Kenai Multisport
Known as the “Great Land”, Alaska is big and diverse enough to challenge anyone’s imagination. The Kenai Peninsula is a remarkably spectacular slice of Alaska. Here Mother Nature shows off her stuff: glacier-draped mountain peaks, serpentine rivers, blue-green lakes, extensive wildlife and blazing sunsets. Join us for an active exploration that includes sea-kayaking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and hiking in a variety of wilderness settings. On our adventure we visit the Chugach National Forest, the Harding Ice Field, the Kenai Wildlife Refuge and Kenai Fjords National Park. No trip to the Kenai is complete without a sightseeing trip to the “end of the road”, Homer on Katchemak Bay. We divide our time between our rustic yet comfortable “wildlife tented-lodge,” complete with beds and propane heated shower (upon request), and our more primitive “adventure camp” on the shores of Thumb Cove.
Interested in “brown bear viewing” and world-class driftboat fishing? Check out our two “bear camp” departures. Sit back, soak up the quiet and toast to this magnificent wilderness!
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Kenai Multisport Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Anchorage, Alaska. Depart your home city to arrive into Anchorage by 12:30 p.m. This afternoon we transfer by van 2.5 hours south along the spectacular Seward Highway to Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. Today’s destination is our Seacoast Adventure Camp located deep in Thumb Cove off Resurrection Bay. In Seward we board a small boat for a short shuttle (about 30 minutes) to our wilderness camp where we spend the next two nights. This is gorgeous wilderness … hanging glaciers, towering forests, cascading waterfalls. There’s time for an evening paddle (hard-shell, two person sea kayaks) up the cove after you’ve been introduced to sea-kayaking skills. Wilderness Camping at Thumb Cove. Sea Kayaking: 1-3 hours; Terrain: moderate open water kayaking with waves, tides, currents; Dinner included.
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Day 2
Enjoy a spectacular day of energetic sea-kayaking. We paddle across the cove, exploring the crystal-clear waters and amazing coastline scenery. The paddling here is protected from the stronger winds and currents on Resurrection Bay – it’s perfect for both kayaking novices and experienced paddlers. There’s time in the late afternoon to hike near the hanging glaciers or simply relax or beach comb around camp (if the tides are right – maybe a bit of clamming!). Wilderness Camping at Thumb Cove. Sea Kayaking: 4-6 hours; Terrain: moderate open water kayaking with waves, tides, currents; All meals included.
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Day 3
Break camp early morning for our shuttle back to Seward. Today you have a choice of activities - either an invigorating hike to the edge of the Harding Ice Field (a field of ice larger than the state of Rhode Island!) or a day cruise of the amazing Kenai Fjords National Park. The hike is a strenuous, 7.5 mile trip (roundtrip) that gains 3000 feet (a little over 1000 feet per mile!), and the trail is quite steep in some sections. There are several truly spectacular views - one at the 1.5 mile point and another one mile further on as you enter the true alpine environment for the first time. The enormity of the ice field is now perfectly evident at this point and it seems as though it stretches on forever.
For those who would prefer to focus on wildlife viewing rather than on a cardio treat, you may choose an optional Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise (additional cost). Your chances are great of seeing Orcas, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Humpback Whales, and a myriad of seabirds while motoring through terrifically rugged coastal scenery. Either way, it’s a great day! After our hike or cruise, we travel west towards Sterling and to a lovely lodge located on the confluence of the Kenai and Moose Rivers. Here we enjoy well-deserved hot showers followed by happy hour and a relaxing lodge dinner. After dinner we travel upriver fifteen minutes trip to our home for the next four evenings, the Kenai Wildlife Tent Camp (see camp accommodations below). Hiking or Wild Life Cruise: 3-6 hours; Terrain: hike with steep trails with 3000ft elevation gain (just over 1000ft per mile); optional cruise is relaxing and easy. All meals included. -
Day 4
Today we take time to explore the incredible environment just upstream from our tent camp. A few strokes of the paddle will bring us to the border of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Moose, beavers, brown and black bear, arctic fox, timber wolves and even the reclusive lynx call this area home. Not a single trail accesses this area, so our canoes / kayaks are the perfect means for exploring this pristine wilderness. Our watercraft also allows us to get safely close to any wildlife we may encounter. We have lunch on shore before returning to the Tent Camp in the early afternoon for a more relaxed day. River Paddling (Kayaking or Canoeing); Terrain: gentle rapids, upstream paddle and downstream float; All meals included.
