Ultimate Alaska Adventure

Ultimate Alaska AdventureOverview

Featuring the widest range of unique activities, the Ultimate Alaska Adventure is the perfect blend of backcountry exploring and cozy accommodations in wild Alaska! Authentically Alaskan activities include a helicopter landing on glacial snowpack for a real Alaskan dogsled ride; a once-in-a-lifetime glacier hiking adventure to safely explore couloirs and other geographical features; a sea kayaking experience deep inside Kenai Fjords National Park; and more!

This itinerary includes a few challenging hikes and is best suited for travelers 13 years of age and older. This intentionally small-scale tour is limited to just 10 guests or less per departure and will sell out quickly!

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Ultimate Alaska AdventureItinerary

This adventure begins with a journey along Turnagain Arm to the small mountain town of Girdwood for a helicopter excursion and dog sledding. On day 2, gear up for a scenic raft trip on the Kenai River to our boat-in only forest retreat, Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Spend days 3 and 4 exploring Kenai National Wildlife Refuge by boat and trail. Day 5 introduces us to Alaska’s stunning glaciers on a very special glacier hike adventure! On day 6, board our private vessel to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge for a two-night stay in Kenai Fjords National Park. Kayak, canoe, beachcomb or relax this morning before returning to Seward on day 8. Then board the historic Alaska Railroad for your return trip to Anchorage.

Download a PDF version of the day-by-day itinerary here.

Arrival
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Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage.

Day One: Helicopter Ride and Dog Mushing
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Meet your trip leader at 8:00 a.m. this morning and travel from Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm to the small mountain community of Girdwood. Today's adventure is a helicopter excursion to a glacier to try your hand at the famous Alaskan sport of dog mushing. High on the snow-pack, drive the sled yourself or, if you prefer, ride in the sled as you enjoy the dramatic scenery. In the afternoon, we'll continue south to Kenai Riverside Lodge, located along the banks of the Kenai River. Settle into your cabin, and enjoy appetizers and dinner in the main lodge. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge.

Image courtesy of Alpine Air Alaska.

Day Two: Raft the Kenai River
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Gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and watch for moose, bears, bald eagles and other bird species along the way. Enjoy a delicious picnic 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. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Day Three: Explore Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
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Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and at the top, explore the tundra and enjoy captivating views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. 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.

Day Four: Hike and Travel to Kenai Riverside Lodge
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This morning we’ll cross Skilak Lake on our custom boat and take a short van ride to a local trailhead for gorgeous vistas of the Kenai Mountains and Kenai watershed. Lunch always tastes better in the backcountry, and we’ll enjoy lunch during our trail hike before returning back to civilization. Return to Kenai Riverside Lodge this afternoon for relaxing, and don’t forget to check out the riverside deck and bonfire pit - perfect for post-dinner s’mores! Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge.

Day Five: Glacier Hiking Adventure
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After a hearty breakfast, we’ll travel to Exit Glacier just outside of Seward – the only portion of the Harding Ice Field accessible by road. You won’t just be able to see the glacier; you will be able to experience the glacier first-hand on today’s ice hiking adventure! Supported with crampons, harnesses and helmets, you'll safely navigate the glacier. Don't forget your camera for this unforgettable experience.

Day Six: Marine Wildlife and Glacier Cruise
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Wake up in the picturesque seacoast town of Seward. Today, we'll 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.

Day Seven: Explore Kenai Fjords National Park
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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.

Day Eight: Return to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad
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This morning allows for a final half-day activity at the Glacier Lodge before boarding our boat for the return coastal wildlife cruise to Seward. From there, board the first-class Goldstar cars of the Alaska Railroad for a scenic backcountry rail tour to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 10:15 p.m.

Departure
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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.

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Ultimate Alaska AdventureLodging

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.

Seward Windsong Lodge: We partner with Seward Windsong Lodge, owned by Pursuit Collection, to give our guests a peaceful experience during our stay near Seward. This lodge features charming Alaska ambience and a great location along the Resurrection River and near Exit Glacier.

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.

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Ultimate Alaska AdventureTravel Info & Terms

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

Special Note: Due to the unique activities on this trip – some of which require travel by helicopter, small plane and horseback – safety protocols and seat rating limits require guests of the Ultimate Alaska Adventure to weigh no more than 300 lbs. As a condition of enrolling in this adventure, guests will be asked to provide weight and shoe size information at the time of booking.

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.

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Ultimate Alaska AdventureWhat To Bring

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.

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.

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