Alaska Wildland Collection

Meet the trip leader in the lobby of the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel at 10:00am. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest, with an afternoon of guided hiking to break up the drive. In the evening, arrive in the quaint community of Cooper Landing, home to Kenai Riverside Lodge, for dinner and trip orientation.

From the lodge’s launch site on the Kenai River, gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On this class II, casual stretch of river, experience stunning backcountry sights and protected wilderness areas. Scan the surrounding areas for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Late afternoon, arrive at the boat-in-only Kenai Backcountry Lodge, a unique, historic inn. Enjoy appetizers and dinner in the main lodge, followed by evening activities. Relax in the outdoor gazebo or in the wood-fired sauna. For those brave souls, take a dip into the glacier-fed waters of Skilak Lake.

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike the Cottonwood Creek Trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the alpine tundra and enjoy splendid views of Skilak Lake and the 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 evening sunset kayak under the midnight sun or a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides.

Cross the lake in the morning and say farewell to Kenai Backcountry Lodge as you return to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a casual afternoon hike on a trail in the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Ask your guide about hiking to the Russian River Falls to view salmon as they swim upstream, trying to leap over the falls to return to their spawning waters or venture along the Hideout Overlook Trail for views of open alpine meadows, a perfect opportunity to view wildlife and, in late summer, great berry picking! Relax in the evening on the riverside deck or enjoy a nice wood-fired sauna before savoring a hearty dinner at Kenai Riverside Lodge.

Following breakfast, bid farewell to Cooper Landing and the Kenai Riverside Lodge. Travel through the Chugach National Forest to the picturesque seacoast town of Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Board a custom catamaran bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and puffins. A four-hour cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at your exclusive lodge destination, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled on the shores of a protected tidal lagoon, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your wilderness guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations.

After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge and peruse the natural history library, or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront.

This morning allows another opportunity to canoe, kayak or explore the area in the morning before bidding farewell to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Midday, embark on a return coastal wildlife cruise back to Seward. From there, board the historic Alaska Railroad for a scenic backcountry rail tour back to Anchorage. Dinner and hotel/airport transfers are not included, but meals are available for purchase on the train. Arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:30pm and transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Included

Transportation from Anchorage, meals served family style in lodges indicated in itinerary, guided activities, return fare on the Alaska Railroad.

Exclusions

Airfare, taxes ($126.15 per person for 2020 double occupancy. Taxes are determined by each borough and municipality in Alaska and may change before final payment. 2020 taxes are subject to a special October 2019 vote and may increase from the current 3% up to as high as 10%), beer and wine, meals on board the Alaska Railroad on the final day, Alaska Railroad Gold Star upgrades, fishing upgrades, cabin upgrades at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, gratuities and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 121 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days – $300 or 10% of total trip cost, whichever is less
120 to 91 days – $600 or 20% of total trip cost, whichever is less
90 to 46 days – 50% of total trip cost
45 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Alaska Wildland Collection begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Plan to arrive in Anchorage in time to meet your trip leader at 10:00am in the lobby of the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel on day 1 (meeting location confirmed with reservation). The trip ends when your Alaska Railroad train arrives at the Anchorage station on day 7 at approximately 10:15pm. If you choose to fly home on the night of day 7, we suggest you book a flight that departs Anchorage after 1:00am the following day, in case of possible transportation delays.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include rafting, a custom catamaran ride, sea kayaking, canoeing, interpretive nature walks, trail side picnics, swimming, hiking, berry picking, coastal explorations, wildlife viewing and a train ride.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at a 25% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability. Single travelers interested in sharing accommodations with another guest of the same gender, will be charged the 25% single supplement then refunded this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found then the 25% single supplement will apply. Triple and quad rates with applicable taxes subject to availability, please inquire about discounts.

Families & Children

Kids 7 years and older are welcomed to participate on all adventures. Youth rates ($3595 for 2020) for kids ages 7-18 are available where applicable, in shared room with adult chaperone(s). Contact your Adventure Specialist for details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captains’ and guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique. Note that in rare circumstances due to high winds, weather fronts or ocean conditions, access the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge may not be permitted at scheduled times. Alternative activities and accommodations are planned for this uncommon occurrence, but please be prepared for a possible change in schedule.