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Day 5
No trip to Alaska is complete without a visit to the “End of the Road.” After breakfast we grab our day packs and head to Homer, a lively historical town noted for its “last frontier” color and gorgeous setting. Your first view of Homer and the 4.5 mile long spit that extends out into Katchemak Bay is truly unforgettable… the scenery is “eye-popping.” We spend a fun filled day exploring the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge headquarters/ museum, hiking a beachside trail and soaking in the uniqueness of the famous boardwalk at “Land’s End”- with a stop at the world famous “Salty Dog.” Return to the Tent Camp in time for dinner. Hiking and Town Exploration: 6-8 hours; Terrain: easy beach side trail and small historic town. All meals included.
Bear Camp Departures:
For those of you choosing the “Bear Camp” departure dates (see date listing), Day 4 and Day 5 will vary from our typical itinerary while all the other days in the itinerary remain the same. Below is a description of the “Bear Camp” itinerary for Day 4 and Day 5:
Day 4: What a day… spend the morning exploring the incredible environment just upstream from our tent camp. A few strokes of the paddle will bring us to the border of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Moose, beavers, brown and black bear, arctic fox, timber wolves and even the reclusive lynx call this area home. Our watercraft also allows us to get safely close to any wildlife we may encounter. After your morning paddle it’s on to Bearcamp! A 50-minute scenic bushplane flight across Cook Inlet will land you on the shores of Chinitna Bay, on the flanks of Mt. Illiamna. We spend a few precious hours viewing wild Brown Bears in their native environment at a private camp with a viewing platform that offers an awesome vantage point. Cameras ready! Return flight to the Tent Camp in the mid-afternoon for a bit of relaxation prior to dinner. River paddling (Kayaking or Canoeing) upstream paddle and downstream float; Bear viewing/ scenic flight: 4 hours. All meals included.
Day 5: For those who fish, what trip to Alaska would be complete without a day on some wild river catching and releasing world class, trophy trout or salmon? That’s what today’s all about! Your expert fishing guide will share the river with you as you fly cast or spin (all equipment provided) for Alaska’s most amazing Rainbow trout. All day on the river driftboat fishing with lunch provided when you’re ready to pull you line out of the water. Return to Tent Camp for overnight. All meals included. -
Day 6
We travel to the Chugach National forest for an exciting, entry-level mountain biking ride to an awesome view of the Russian River Falls. We do encounter some technical single track (which can be walked by those who wish) but most of the way is on dirt trails and old ATV roads. Mountain Biking: 12-15 miles / 3-6 hours, Terrain: single track, dirt trails, ATV roads; All meals included.
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Day 7
This morning we depart from Sterling for whitewater rafting on Six-Mile Creek, which offers some of the most exciting Class III and IV whitewater in Alaska. Rafting through the canyons and rapids is a perfect cap to our weeklong adventure. After lunch with time to freshen up, you are transferred back to Anchorage. Please do not schedule a flight out of Anchorage prior to 8 p.m. Or you may extend your stay in Alaska to explore on your own. River Rafting: thrilling Class III and IV white water rapids; Breakfast and lunch included
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate the trip.
Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; accommodations in camps; transportation from Anchorage for duration of trip and return to Anchorage; support vehicle; motor boat transfer to Seacoast Adventure camp; group camping and cooking gear; mountain bikes and helmets; kayaks / canoes and related equipment; and group leadership.
**Bear Camp Itinerary: all of the above plus roundtrip scenic bushflight; access to private bear camp viewing; guided driftboat fishing and fishing equipment.
Airfare to Anchorage; optional Kenai Fjords cruise on Day 3 (cost is about $120.00 +tax and $1.50 port fee/adult; includes a deli-style lunch); insurance, excess baggage charges, gratuities, breakfast and lunch on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, fishing license and items of a personal nature.
