adventure trek alaska

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Sign Up for a Teen Summer Adventure Camp in Alaska

Looking for a teen adventure camp in Alaska, the Last Frontier? Famous for its wildlife, home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, site of the famed Iditarod race, and land of the midnight sun. At Adventure Treks, high school students get to explore Alaska’s many diverse landscapes on our wilderness summer camps.

• Backpack along Crow Pass in Chugach National Forest, on trails that follow the original Iditarod race. You’ll pass waterfalls, mine ruins, fields of wildflowers, and you’ll hike across glaciers. You’ll probably see some mountain goats along the way!
• Learn to ice climb on the sparkling blue walls of the spectacular Matanuska Glacier for three days. This is a great place for photo opportunities!
• Whitewater raft the exciting class III and IV rapids of LionsHead River, famous for its the basalt column that shapes its namesake feature.
• Backpack in the Talkeetna Mountains, land of extinct volcanoes. You’ll practice your river-crossing skills and cross ice fields and tundra. Keep your eyes peeled for caribou herds!
• Spend four to five days sea kayaking in the Prince William Sound, known for its incredibly blue/turquoise waters. Calm waters meet calving glaciers as you glide beneath soaring bald eagles and above porpoises, otters, and killer whales.
• Hike in Denali State Park, home to North America’s highest and most dramatic peak: the 20,320-foot Denali. This looming mountain is visible from miles away on a clear day, and we’ll camp right in front of it!

Above all, you’ll have unforgettable adventures in the outdoors with peers who will become lifelong friends, alongside caring mentors and role models and breathtaking scenery.

Explore Alaska Teen Adventures for current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders

We’re so glad you’re here. Join our list to receive our brochure, detailed trip guides, info session schedule, and more!

Guided Alaska Hiking and Backpacking Adventures - McCarthy Alaska

Why trek with us….

Trips range from 3-9 days and from easier to very challenging.

We offer trips in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park , Lake Clark N.P ., Gates of the Arctic N.P ., the Talkeetna Mts  and other regions.

Take a look at an  OVERVIEW of ALL TREKS  that we offer.

On a Tight Schedule?

Check out our Easy Logistics Treks . These trips are shorter or don't require a lot of additional travel time. 

Wolverine Mt. Alpine

This 6 day trip has so much to offer. It's a high country route perched far above the Chitistone river with simply amazing views all around. The icing on the cake is the abundance of fossils in the area and not just  a few if we're lucky, but a LOT of them.

There is a lot of flexibility with this route. We fly into Wolverine Mountain and spend a day checking out all the fossilts up the ridge before heading out to the Grotto Creek area. From there we can base camp and explore the region or continue on and do a circumnavigation of the mesa. Either way we end up back at Wolverine for the pickup. Your guide will work out the final itinerary with the group.

This route offers some challenges without being over the top. It's a real favorite with the guides.

 see Trek Details

Sanford Plateau

This trip presents the rare opportunity to hike directly beneath the shadow of the giants of the Wrangells - Mt. Sanford, Wrangell, Zanetti and Drum! If the weather gods cooperate you are sure to come home with some trophy photos in this incomparable setting.

We Wrote the Book…

Owner Greg Fensterman is the author of Hiking Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park published by Falcon Guides. So when we say that nobody has a more in-depth knowledge of the backcountry of Wrangell-St. Elias it’s not an empty boast. Oh… and the book doesn’t give away all the park’s secrets by a long shot. We know lots of great spots not included. We have been taking people into the deep backcountry for 20 years so we know this country like nobody else.

anchorage alaska web design

ENJOY THE SOLITUDE & SOLACE OF ARCTIC WILD

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE ARCTIC WILD

Arctic Wild provides professionally guided Alaska adventure tours in Alaska’s vast wilderness. Trust your Alaskan adventure vacation to an experienced Arctic Wild Guide.

Groups are small (1 to 8 people), we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. Whether you join us for a base camp trip, river rafting, canoeing or backpacking adventure there is plenty of free time for you to explore, bird watch, photograph, fish or do whatever pleases you most.

