Alaska's Glaciers: Journey Through Time

Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Alaska's Glaciers! We will hike through old growth forests, trek on to glaciers, and paddle through fjords looking for clues on what the glaciers left behind. This adventure gives us a glimpse back in time of how glaciers carved valleys, fjords, and the majestic landscapes of Southeast Alaska.

Highlights: Mendenhall Glacier, Admiralty Island Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary, Fords Terror Fjord, Tongass National Forest
Activities: Hiking, Glacier Trekking, Flightseeing, Bear viewing, Boat cruise/Wildlife viewing, Sea Kayaking, Deluxe Camping, Free Time

Dates/Rates: Call 907-789-3772
(Space is limited, book early!)
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights

Accommodations: 5 nights deluxe lodging, 2 nights deluxe camping
Includes: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Trip Rating: Easy to Moderate
No Experience Necessary
Rates: Based on Double Occupancy, Single Supplement Available (3-10 people)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Juneau, welcome reception at Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa. Overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 2: Explore local attractions - Sightsee downtown, shop, visit the salmon hatchery and aquariums, State and City Museums, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure or the Mt. Roberts Tramway (admission fees may apply). Meet back at Pearson's Pond to discuss the next day's activities. Overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 3: This is the ultimate glacier escape! We will meet at the West Glacier trailhead for a day of glacier trekking and optional ice climbing. We will hike the West Glacier Spur trail until we reach the terminus of the Mendenhall Glacier. Once there, we'll get outfitted with glacier gear and given an introduction to walking in crampons and using an ice axe. Explore unique glacial formations such as crevasses, ice caves, waterfalls and beautiful views of the Mendenhall Lake! Return to Pearson's Pond and relax with a massage or hot tub spa service. Overnight Pearson's Pond. (optional deluxe glacier camping)

Day 4: The day starts off with a scenic floatplane flight to Windfall Island in the Admiralty Island National Monument. From there, we sea kayak to the edge of the Pack Creek Brown Bear Sanctuary. A short beach walk brings us to the mouth of Pack Creek, where we hope to see Alaskan brown bear fishing for salmon or feeding in the beach meadows. We may also take a marvelous 1.5 mile hike through the old-growth coastal rainforest to an observation tower on upper Pack Creek. No experience is necessary, but be prepared for easy hiking and sea kayaking, and possible inclement weather (we provide rain gear). Return to Juneau and overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 5: Board a charter boat for a cruise down the spectacularly scenic Inside Passage, watching for seals, whales and sea birds on our way to the entrance of Tracy and Endicott Arm Fjords. Upon entering the fjord, we pass through an area where an underwater glacial moraine produces a nutrient-rich upwelling current. Keep your eyes out for seals, whales and sea birds taking advantage of the small marine life living off these nutrients. We'll disembark near the upper end of Endicott Arm and begin exploring the rich marine and bird life found in this "Yosemite of the North." Overnight deluxe camping.

Day 6: We will paddle through iceberg-laden waters, some of them dotted with seals hauled out for a rest, as we make our way to Dawes Glacier, an extremely active glacier. When the Dawes Glacier calves, as it does quite regularly, it calves BIG! Chunks as big as houses have been seen during this glacial activity. If there's time, we may hike up a newly-formed valley on the far side of the fjord, just recently uncovered as the glacier receded. Overnight deluxe camping.

Day 7: After a morning breakfast and a short walk or paddle, our charter boat will return to our campsite shortly after noon for our truly spectacular return through the fjords and back up the Inside Passage to Juneau. Return to Juneau. Overnight Pearson's Pond.

Day 8: Depart Juneau. Optional add-on nights for extending your stay in Juneau.


Optional add-on activities: Taku Glacier Lodge, Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier cruise, Dog sledding on the Juneau Ice Field, Summer skiing on the Juneau Ice Field, Deluxe Glacier Base camp

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