We spend 4 nights at the Kenai Wildlife Lodge (tented-camp), located riverside on the outskirts of the town of Sterling. This is a convenient “base camp” for accessing many of our planned activities. The rustic, comfortable, high-walled, platform canvas tents are equipped with wooden floors and decks, twin beds, sleeping bag/liner bedding, mosquito nets for sleeping. Other amenities include Porta Potties, simple outdoor showers “on-demand” and a small recreation lodge for reading and relaxing. We also spend 2 nights in traditional tents at the Seacoast Adventure Camp on the shores of Thumb Cove. Accessible only by boat, this camp has a full kitchen, solar showers, wash basins and Porta Potties. Unlike the Kenai Wildlife Lodge, this is true wilderness … away from everything.
Your guides prepare bountiful meals throughout the trip. For example: hot breakfasts of eggs and hash browns, pancakes, etc. Lunches are usually picnic-style with sandwiches, fruit, cookies, soft drinks and juice. Dinners may include kabob skewers, BBQ chicken, stir-fry, salmon or fajitas. And don’t forget the daily ‘happy hour’! For those wanting additional alcoholic beverages, they can be ordered and paid for (cash or credit card) at dinner. We can accommodate vegetarian meal requests. You will enjoy 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Active beginners are welcome. The day hike to the Harding Ice Field is demanding while the day trip to Homer is quiet relaxed. Participants should be in good physical condition, able to hike, mountain bike, raft and kayak up to 4 - 6 hours per day. Mountain biking begins on a wide gravel roads but you will encounter some single track with uneven terrain - previous experience is recommended but not required. Participants should be able to swim and be comfortable in the water. A short swim test is required to participate in the white water rafting.
Temperatures during the summer months are pleasant during the day (50- 75 degrees F) and cool at night (in the 40s). August trips may face nighttime temperatures in the mid 30s to low 40s. You must be prepared for weather extremes varying greatly from day to night and from region to region.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Kenai Multisport
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Summer temperatures in Alaska range from the 50s to 70s during the days. Evenings will dip into the 40s. Although some days have sunshine, you must also be prepared for wet, cold and windy weather.
Gear Checklist
- Sleeping bags and pad, bag-liner, pillows
- Rafts, drysuits and booties
- Tents
- Mountain bikes, water bottle cage and helmet
- Hard shell and inflatable kayaks
- Group first-aid kit
- Cooking equipment and eating utensils
- **Bear camp itinerary only: spin or fly fishing equipment and driftboat
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Duffel bag, large (wheels and retractable handle are fine)
- Daypack, large enough to pack for 2-nights at the seacoast adventure camp
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Waterproof, breathable rain jacket (or poncho) and pants
- A few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- T-shirts, synthetic and quick-dry
- Long-sleeve shirts (thermal light or mid-weight)
- Bicycle shorts (optional)
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying
- Hiking pants, quick-drying
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Cycling gloves and/or paddling gloves (optional)
- Swimsuit
- Head net (optional)
- Sturdy, lightweight, water resistant hiking boots with aggressive tread (broken in)
- Walking or running shoes, also used for biking and at camp
- Water shoes for rafting or creek crossings
- Gaiters for hiking in thick bush (optional)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulb
- Waterproof pack cover or large plastic garbage bag
- 2 One-quart water bottle or hydration system (such as a CamelBak®)
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Insect repellent with DEET (non-aerosol)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Towel (if using public showers away from camp, "pack towels" work well)
- Ziploc plastic bags for wet items
- Camera, film, spare batteries
- Waterproof disposable camera
- Reading and writing materials
- Ear plugs
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Motion-sickness remedies
- Bandana
- Compact binoculars
- Field guides
- Travel games
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Your own bike helmet (if you prefer)
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Spending money for extras
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic.
- Plastic bags help keep clothing and gear dry. Bring a large trash bag to cover luggage. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
- Although bike helmets are provided, consider bringing your own as it may fit better and be more comfortable.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
- While flying, we recommend you hand-carry your camera, important documents, medications and other items that are difficult to replace. It is also a good idea to have some identification inside your checked bag.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