CHOOSE FROM SIX DESTINATIONS

Arctic Wild has the perfect Alaskan Adventure for you. Photograph caribou in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge . Enjoy a backpacking trip in Gates of the Arctic National Park , or try a canoe trip in the remote Western Brooks Range . If you don’t see the trip of your dreams on our schedule we’d be happy to design a custom trip just for you.

Western Brook Range

The western Brooks Range is the most remote and untraveled part of Alaska. Unknown of the unknown, home of the 200,000 strong Western Arctic Caribou herd.

Gates of the Arctic

Crown jewel of the National Park System. 9 million acres of rugged wilderness mountains and wildlife rich valleys offer a lifetime of adventure.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Alaska’s most celebrated wilderness. The Arctic Refuge stretches from the northern forest, to the 9,000 ft peaks in the Brooks Range, across the famed coastal plain to the Arctic Coast.

Yukon Charley and Interior Alaska

An icon of the north, the Yukon River is Alaska’s largest river, offering family friendly adventures in Yukon Charley National Park and beyond.

Wrangell St Elias and Glacier Bay

A kingdom of mountains and ice stretching from the Gulf of Alaska to the dry interior. Wrangell St Elias, Glacier Bay, Kluane and Alsek Parks combine to make the largest protected wilderness area on earth.

Katmai and the Aleutians

Famous for Katmai bears, some of the world’s most prolific salmon runs, Katmai is the Alaska of your dreams. And the Aleutians to the west only get wilder with active volcanoes and beaches covered in walrus.

astoundingly skilled ARCTIC GUIDES

Remote wilderness travel demands professional guides with exceptional technical skills. Our clients demand personable, knowledgeable, and hard working guides.

Arctic Wild is fortunate to have an astoundingly skilled, informed and passionate group of guides working with us. Some guides hike and paddle with us all summer long for decades, all our guides love sharing the wilderness with you.

 907-745-5753   [email protected]

Matanuska Glacier Adventure Trek

Glacier | glacier day trips, matanuska glacier, adventure trek, $215/person.

+ Glacier Entrance Fee

Adventure Level

Glacier treks (moderate to challenging), trip minimum, reservation minimum.

*Singles please call our office for availability.

Hicks Creek Facility

38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674 *Mile 96

June 1 – September 10

Ages 12 – 65, max. size/weight, 250 lbs, girth 50 inches, min. shoe size, 5 us men/ 6 us women.

(to fit our provided boots and gear properly.)

Check-in Time

9:00am 0r 1:30pm.

Approximately 4+ Hours on the glacier and 5+ Hours total on average.

Trip Highlights

• No experience necessary!
• An intense and intimate day with the Matanuska Glacier.
• Highly tailored with a guide to client ratio of 1:4.
• Go beyond the ‘Ice-Falls’ to explore the inner heart of the glacier.
• Explore unique hard to reach features away from the crowds!

TRIP DESCRIPTION

A longer adventure into this exceptional glacier.

For the next level in adventure and challenge this Trek is our longer, more extensive trip. There is no experience necessary, but this is one of the longest and most intense days we offer on the glacier and requires a certain level of physical capabilities. Each participant must be able to hike at least 6+ miles comfortably navigating on uneven ground or terrain that’s challenging with sometimes steep inclines to enjoy this trek to the fullest. This adventure takes physical hikers out beyond the main terminus ‘Ice Falls’ area to the heart of the Matanuska Glacier and beyond the more frequented areas. Traveling back though the frozen ancient world of ice, exploring out where the more unique features are located and harder to access. The Adventure Trek is highly tailored with a guide to client ratio of 1:4 and customized by our professional guides to the group’s physical abilities and desires.

The Matanuska Glacier is a massive 26-mile long advancing valley glacier located in the rugged Chugach mountains just 100 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska. The glacier is ‘alive’ with unique features coming and going transforming the landscape as the summer goes by. With the geology being very active around the glacier its character really does change weekly. You never know what you’re going to get to see with this ever evolving marvel of nature. Every day and every tour is a little different out on the ice. It’s always a good idea to be prepared in Alaska. We recommend bringing a personal backpack on the tour to store items such as raincoats, extra layers, snacks, cameras, sunglasses, hats, gloves, water bottles for drinking glacier water or anything else you would like to bring on the tour.

