Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking

On the western side of Alaska's Inside Passage, towering mountains, rain forest and muskeg meet the Pacific Ocean — but not abruptly. Instead, hundreds of tiny forested islets lie within a mile of the much-indented shore, creating an "inside passage" in miniature. A series of small connected waterways, bays and fjords, sheltered from the Gulf of Alaska, separate the Myriad Islands. This is perfect kayaking country. The islands form an enchanting maze, with passages branching and re-joining in a bewildering labyrinth. On this exciting new paddling and hiking adventure, we begin our expedition in Gustavus where we'll board our charter boat for the three hour transfer to our first wilderness campsite. After assembling our kayaks and learning basic paddling skills, we head for the outer islands and their shell beaches, rocky cliffs, and forests of pine and grass. We ride long swells, watch sea otters, and look back at the mountains of Chichagof Island. For several days we meander among island groups - now rounding rocky headlands, and then paddling into the long twilight of these northern latitudes with the continual murmur of the ocean as background. Eventually we head back "inside," where, from still fjords and bays, we explore the dim rain forest with its mossy carpet and towering spruce. We also hike into the muskeg, with its stunted, bonsai-like lodgepole pine, grassy meadows, and many small pools. Grizzly bears and bald eagles are frequent visitors to these shores and we are often privileged to see these remarkable creatures fishing, playing, or soaring effortlessly. En route back to Gustavus, we'll make an afternoon stop at Point Adolphus, a meeting place of currents flowing around Chichagof Island into the Inside Passage. This nutrient rich confluence feeds an abundance of marine life from tiny barnacles to giant whales. Occasionally Humpback whales fully breach out of the water before us, in commanding displays of acrobatic power. Observing these most dramatic marine mammals adds an exclamation point to any Southeast Alaska adventure — especially when viewed from a kayak! Our trip concludes with an exploration of spectacular Glacier Bay National Park aboard a comfortable motorized catamaran, an unforgettable ending to our week in the Last Frontier state.

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.

Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Gustavus, Alaska. The gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, picturesque Gustavus can be reached via daily jet service on Alaska Airlines (or one of the smaller Air Taxi services) from Juneau. Upon arrival, we're met at the airport by our local guides and transferred to our first night's lodging in a comfortable local inn. We'll enjoy dinner together as a group, followed by a pre-trip orientation covering the trip itinerary, logistics, and packing tips, with plenty of time to address any additional questions trip members may have. Dry bags will also be distributed this evening for packing your personal gear. Dinner included.

• Day 2 

  After an early breakfast, we'll jump aboard our transport boat and head towards the outer coast wilderness. The three-hour boat ride provides our first chance to look for whales, sea otters, seals and sea lions, as well as bears foraging along the shore. We'll cruise past beautiful bays and two hundred-foot cliffs, view the impressive Brady Glacier, and arrive at our first island campsite within the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area by midday. After unloading our gear and provisions for the week, we'll wave goodbye to the transport boat and have lunch before setting out on our first exhilarating paddle. Depending on tides and weather, we may spend the afternoon paddling out to view the open ocean (from the protected waterways the nearby islands provide) while keeping an eye out for the Grey Whales which visit the area. If the tide is low, the exposed shoreline offers fantastic tide pooling opportunities. After returning to camp, our relaxing evening will feature one of our guide's incredible meals and the marvelous tranquility of this remote setting. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: 3-5 miles dependent on tides.

• Day 3 

  After a big breakfast, we paddle out to Goulding Harbor and hike up to see some spectacular waterfalls. This fantastic walk passes through old-growth temperate rainforest, riverine areas, and muskeg (peat bogs). As we hike, we'll look for signs of Sitka Black Tail Deer and Brown Bears. Mink and Otter are common by the river as well. In the afternoon we can choose to paddle directly back to our familiar campsite or extend our day for more exploration of the surrounding area. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: Up to 6 miles; Hiking: 3 miles

• Day 4

  We get an early start as we’ll be breaking camp this morning before paddling along the coastline to our next site. After all of our gear is neatly stowed aboard our kayaks, we’ll point our bows toward Black Bay and begin a leisurely but full day of discovery in this incredible marine environment. We have plenty of time to watch comical sea otters, search for wildlife along the shore and investigate many of the bays that we pass. Our next campsite, at the mouth of Black Bay, is an amazing place to explore. Ringed by mountains and home to a huge estuary, Black Bay is an ideal spot to watch for an abundance of bird life and Brown Bears. Make sure your binoculars are handy! Another serenely peaceful night in the Alaska bush tonight. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: Approx. 8 miles.

