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"We thoroughly enjoyed all the days with you. The setting on the river was beautiful and our cabin in the woods was comfortable. The use of a central bath facility was no problem at all. It was modern, very clean, and had all the soaps and lotions you might need. In terms of activities, our raft trip was fun and protective clothes were invaluable through the brief, but heavy shower. Our hike was a definite highlight. The variety of birds in the lovely woods met our bird-watching goals. The scenery was beautiful and the wildflowers lovely. The guides gave us terrific individual attention and were very knowledgeable. Food was great. We would definitely come back." ~ Janice & Donald S. |
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Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, your Trip Leader will meet you at 8:00 a.m. at the Inlet Tower Suites located in downtown Anchorage.
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Day 1: Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Inlet Tower Suites. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the seacoast town of Seward. Upon arrival, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center or explore the waterfront of this All-American town. Transfer by private boat to the secluded Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island, your home for the next two nights, and enjoy a welcome dinner. (L, D)
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Day 2: After breakfast we will board our boat bound for the Northwestern Glacier. This small ship tour of glaciated Kenai Fjords National Park will allow us to explore a coastline rich in wildlife and scenic beauty. The tour includes an on-board lunch while we are visiting a tidewater glacier and searching for marine wildlife such as sea otters, puffins (and many other bird species), harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and whales. Lunch will be served on board. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island. (B,L,D)
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Day 3: Travel to our launch site on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing and gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
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Day 4: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy splendid views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lakeshore by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
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Day 5: After an early breakfast, say goodbye to the Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Travel by road north through the Chugach National Forest to Girdwood, a quaint ski town surrounded by hanging glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. Choose from a variety of afternoon activities: guided hiking, gold panning, biking the local trails, or relaxing at the four-diamond Alyeska Prince Hotel. Ride the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for a delicious dinner at the acclaimed Seven Glaciers Restaurant. (B,L,D)
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Day 6: Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Add-on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
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Day 7: After breakfast, continue venturing north to Denali National Park, stopping for lunch at the park entrance. After lunch, board the Kantishna Roadhouse private bus and embark on a 6-hour wildlife drive through Denali National Park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. Upon arrival at the Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cabin accommodations. (B,L,D)
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Day 8 & 9: Enjoy two full days of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstrations, and mountain biking. Optional add-on flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
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Day 10: Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Bid farewell to your Trip Leader and board the first class cars of the Alaska Railroad (GoldStar cars) for your comfortable journey back to Anchorage, arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner and transfers not included. Meals are available for purchase on the train. (B)
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Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train depot by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We recommend you spend this night in Anchorage. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.
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Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.
Trip Price: Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy, plus tax. For triple and quad, deduct $100. For solo, add 25% to cost of double. Ask about choices for upgrading to a Log Cabin while at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, space available. Trip price includes pick-up and return transportation to Anchorage, best of gear and equipment, meals as noted above in detailed itinerary, lodging, and full guide services during your entire stay. Trip price does not include Borough tax, flightseeing, sea kayaking at Fox Island, beer, wine, or liquor, or gratuities to staff.
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* Jun 05 to Jun 14 * Jun 19 to Jun 28 * Jul 03 to Jul 12 * Jul 17 to Jul 26 * Jul 31 to Aug 09 * Aug 14 to Aug 23
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$5,095
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Check back in August for 2009 Alaska Wildland Adventures' updates! |
* Dates in red are sold out at this time. Please call us to learn about comparable trips, custom options, or to be placed on wait list. |
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