Glacier Park fee

*GLACIER PARK FEE

Matanuska Glacier Park is privately owned and charges per person every time you go through the gate; Alaska State passes do not apply. This outfit has a   NO DRONE   policy in place for the glacier.

• Teens (13-16): $25
• Adults (17+): $45
• Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30

Cancellation Policy

Please consider the fact that Nova Alaska Guides is a small company in remote Alaska with only 100 days in the year to make our living. It will simply be too late for us to fill the spaces that we have set aside for you. 

CANCELLATION POLICY: Day trip cancellations made at least 5 days in advance will receive a full deposit refund. Groups of 10+ need to provide a 14-day notice for a full deposit refund. Multi-Day trips require 30 days’ notice for a full deposit refund. In the event NOVA cancels, you will receive a full refund of your payments. Any absence of a booked tour that is operating or If cancellations are not made within the timeframes given Nova retains the deposit made. All Nova trips require a 50% deposit except for SIX MILE CREEK which due to high demand requires a 100% deposit. Unless Nova cancels your trip, for all cancellations by customers who booked using our online platform you will be required to cover the 1.9% booking fee cost.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign Nova's trip waiver. 

If you are late for your trip there is a chance we will have to leave without you. If so, we will do our best to reschedule your trip at no additional cost. If you are not interested in rescheduling then missing your trip is considered an absence, resulting in no refund.

This applies to but is not limited to unforeseen circumstances such as unexpected illness or emergencies. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, excellent customer service, and the best guided trips in Alaska. All we ask is that you show up on time for check-in.

Lastly, please make sure your party meets our trip limitations stated on our website. If anyone is outside these limitations, please email our office so we can evaluate the information provided since we know each person is their own unique individual. 

Thank you - Nova team

Inherent Risks

There are inherent risks associated with glacier travel and outdoor activities that everyone must accept and understand. Variable terrain, sharp rocks, slippery ice, and changing weather are common. Some safety hazards will always exist and are beyond human control. Such as major cleaving and shifting, falling ceracs, open crevasses and draining moulins can be dangerous and deadly. Rescue in these environments and features is not only technical and difficult but in some cases not possible at all. Safety standards are in place for these reasons and must be followed. Guides manage risk by interpreting terrain and recognizing hazards that average hikers and guests are unaware of. Many traveling on the ice have a false sense of security because of the friendly inviting nature of the glacier and its moraines. Individuals traveling on the glacier without guides should possess the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment.

**All participants on all our tours must follow our guidelines, procedures and sign a waiver. Only parents or legal guardians may sign for youth minors. We do not allow infants on our tours. We do not allow pets on our tours.

Local Alaskans with proof of State issued ID at tour check-in receive a 10% single discount off the individual tour price.

Make it a COMBO: Add a whitewater rafting trip and save 10% off the highest cost trip!. Add a Matanuska Glacier adventure and save 10% off the highest cost trip! This glacier tour is located in the same area of Alaska as our ‘Lionshead’ rafting tour, great for same day combos.

**Discounts only apply to clients participating on both trips

**Discounts applied at trip check-in with the balance due

ADDITIONAL INFO

• NOVA is an advocate and steward for keeping wild places in Alaska wild. Please follow responsible travel and ‘leave no trace’ ethics when visiting these amazing places.
• NOVA tours operate regardless of most weather conditions, we go rain or shine in Alaska.
• Glaciers and weather can sometimes be cold in Alaska. Please, dress appropriately or bring along a raincoat with warm synthetic layers and socks for your tour comfort. Cotton layers are not preferred in cold environments or when wet.
• NOVA does not offer any tours that travel through or under ice caves in the warm summer months.
• Glaciers are very active in summer and caves are unsafe and should be avoided for potential cave collapse. Caves are not always present or accessible and should only be approached with caution, preferably in winter when they are the most stable.
• Once you are traveling on the glacier, restroom breaks are difficult to accommodate so please consider facilities pre-trip.

DEPARTS FROM: HICKS CREEK, MAT-SU VALLEY

38100 W Glenn Highway, Glacier View, AK 99674

Located 96 miles north of Anchorage, this is the staging area for all Matanuska glacier and river trips.

Nova Alaska Tours

Matanuska Glacier Tour

Glacier , Glacier Day Trips

Matanuska Ice Climbing

Rave reviews, testimonials.

