After an early breakfast, our local guides will meet us for introductions, then we will head south to the beautiful Kenai Peninsula. Our drive will parallel the scenic Turnagain Arm — a mountain-lined and glacier-carved fjord named by an obviously frustrated Captain Cook during his 1778 search for the legendary Northwest Passage. It is a 3-hour drive with a couple scheduled stops to talk about the scenery and to use the bathroom. Just outside of Seward we venture off the main highway to the Lake Kenai where we check into our cabins and freshen up.

Afternoon:

From city streets to alpine tundra in 2 hours! Travel up 1800 feet to the alpine glacier bowl passing through lush, misty emerald green temperate rainforest. Things level out at “the bench” where wildflowers bloom, and then alder becomes thick, and finally the footpath becomes squishy tundra flanking a snowmelt creek. As we climb the switchbacks, Seward becomes a little dot in the valley. On a clear day, half way up, nearly all of Resurrection Bay can be seen. Even on the cloudiest of days, this is a one of the best hikes in Seward. This hike is about 3.5 – 4-hours roundtrip.

 Today you rest your legs and take a six-hour wildlife-viewing cruise to an active tidewater glacier on Kenai Fjords National Park. A tidewater glacier terminates in the ocean. It is common to see chunks the size of cars falling off into the green water.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the national park and tidewater glaciers. This voyage also offers the best opportunity for whale watching in Alaska along with the possibility of seeing porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, seals, bald eagles and puffins.

Before returning to our cabins, we will visit Exit Glacier to discuss the hike to Harding Icefield tomorrow, and the features of this famous glacier.

One of our favorite hikes anywhere, is today’s highlight: Up we’ll trek along the very blue Exit Glacier to an overlook of the 800-square mile Harding Ice Field. The ice field is the focal point of Kenai Fjords National Park and the source of its many glaciers. Moose, bears, mountain goats, porcupines, and marmots are all commonly seen on this hike and the glacier and ice field are dramatically beautiful. This inspirational hike will stay with you long after you’ve left Alaska!

This hike is strenuous for flat-landers and for those who are not currently active, because we gain 1000ft elevation with each mile. With effort and determination you will complete the 8 miles round trip in 6 hours. This is not a technical hike and it is suitable for anyone in good health with a positive-can-do-attitude. Getting to the top is personal. We will help you define how far on the trail you want to reach that is within your limits. 

Return to cabins at Lake Kenai.

After breakfast, we drive 3 hours to the seaside community of Homer at the peninsula’s southwestern tip. Here we will have some free time to visit the town’s museum and art galleries or to hike along the beach before hopping a water taxi to our remote waterfront cabins in Kachemak Bay State Park.

The cabins at Otter Cover are situated on a hillside surrounded by lush rainforest with ocean views. It is common to see sea otters rolling around alongside the pier, and you will possible see whales passing by. You truly feel like you are living the luxury of seclusion.

 Learn the basics of sea kayaking, maneuvering, and water entry and exit. Then spend the entire day in and out of our tandem kayaks as we explore the bay, fjords and several uninhabited islands. In addition to beautiful mountain scenery, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, sea birds and harbor porpoises are all possible to encounter. The afternoon a hike to a scenic overlook where several of the volcanoes of the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands are visible. 

 We take a water taxi back to Homer and continue to the gold rush community of Hope. Here we will enjoy a Class IV whitewater rafter trip through two canyons of the famous Six-Mile Creek. For those who love the thrill of adventure, you can choose to do the 3rd canyon for an additional $60. Tour ends at 7 pm. Participants will be dropped off at the airport or hotel in Anchorage. 

+Participants can opt out of river rafting if they don't feel comfortable with that activity or if they can't swim.

Overnight in Anchorage. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up and you will take a scenic 3 hour drive towards your next adventure and the largest mountain in North America. Along the way, the you will stop for opportunities to photograph Denali and take a 3-4 hour hike in Denali State Park. In the early afternoon, you will arrive and set up camp. Dinner will be a delicious and fresh hot multi course meal prepared by your guide.

Camping is in an organized campground with pit toilets. All equipment is provided. (BLD)

 The Triple Lakes Trail is considered one Denali National Park’s best day hikes. Triple Lakes Trail is on the edge of the 6-million acre Denali National Park and Preserve, and is the ideal entry into the wonders of this pristine reserve. This hike starts with an ascent of about 400 feet. The climb is worthwhile — when you emerge from the forest, you can see an expansive view of the Nenana River, the glacially carved Yanert Valley, and the seemingly endless Alaska Range.  Throughout the hike participants should look for ptarmigan, eagles, bears, and moose. This guided hike will be about 9 miles and 5 hours in duration. Participants will enjoy a packed lunch on the trail and return to camp for dinner and socializing. 

Overnight at camp. (BLD)