Join us for an engaging and educational birding adventure throughout Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. This trip is a delight for the senses, as we’ll scan for, spot and listen to approximately 80 to 100 different bird species. Late May is a phenomenal time to encounter an array of avian activity, as resident birds are joined by a massive wave of migratory species. Have your binoculars and cameras at the ready!
This trip is perfect for beginner-level birders and nature lovers of all kinds. In addition to excellent birding opportunities, this trip will also appeal to any travelers wishing to experience Alaska’s sweeping mountain ranges, turquoise-colored rivers, remote wildlife refuges, boreal forests and stunning coastal views deep inside Kenai Fjords National Park. Alongside migrating birds, keep an eye out for whales, as well as opportunities to see moose, bears, sheep and other iconic Alaskan animals.
With space for just 12 travelers, this limited-time offering is sure to fill up quickly!
For the list of anticipated Highlighted Bird Species on each day of this trip, please download a PDF version of the day-by-day itinerary here.
This adventure begins in Anchorage, with visits to premium birding destinations in Alaska’s largest city – plus a few of our favorite lesser visited spots! We’ll venture south along Turnagain Arm and through Chugach National Forest to the town of Cooper Landing and our Kenai Riverside Lodge. On day 2, gear up for a full day raft trip down the Kenai River to Kenai Backcountry Lodge, spotting an array of waterfowl and possibly eagles and owls. Days 3 and 4 will feature a mix of both water and backcountry road explorations as we scout for more species. On day 5, embark on a marine wildlife and glacier cruise out to the exclusive Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Spend days 6 and 7 exploring Kenai Fjords National Park on active and engaging day trips, near active bird rookeries. On day 8, kayak, hike, beachcomb or relax this morning before returning to Seward, where you’ll hop aboard the historic Alaska Railroad for your return trip to Anchorage.
Download a PDF version of the day-by-day itinerary here.
Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to spend the night in Anchorage.
Guests can realistically expect to see and hear between 80 and 100 different bird species throughout Alaska's Kenai Peninsula’s diverse boreal forest, river canyons, wetlands and marine environments. We'll check out our favorite Anchorage birding stops before traveling to Cooper Landing, on the banks of the famed Kenai River.
Gear up for a rafting adventure into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and explore at the river's pace! Watch for moose, bears, bald eagles and other bird species and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch along the river or on the shores of Skilak Lake before arriving at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon to settle into your cabin and enjoy a freshly-prepared dinner served by candlelight. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.
Spend a full day exploring some of our favorite birding spots inside Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and along Skilak Lake road. Today’s mix of water and backcountry road adventuring offers a fantastic cross-section of lake and boreal forest birding.
Embark on a full day dedicated to exploring the rich estuaries, river mouths and flats of Alaska’s western Kenai Peninsula. We’ll make a special stop at the mouth of the Kasilof River – which is a crucial stopover for migrating shorebirds and gulls – as well visits to wetland habitats and coastal vantage points, ideal sites for staging flocks.
This morning, we'll head to Seward, a picturesque seacoast town situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Embark on a four-hour marine wildlife and glacier cruise bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
Enjoy birding on land along our nature trail loop, followed by a deeper exploration by boat to the Chiswell Islands and Northwestern Fjord.
Enjoy a full day of exploration at the lodge and choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoeing in the lagoon and coastal explorations. Or relax at the lodge by the wood stove, peruse the natural history library or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront. Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.
You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 10:15 p.m. on the last day of your journey. 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 1:00 a.m. in case of possible transportation delays.
Kenai Riverside Lodge: Located right on the banks of the turquoise Kenai River. Guest cabins are nestled into the trees surrounding the main lodge and have the rustic charm of historic pioneer cabins with modern comforts like heat, lights, private bath, comfy beds and Adirondack chairs on the front porch. Our cozy cabins accommodate up to four people.
Kenai Backcountry Lodge: Located on a glacier-carved lake accessible only by boat. Nine guest cabins in wooded settings are connected to the historic main lodge by gravel pathways and boardwalks. The newly renovated guest cabins each have a minimum of two comfy beds, a private bath and shower, a private porch and propane light and heat. Electrical outlets for recharging electronics are available in the main lodge and other public spaces on the property; we are able to support CPAP machines in certain cabins.
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge: The only lodge located in Kenai Fjords National Park, with views of Pedersen Lagoon and Glacier. A network of boardwalks connects the cabins to the main lodge. Each guest cabin features cozy beds, on-demand heat and electricity, full bath amenities, and a private porch with views of Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary.
Payment Policies
All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Taxes and seasonal fuel surcharges, when applicable, are not included in trip price and are subject to change prior to trip departure. We accept personal checks and major credit cards.
| Payment Schedule: | Amount Due per Person: |
| 121+ days prior to departure: | $1,000 or 50% of trip total, whichever is less |
| 120 to 61 days: | 50% of total |
| Within 60 days: | 100% of total |
For Alaska Trip Add-Ons, additional deposits will apply in accordance with the specific Trip Add-On and operator. These deposit terms will be explained at the time of booking.
Reservations made within 60 days must be guaranteed with a credit card. Late payments may result in releasing your reservation and rebooking will be subject to availability. Cancellation fees will apply.
Upon receipt of your initial deposit, we will send you written confirmation, trip planning materials and a travel insurance application. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
Our policies go into effect at the time of book and upon receipt of deposit. Written cancellations and changes must be received in our reservations office to be valid. Non-appearance for program will result in no refund. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
If the cancellation or change occurs:
| 121+ days prior to departure: | The fee is $300 or 10% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 120 to 91 days: | The fee is $600 or 20% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 90 to 46 days: | 50% of total trip cost, per person |
| Within 45 days: | 100% of total trip cost, per person |
Refunds
No refunds will be made on individual features, transfers or sightseeing voluntarily omitted by the participant. No refunds for unused services will be issued. Our tours operate rain or shine. Refunds for cancelled flights or any services reserved outside of Alaska Wildland Adventures will be made in accordance with the rules of the carrier.
Travel Protection
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more.
A Note About Occupancy
In addition to our standard double occupancy, we also offer solo supplement, triple and quad pricing options for our Alaska adventure vacations. Requested solo accommodations, when available, are subject to a solo supplement fee; however, for a solo traveler interested in sharing accommodations with another same sex traveler, we will make every effort to pair you, and the solo supplement fee will be waived. Occasionally, pairing is not possible and a “forced solo” rate will apply during the Alaska vacation. If you are a solo traveler and you’d like to experience an Alaska vacation with Alaska Wildland Adventures, we will do all we can to have you join us!
A Note About Weather
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is located in pristine, remote Alaskan wilderness and is only accessible by boat. In rare circumstances, due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, we are unable to access the lodge at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations have been planned for this uncommon occurrence and will be discussed with you when you check in at our Seward office if necessary.
Please visit Our Policies for additional information.
We want you to have everything you need to be comfortable during your trip with us. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual.
In order to most enjoy this special birding adventure, we kindly ask that each traveler come equipped with their own personal set of binoculars. Additional spotting scopes will be available for the group to borrow during the trip.
The weather in Alaska is quite variable so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Of special note is to make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet. Cotton is not recommended for Alaska outdoor activities as the fabric does not easily dry and won’t help keep you warm once wet.
The summer in Alaskan is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We liken the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! We have found that when our gear and spirits are well suited, the weather is always perfect.
For a complete item-by-item list, visit our Packing List page. Please note that this packing list is designed for a trip eight to nine days in length. You will need most items on this list and we’ve provided an “Optional Items” section for other things that we find useful in Alaska’s backcountry. Also note that there are no laundry facilities available at our wilderness lodges.