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 set out on our first hike. 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: Approximately 10 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: 6-8 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 feƒed 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: Approximately 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.
Alternate departures will operate in the opposite direction. Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
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.
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.
Air transportation to/from Gustavus; guide gratuities; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages.
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!
Temperatures during the summer months in this region of Alaska are generally pleasant during the day (60s), but can drop into the 40s and 50s at night. While days may be sunny, rainfall is a strong possibility during any month, and you must be prepared for weather extremes that vary greatly throughout the week. It is important to bring adequate insulating clothing and raingear for this trip.
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.
Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking
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
- Tents
- Sleeping bags and Therm-a-Rest mattresses (trip members are welcome to bring their own synthetic sleeping bags/pads if preferred)
- Cooking equipment / eating utensils while camping
- Kayaks
- Dry bags (per person): 20 Liter (24" long x 9" diameter) for clothes; 5 Liter for small camera, personal gear
- PFDs
- Rubber boots for hiking and paddling (up to size 13 available)
- Waterproof jacket and bib coveralls
- 1 Refillable water bottle or bring your own
- Group first-aid kit
- Photo identification
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag (wheels and retractable handle are fine), large enough to hold clothing and gear
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Small compressible day pack
- Lightweight, easily washable items for travel wear
- Waterproof, breathable rain jacket and rain pants
- Midweight fleece jacket or synthetic sweater
- 2 T-shirts (1 synthetic) for camping
- 2 Synthetic, warm long-sleeve shirts for paddling/hiking
- Hiking pants, quick-dry
- Hiking shorts, quick dry
- 2 pair midweight synthetic thermal underwear tops/bottoms
- Regular underwear
- Synthetic or wool hiking socks and sock liners
- Casual socks (for cruise and travel days)
- Sun hat or visor
- Wool / fleece hat
- Bandana
- Neoprene paddling gloves
- Lightweight fleece gloves for camp
- Swimsuit
- Camp shoes – Crocs or water sandals
- Casual shoes for cruise and travel days
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries/bulb
- One quart water bottle (or hydration pack)
- Pack towel and washcloth
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellant
- Toiletry kit
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Zip-loc bags to keep smaller items dry
- Camera, spare media card and batteries
- Waterproof camera case
- Small binoculars – preferably waterproof
- Travel pillow
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Baby wipes / hand sanitizer
- Ear plugs
- Pocket knife
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.
- This adventure is a fully self supported paddling trip. We will be transporting all of our gear in our kayaks.
- The best rain gear for this region and activities are rubber boots, waterproof jacket and pants. All of these items are provided. Hiking boots are not necessary. You will need your own rain gear for the Glacier Bay cruise, however it is not necessary to have your own rain gear for the paddling portion of the trip. If you are confident in your personal rain gear, then by all means, you may bring it and use it.
- Here's what our guides typically wear while paddling: Nylon shorts (with long underwear beneath if the weather is cool) and a long-sleeved synthetic shirt. A waterproof paddling jacket and rain pants are kept close at hand on cool/misty days as well.
- To maximize space in your dry bags, it is best to bring waterproof camp shoes which can get wet and do not need to be in a dry bag. Each evening, any personal items with a smell, (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) will be put in zip lock bags and put in a bear canister.
- Be sure to bring clothing for both warm and cool weather. For cool weather it is important to dress in layers. Do not bring cotton clothing for warmth. Once cotton becomes wet it drains your body heat. Synthetic fabrics including Capilene, polypropylene, MTS or Thermax are best.
- 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. Have a 2nd set of medications to be packed separately.
- Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Please line the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a large hefty bag. Consider using resealable plastic bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes. Line your compressible daypack with a plastic bag so you can place it on your lap or between your legs while paddling.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
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.
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 also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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- Activity level (3)
- Group camaraderie (3)
- Guides (3)
- Quality equipment provided (3)
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- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Destination (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 3 customers
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Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking:
First of all, our guides, Gary and Annette, were incredible. Their knowledge and skills are very broad; the food they prepared was delicious and plentiful. They were both thoroughly competent and professional as well as personable and fun. I'd go with them anywhere, anytime.
Wilderness: Stunning and dramatic land. The ride out took 4 hours. I loved it and strongly suggest taking a motion-sickness pill prior to setting off. Once at our destination, the outer islands buffered the ocean waves and winds. On hikes, we saw the Gulf of Alaska (and took a quick dip in it once), muskegs, tidal pools, learned about plants and animals, etc. The dictionary description of muskeg uses words like "bog". I've been to Scotland - it's not a bog... Hiking on muskegs and the inland parts of the Chichagof Islands is like hiking on pillows. The moss is so thick (we're talking multiple inches in depth), that every step is comfortably cushioned. Muskegs themselves are hard to describe. They are thick layers of moss and peat over a thin layer water. You can jump on it and feel the ground shake just a bit, and yet it feels very solid. My favorite flowers were the shooting stars and the sun-dews. While kayaking, the waves and wind were usually mild, although we had a few times of challenging paddling. The water was so clear, it was a natural aquarium - starfish, kelp, anemones, rocks, salmon jumping in the distance.