• Day 5

  Experienced expedition kayakers by now, we break camp again this morning and head toward the outer- coastal waters of our campsite in the Myriad Islands. We paddle past an old gold mine and through an archipelago of small islands en route to our final destination. We have ample time once again for our amphibious explorations and glide through the water at a relaxed pace. As we draw closer to the location of our camp, we begin to hear the open ocean crashing on the other side of the breakers which protect us. Our campsite for the next two nights has an unbelievable view of the Gulf of Alaska and, on calm days, is filled with the sound of sea lions barking from their haul-out a mile offshore. At camp, we can stretch our legs and investigate the many different species of flora and fauna that live in the area including a variety of lovely orchids. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: 9 miles

• Day 6

  Today we can follow our fancy as we alternately explore the nearby miniature islands by kayak and hike in 10,000 year-old forest and muskeg. Paddling in this remote area is a truly unique experience and, with literally hundreds of islands making up the surrounding seascape, there are always surprises waiting around every bend. Often in plain view, the Gulf of Alaska shimmers between and beyond the islands which provide the sheltered waters we paddle in. Hiking is another wonderful way to experience the unique ecosystems of individual islands and discover the diverse range of flora that grows on the edge of the open ocean. Tonight we'll celebrate our last night in the backcountry with another great meal, good company and the sounds of rolling surf. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: 6 miles

• Day 7

  After a final morning paddle on the outer coast, we'll rendezvous once again with our transport boat and head towards Point Adolphus, one of Alaska's most prolific feeding grounds for humpback whales. With our kayaks back in the water, we'll have the entire afternoon to enjoy the world-class wildlife viewing that Point Adolphus is renowned for, hoping for a close-up encounter with some of the magnificent humpbacks that come here to feed every summer. Aside from whales, other possible sightings include sea lions, seals, porpoises, salmon, bald eagles and bears. Our final dinner will be served on a nearby beach while watching the humpbacks from shore. Our transport boat will pick us up again after dinner for the short ride back to Gustavus, where a hot shower and warm bed awaits at our inn. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: 4 miles

• Day 8

  In just a little over 200 years, the immense sheet of glacial ice that once covered this rugged region of Southeastern Alaska has retreated over 65 miles to unveil the scenic and geological wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Comprised of over three million acres of spruce-hemlock rainforest, deep fjords, snow-capped mountain ranges and over a dozen tidewater glaciers, Glacier Bay is a living laboratory for the forces of glaciation and wildlife dynamics. We'll spend a relaxing day aboard a comfortable catamaran exploring the numerous ecosystems and panoramas of this vast park. In addition to the stunning scenery, we may encounter brown and black bears, puffins, marbled murrelets, otters, humpbacks and the occasional pod of orcas or lonely minke whale as we travel over 130 miles up into the icy bay and back. Our well-appointed vessel provides a perfect vantage point to watch the spectacular tidewater glaciers calve and shift, crashing into the sea. A hot lunch is served on board and there is plenty of time to talk to the naturalists and peruse the on-board library. We'll arrive back in Gustavus in time to transfer to the airport for a late afternoon flight home. Breakfast and lunch included.

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.

Air Travel:

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

Single Travelers:

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate/tentmate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement.

Price Includes:

Inn accommodations in Gustavus (2 nights) and tents while camping (5 nights); all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; airport transfers in Gustavus; boat transfers to/from campsites; day cruise in Glacier Bay National Park; guide leadership; two-person kayaks and related gear.

Not Included:

Air transportation to/from Gustavus; guide gratuities; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages.

Qualifications:

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should arrive in good physical condition and plan to spend 3-6 hours engaged in paddling and/or hiking on most days. Our sea kayaking routes are predominantly in protected waters and beginner paddlers are welcome. Hikes are typically off-trail through muskeg (peat bogs). We recommend an exercise regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure consisting of hiking/walking and upper body conditioning to prepare for this adventure. The better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy all this trip has to offer!

Weather:

Temperatures during the summer months in this region of Alaska are generally pleasant during the day (60 - 70° F), but can drop into the 40s and 50s at night. Although sunshine may be abundant, at least some rainfall is a strong possibility during any month, and you must be prepared for weather extremes that vary greatly throughout the week. Proper raingear is essential.

General Information:

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 at the time of your initial reservation, 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.

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

Temperatures during the summer months in this region of Alaska are generally pleasant during the day (60 - 70° F), but can drop into the 40s and 50s at night. Although sunshine may be abundant, at least some rainfall is a strong possibility during any month, and you must be prepared for weather extremes that vary greatly throughout the week. Proper raingear is essential.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold but when the wind is constant, you can be robbed of body heat very quickly. Good wind/raingear is essential.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring 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.
• Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents
• 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.

Feel free to give us a call should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at any of our stores or 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.