on the upper slopes while wolves, black bears, coyotes, bison and caribou range through the interior of the park.
There will be an opportunity today to walk the Bonanza Mine trail, a 16km, straightforward, but fairly strenuous walk that follows the ridges and tram lines to the old mine, taking in the magnificent panoramas of the Chugach Mountains, Mt Blackburn and the Kennicott Glacier along the way. The road is steep, climbing to an elevation of some 1200m as the path negotiates the trail from the mill town to the old mine, affording a unique glimpse of part of this country’s fascinating history, as well as its breathtaking landscapes. From the ridge above the mine there are some spectacular views across to the University Range in the St Elias Mountains. Return to Kennicott via the same path and head back to the campsite.
DAY 8. FREE DAY FOR OPTIONALS
Today has once again been left free for you to enjoy at your leisure. You may like to try some of the other spectacular walks through the park, perhaps taking an optional hike along the Kennicott Glacier, or undertaking some optional ice-climbing (accompanied by professional guides).
Flight-seeing trips over the park are also available – without doubt one of the most spectacular outings to be had in Alaska, whilst the powerful rivers present some exhilarating rafting opportunities. Those looking for some more sedate activities might like to explore the old mining town of Kennicott. Designated as a National Historic landmark and considered the finest remaining example of an early 20th century copper mine anywhere, the town remains a fascinating monument to a long forgotten era of America’s pioneering past.
DAY 9. DRIVE ALONG THE DENALI HIGHWAY TO TANGLE LAKES
Heading north today we take the Denali Highway towards Tangle Lakes, stopping en route to see the remarkable fishwheels on the Copper River, an ingenious method of catching the abundant salmon that follow the river to spawn.
Stopping at the Wrangell St. Elias Visitors Centre for a short visit, we then continue on to Glenallen, our gateway into the beautiful setting of the Tangle lakes, one of the most accessible of Alaska’s wild and pristine wilderness areas. This is a region of open tundra, glacial lakes and mountain ridges, blessed with an abundance natural beauty, cultural traditions and spectacular wildlife.
On arrival we should have time to enjoy a short walk in the alpine tundra, a haven for caribou, wolves and grizzlies and soon to be the site of a controversial platinum strip mining operation. The area is also home to the remnants of ancient nomadic peoples and contains some of the richest concentrations of archaeological remains in the sub-arctic regions of North America.
DAY 10. DRIVE TO DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Continuing northwards, the highway takes us over a rugged landscape, where the views are breathtaking and, weather permitting, we may get a glimpse of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America (6188m). The Athabascan Indians called it ‘Denali’ meaning ‘the high one’ and this towering pyramid of rock, ice and snow is often shrouded in a blanket of mist and cloud.
Denali National Park represents one of the world’s last intact ecosystems, over 6 million acres of tundra, glaciers and mountains that present a unique opportunity to observe the natural behaviour of wild animals still unaffected by the often destructive influence of man. The park provides a haven for bears, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, moose, red foxes, wolverine and over 160 species of birds, and is without doubt one of the highlights of our remarkable journey.
Our destination today is the Carlos Creek campsite, nestling amongst 32 acres of woodland just to the south of the park entrance.
DAY 11. IN DENALI NP
This morning we will drive to the visitors centre on the edge of the National Park and transfer to a shuttle bus for our journey into the park itself. Established as a national park in 1917, the area was designated as an international biosphere reserve in 1976 and contains everything from 1200 pound moose to 1.5 gram shrews.
In order to preserve the wilderness for the wildlife, vehicle access is restricted, so these shuttle buses are the only way that visitors can enter this incredible natural treasure trove. The buses run to either the Ellison Visitors Centre or the poetically named ‘Wonder Lake’ and during the journey there is a good chance of spotting some of the larger mammals that inhabit the park, not to mention the incredible views of the sheer mountain walls that rise majestically from the plains. Returning to the visitors centre at the park entrance later today, we rendezvous with our maxiwagon to return to the campsite.
DAY 12. AM VISIT TO DENALI VISITORS CENTRE.
PM drive and walk to Denali View Chalet Returning to the Denali Visitors Centre this morning we enjoy a demonstration of the park’s sled dogs, which are used for patrolling in the winter season and have been an integral part of Denali for so long that they have become part of the cultural traditions of the area. Their existence here represents an important landmark in the history of the park, signifying a direct link with its native and pioneering heritage and they remain the only sled dogs in the entire U.S. who help directly in the preservation of the park and its wildlife.
After our visit we continue along the George Parks Highway to Denali View South, before continuing to Trappers Creek and an early dinner at the historic Forks Roadhouse. From here we drive the last few miles to the trailhead for the Denali View Chalet, from where we walk the last remaining 3km to our lodge.
You will need to take enough clothes and toiletries with you for the next two nights, as our access to this remote lodge is by foot only. This spectacular location is just 36 miles south of the summit of Mount McKinley and each of the comfortable chalets present some spectacular views across the park to its iconic slopes.
DAY 13. AM GUIDED WALK, then free time
This morning you might like to take advantage of a guided walk through the local area, before some free time to relax or continue exploring at your own leisure. With some free time later you might like to take advantage of a canoe excursion on nearby Lake Kroto, or perhaps another guided hike into the Peters Hills of Denali State Park, from where you can see some unrestricted views of the Denali massif and the breathtaking Alaska Range.
The diversity of the landscape is matched by its resident animal populations, with wolves, lynx, coyotes and beaver being frequent visitors to the park. There have also been more than 130 species of bird recorded in the park annually, including the willow ptarmigan (the state bird), boreal chickadees and long distant Arctic terns, who fly some 12,000 miles to breed amidst these mountain landscapes.
DAY 14. DRIVE TO ANCHORAGE.
Late evening transfer to airport Departing today, we head back towards Anchorage and make a late evening transfer to the airport for the flight back to London.
DAY 15. SATURDAY.
Tour ends Anchorage |
Accommodation & Center
Details
2 Nights Hotel
2 Nights Wilderness Lodge
10 Nights Camping
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