We had a very pleasant and informative hike with Mattie and Carson on the Matanuska glacier. The glacier was awe-inspiring and made more interesting by the information provided by our Nova Guides. Taking a guided hike to the glacier is definitely the way to see it!

Gregory M.  | Trip date: July 2020

We loved our 3-hour glacier hike with the amazing guide, Maddie. We had the glacier to ourselves as we were the only group out on the glacier at 7 PM. Maddie shared interesting facts about the glacier, taking us to different parts. The ice cave was definitely a surprise and highlight of our trip. Highly recommended when in Alaska!

Race | Trip date: July 2019

Best ever! Arnie and Maddie were beyond fantastic; experienced, knowledgeable, and fun. We hiked further into the glacier than expected and saw amazing views, while learning and laughing! Highly recommend!

Flynn T.  | Trip date:  September 2020

Glacier Hike: Alaskan Backcountry Expedition

June through August

5 trekking days, 2 travel days

Anchorage, AK is 6.5 hours away

Backcountry camping

Intermediate

Things to know

Ever wondered what it’s like to hike and camp on a glacier? This epic Alaskan hike will give you a solid icy answer! Get ready to explore glaciers, encounter wildlife, and marvel at stunning landscapes. Starting from the village of McCarthy, your expert guides will lead you through the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. With every step, you’ll uncover secrets of the Root Glacier and Donoho Lakes, and enjoy delicious meals prepared on-site. From glaciers to mountains, the vastness of America’s largest national park is sure to leave you breathless. Ready to explore the frozen unknown?

Discover the wonders of the Root, Gates and Kennicott glaciers, from their icy crevasses to thundering waterfalls

Soak in breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, cascading icefalls, and pristine Donoho Lakes

Observe bears and foxes in their natural habitat and get a glimpse into Alaskan wildlife

Embark on an glacier hike in Alaska from the charming village of McCarthy, avoiding costly bush flights to the backcountry! This backpacking journey begins with a trek out of historic Kennicott and unfolds with awe-inspiring vistas, glacier ice exploration, and encounters with wildlife. Trekking across the Root Glacier and led by knowledgeable guides, you will navigate through stunning peaks and icefalls, savoring the beauty of Donoho Lakes. Group gear and all meals are provided, ensuring immersive and unparalleled experience in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.

Make sure to arrive in Anchorage, AK at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) at least a day prior to Day 0.

It’s travel day to McCarthy! Keep in mind, transportation from Anchorage to McCarthy is not included, so you will have to get there on your own. There are several options to reach it, which include planes, vans, or automobiles—choose whatever works best for you and enjoy one of the most scenic journeys in Alaska.

Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you’ll meet with the guide and your fellow hikers. The guide will distribute food and group gear amongst you and check everyone’s equipment to make sure you’re all set for the trip. After the hour-long meeting, you can grab some dinner and repack for the trek.

After breakfast in McCarthy, we’ll hop in a van for a quick 5-mile (8-kilometer) ride up to Kennicott, a former mining town. Along the way, you will learn about the history of the area and its copper-rich past. From Kennicott, we will hit the trail, following an old road used for copper hauling.

Upon reaching a cutoff leading to the famous Root Glacier, we’ll descend onto the ice and spend the rest of the day crossing the glacier, eventually hiking up over the moraine to make camp on the other side, near a thundering waterfall. Bears are often spotted in this area, along with a family of foxes that have made their den not far from your camp.

Meals : Breakfast, lunch and dinner

No glacier hiking today! We’ll begin today’s trek along the edge of the lateral moraine of the Root Glacier, then head west to traverse the scenic Donoho Lakes area. Passing under the base of the majestic Donoho Peak towering 3,000 feet (915 meters) above us, we’ll take our time to navigate through brushy terrain. After passing a couple of lakes,we will set up camp in the moraine at the edge of Gates glacier.

We’ll be leaving camp as it is, so we can enjoy a relaxed breakfast—pancakes might be on the menu! With a light day-hiking load, we will head out to explore the Gates and Kennicott glaciers with their captivating glacial formations, like dramatic fins and ridges. There’s also an option to ascend moraine ridges, so the day’s activities are flexible. Since glaciers change every summer, we’ll adapt our plan based on their current condition, before returning to our camp.

