The Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure brings visitors to two distinct and iconic national parks: Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. Designed for those who have just over a week to travel but still want to explore Alaska up close and in depth, this trip shows visitors what makes Alaska magical. With beautifully-appointed, private cabins, stays at wilderness lodges, visits to two charming small towns, a ride on the historic Alaska Railroad and more, this trip introduces visitors to wild Alaska.
This fully-guided adventure begins with a journey south from Anchorage along picturesque Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach Mountains en route to the sweet seacoast town of Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. From there, board our private and custom landing craft vessel to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. We’ll scope out the surrounding tidewater glaciers and keep our eyes open for whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters and puffins. Enjoy lunch on the boat in front of a glacier before arriving at the lodge.
The next day, we’ll explore Kenai Fjords National Park; guided options include interpretive nature walks through the coastal forest; beachcombing the rocky beaches of Aialik Bay; kayaking around Pedersen Lagoon and Aialik Bay; canoeing in Pedersen Lagoon; or simply relaxing on the expansive wood deck or in the wood-fired sauna. Delicious, fresh and cooked-from-scratch meals feature Alaskan ingredients whenever possible and are enjoyed in the gorgeous dining room with expansive views of Pedersen Lagoon. On Day 3, spend the morning at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge with a half-day activity before boarding our private vessel for the return wildlife cruise to Seward. Enjoy the evening with a relaxed dinner and unwind at our partner lodge, Seward Windsong Lodge.
The next day, we head north! We’ll travel through Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, the gateway to the Alaska Range. This small town serves as the staging area for the mountaineers who attempt to summit Denali each summer. Activity options include a flightseeing tour of Denali and the surrounding glacial canyons (weather dependent). This evening, explore “downtown” Talkeetna’s shops and restaurants. This evening, travelers can check out a great local restaurant on their own (or dine with the other members of the group if they wish).
After breakfast in Talkeetna, we’ll head north again to the entrance of Denali National Park, stopping along the way to view the south side of the Alaska Range and, on clear days, Denali herself. We’ll also meet with area locals to learn about the geography, ecology and history of this unique landscape followed by a guided hike. After the hike, we’ll head to beautiful Tonglen Lake Lodge, our lodge partner in Denali, founded by a local artist and full of beautiful artistic finishes and handcrafted details.
On Day 6, we’ll seek out Alaska’s iconic wildlife by bus, one of the best ways to see the “Big 5” – grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep and wolves. The permit-only Park road runs alongside migratory paths and nature habitats of these and other animals. This evening, relax at Tonglen Lake Lodge with delicious appetizers and dinner. Spend time around the bonfire, explore the property around Tonglen Lake Lodge and take in the gorgeous lake views.
On the final day of your trip, enjoy a relaxing morning before boarding the first-class Goldstar cars of the Alaska Railroad for your return trip to Anchorage. Large panoramic windows, comfortable seats and the thrill of riding the rails takes you comfortably back to Anchorage.
The Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure gives you a chance to experience the remote and unique landscapes in Alaska that most visitors never get to see, all in just over a week. Like all of our all-inclusive guided Adventures, this trip includes all lodging, transportation, equipment and most dining so that you can simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Our trips are intentionally small-scale, ensuring a light footprint on the areas we visit and plenty of time to explore.
Alaska’s national parks are a special part of the state. Read more about Denali National Park on our website here and on alaska.org’s website. More information about Kenai Fjords National Park can be found on our website here and also on alaska.org.