Wildlife: Our trip experiences started off with a bang (or rather a spout). The boat transporting us to the outer coast actually shut off its engines when a pod of about 15 humpback whales surrounded us while lunge-feeding. This happened both on the trip out and the trip back. We quickly adjusted to the idea of brown bears all over the place. Our guides instructed us in the do's-and-don'ts and also explained that bears in this area tended to be very skittish of people (especially in numbers larger than 5) - not like in the more visited places in Alaska. This proved to be true. We saw bears at least 6 different times. We could watch them at a distance until they caught our scent, and then they bolted for the woods. Several times while kayaking, seals and a sea lion would swim in closer and check us out. Other times, we could observe them very well with binoculars (and cameras!). At one of our campsites, a few river otter and mink were seen and watched several times.
I was quietly but extremely skeptical when told that we would be wearing wellington boots for most of if not all of the time. To my surprise, they were comfortable, warm and had even better traction on rocks than the hiking shoes I'd brought. I transferred my shoe insoles into the boots to insure good support.
On this trip, you are visiting a temperate rain forest. Clearly, this does not mean that it rains all the time - we had just a few days of light drizzle and many blue-sky days. Sometimes, it will rain hard, though. Plan for rain, and enjoy whatever comes. On rainy days, sometimes the mountains were obscured; other times, the curvatures and crevices were shaded or highlighted starkly depending on the thickness of clouds.
The absolute isolation from any man-made cacophony or any sign at all of civilization was a sensory relief. At the same time, the description of this adventure practically ensures that the people in your group will be an adventurous, (non-whiny) crew. The camaraderie was terrific - we had a ball! I would jump at the chance to do this again...
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Recommended by a Friend, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- The ability to be a part of an incredible destination - not viewed from afar but surrounded by coastal Alaska.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- There were so many, I can't narrow it down to just one. The whole week was full of amazing experiences. From whales lunge-feeding closely around us, to bears, seals and otters, to quiet mornings just breathing the air and hearing nothing but the sound of waves, wind and birds. And getting to explore this with a wonderful group of people...
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- DO IT!!! This trip exceeded all of my expectations. We had sunny weather for most of the trip, but even the rainy days were terrific. Packing things in separate plastic bags is a good idea. Plan to wear the same set of clothes for most of the week - they dry better on you. Also, the rain pants should be hardy. In the morning, perching on rocks (some with barnacles) was a good way to watch seals, sea lions and otters. I was very rough with my light-weight rain pants which lasted until the second-to-last day. Duct tape fixed the rents, and I was back on the rocks.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Janet D
Our first campsite & kayak launchpoint
Images shared by Janet D
We hiked, viewed & took a dip!
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking:
Our two guides were experienced, competent and knowledgeable ... and fun enjoyable folks as well. I learned a lot about the natural and human history of the area from them but also gained a new and deeper understanding of why wilderness is important and how to experience it while leaving it unaltered for others to experience as well. They treated the environment with deep respect and it was clear that their behavior wasn't for show but was an expression of belief. They also, as my son pointed out to me, gave us time and opportunities to make our own discoveries rather than simply pointing everything out to us. When we saw or found something, they were there to answer our questions but it was the best sort of teaching.
Our trip concluded with a trip up Glacier Bay in a large tour boat ... not the experience I wanted to cap our 6 days in the Chichagof Island Wilderness. Nice to see the glaciers if you haven't already but honestly, being on a large tour boat with people rushing from one side to the other to see the whale or whatever was the antithesis of the kayak portion. My advice to REI is to either do that at the beginning of the trip or, better yet, skip it entirely and add a day of camping / kayaking. Let folks choose to stay a day longer and do the glacier tour on their own.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Because it had the elements I wanted: Alaska, wilderness, kayaking, small group size,
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- There wasn't a single "oh my god, this is it!" event. It was just one small event, one small activity, one small experience after another that added up to a very satisfying and, if I dare to use the word, at certain moments, spiritual experience. Being surrounded by and enveloped in the quiet of a 10,000 year old temperate rain forest ... does it get any better? Or gliding through the mist in your kayak watching brown bears grazing on the shores (yes, they graze!) while sea otters float nearby on their backs and watch you ...
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Take two full changes of clothes and lots of socks! It can be very wet and everything gets damp in the end. And even the rain cannot dampen the experience of being in such a wild and beautiful place.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking:
We have the highest praise for our two guides. They were very patient and interested in group members. They were also very knowledgeable about the history of the area and the plant and animal life. We also felt that they were capable of handling any problem or contingency that might occur. They were also excellent cooks.
Group members were supportive to each other.
While the rainforest environment has the disadvantage of frequent rain, it also has a compensating advantage. Every campsite had a thick carpet of moss that made for a softer bed than we have usually had when camping.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Opportunity to see inner passage of Alaska and be active in doing so.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Glacier Bay boat trip and its spectacular scenery. Seeing sea mammals while kayaking, seeing tide pools, and hiking through a bog.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Be prepared for a great deal of rain. During our six days of kayaking, it rained over half of the time and was sunny for one whole day and parts of a few other days. Day time temperatures were typically in the low 50s. However with multiple layers and the water proof boots and suits that were provided, we were able to stay comfortable.
The trip accepts beginning kayakers. However, you will have an easier time if you are not a beginner.
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