Following a delicious breakfast, we’ll trek back across the Donoho landmass, returning to our initial campsite where we spent our first night. As this marks our final night on the trail, your guide has something special planned—a surprise to cap off your Alaska glacier hike adventure!

On our last day on the trail, we will begin our return journey over the Root Glacier, savoring one last glimpse of the majestic Stairway Icefall. Our destination is Kennicott, where our glacier hike draws to a close. A van will whisk you down to McCarthy. Your first stop will traditionally be at The Potato, where their eclectic menu awaits, paired perfectly with a refreshing cold brew to toast the unforgettable moments of your Alaska expedition!

Meals : Breakfast and lunch

Getting back to Anchorage and leaving Alaska is left to your discretion. It is recommended to arrive in Anchorage by late afternoon and to spend the night there before flying out or continuing your Alaskan adventures.

Meet your guides

Greg blew away my expectations. There was not a moment that I was ever uncomfortable with his leadership. You haven’t walked the world until you’ve trekked the wilderness of the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains.

I had a great time. The small group size made the trip a lot more fun. Greg and Andrew were excellent guides.

The trip was a great blend of intense hiking and terrain and enjoyment. The vistas were breathtaking and the food was delicious. It was an amazing experience. [The guides] were knowledgeable and experienced and were patient with us as we learned how to operate best in the wild.

Both Scott and Greg maintained the highest level of professionalism on the trail. Always helpful, always available for questions and always putting the group forward into new and gorgeous terrain.

Ryan was fantastic, we really got along with him. He set a really good pace and seemed to know a lot about the area and terrain. The food was great and Ryan was quite the chef. When he told us we were having burritos I was shocked and excited.

Stunning scenery, good company. I had a very interesting and relaxing time – but adventurous too!

What you get on this adventure:

• An experienced, knowledgeable wilderness guide with extensive knowledge of the area
• 5 days of glacier hiking and camping in Alaskan icy wilderness
• Round-trip shuttle van from McCarthy to Kennicott and back
• All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5 and snacks for the trek
• Group gear (tents, cook tent/dining tarp)
• All cooking gear (stove, fuel)
• A pair of microspikes for walking on ice
• Bear safety equipment
• A company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone

What’s not included:

• Transportation to and from Alaska
• Transportation from Anchorage to McCarthy and back
• Accommodation in McCarthy and Anchorage
• Meals in McCarthy and Anchorage
• Guide gratuities — optional
• Travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended

This Alaska glacier hike promises an active vacation filled with tasks like packing and unpacking gear, dismantling and setting up camp, hiking through varied terrain, navigating brushy landscapes, crossing glaciers, and ascending and descending moraines. These activities can be extremely challenging if you’re not in good physical shape, so bear this in mind. If you think you’re not up to the challenge, you should enhance your fitness level and prepare for the tour beforehand.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag
• Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed and then some, as you will have to carry some of the group gear your guide provides you with
• Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
• Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
• Comfortable hiking clothes
• Spare clothes for layering
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Camera — optional (but recommended)

Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias region is notorious for unpredictable weather shifts, typical of mountainous environments. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

During this guided glacier hike in Alaska, your guide will take care of all meal preparation—all meals are included from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Your Alaska glacier hiking tour includes a diversity of tasty meals packed with essential carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to fuel your adventures.

Foods that travel well in the backcountry are prioritized, including rice, pasta, lentils, beans, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, etc. To enhance taste and energy, all meals are supplemented with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, fruits, and vegetables. You will also get an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.

The guides strive to accommodate restricted diets and allergies, with vegetarian options readily available and adjustments possible for other dietary needs (such as gluten-free). If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know at the checkout.

During your Alaska glacier hike, you’ll camp in the wild in two- and three-person tents provided by the guides, so you may be required to share a tent with another hiker. Your guides supply high-quality tents accommodating more people, as they’ve found it to be the most lightweight and comfortable option for Alaska backcountry exploration. If you have a problem sharing a tent, please contact us so that alternative arrangements could be made.

Bear in mind that accommodation in McCarthy and/or Anchorage is not included in your Alaska glacier hike tour, so you should make prior arrangements for the lodgings yourself.

Your guides on this Alaska glacier hike boast an impressive record in wildlife spotting, particularly for bears and foxes, notably near your first (and last) campsite where they are often sighted. A family of foxes even has a den nearby! Still, keep in mind that nature’s unpredictable and these are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. July and August are some of the most challenging months to see larger mammals because high temperatures cause reduced wildlife activity. The longer you spend in the wilderness, the better your chances of spotting them!

Group sizes and pricing

• For this group glacier backpacking adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. That’s also the maximum group size.

Hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements

• If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Minors younger than 18 (but no younger than 10) may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

To get to McCarthy, most people fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage, Alaska. There are several options to get to McCarthy from there.

For groups larger than two, renting a car out of Anchorage can be a good option, while a shuttle van is the more economical option for one or two people. If you choose to drive or to take the shuttle service, the drive will last for about 8 hours. You can also opt for a faster route and go by plane.

After arriving in McCarthy, you will meet with your guide and the rest of the group in the afternoon (usually around 6 pm) in front of Ma Johnson’s Hotel in the middle of McCarthy.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

A deposit of 50% of the total cost per person is required to reserve a trip. The remaining balance will be due ninety (90) days prior to the start of the trek. Reservations made within ninety (90) days of the trip’s starting date require payment in full. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

• If the participant cancels a reservation more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the start of the trip, a 100% refund will be made, minus a $300 administrative fee.
• If the participant cancels a reservation less than one hundred twenty (120) days but more than sixty (60) days prior to the starting date, there will be a refund of 50% of the amount paid.
• If cancellation is less than sixty (60) days before the trip starting date, there will be no refund. There will be no exceptions regardless of the reason for such a cancellation.
• If the participant is unable to arrive in McCarthy in time to join the trip due to flight delays, flight cancellations or any other reason, there will be no refund. The participant is solely responsible for on-time arrival in McCarthy.
• Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.

Other things to do in Alaska Range

Gates of the Arctic Backpacking Tour: The Oolah Valley Traverse

Intro to Mountaineering Course in Alaska

Fastpacking in Lake Clark National Park

View all (14) adventures in Alaska

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Exposure Alaska Adventure Tours

We’ve got 20+ years of Alaska Adventure Tours under our belt, and you’ve got just a week or two to enjoy the best Alaska has to offer. Do you really want to spend most of it sitting in a van?

Didn’t think so. Join us in our  23rd Year of great Alaska Sea Kayaking , Backpacking , Ice Climbing , Helicopter Adventures and Rafting Adventures .

All of our trips are Custom and Semi-Private just for your group. So have a look through our different itineraries, get your ideas together as well as preferred travel time, then Contact Us

Featured Alaska Adventures

Below is the list of our featured Alaska Adventure Tours, which we provide in packages, for several days or up to a month at a time.  We take you in, treat you well, and show you around Alaska the right way.  We have the Gear , the Equipment, Experience, and Knowledge to provide you with the best Alaska trip you can imagine. Our Tours include   Maximum Exposure , Double Exposure , and Matanuska Getaway .   We also feature 3-day and week long Backpacking trips and  Fly In Adventures into the Alaska Wilderness.

Maximum Exposure Helicopter Adventure

Double Exposure

Family and Private Adventures

Backpacking

Xxtreme Week

Extreme Week

Glacier glamping adventure.

Try our exciting Alaska activity, with an overnight glacier camping adventure, with options to add on Glacier Exploration, Ice Climbing, or other activities.

Our Alaska tours feature Luxury Camping with Alpenglow Luxury Camping , in case you need to relax after one of our more intense Alaska Expeditions

The best Alaska adventure tour company you’ve never heard of.

We do very little advertising, so you’ve never read about us in a glossy magazine. Since we specialize in small groups and adventurous trips, not high volume, we don’t need thousands of guests per year.  We’re not for everyone anyway!

Alaska Activities

Alaska Luxury Camping

Alaska ATV Adventure Tours

Helicopter Glacier Adventure

Whitewater Rafting

Sea Kayaking

Matanuska getaway.

Enjoy a weekend of luxury camping and glacier exploration with Exposure Alaska, in coordination with Alpenglow Luxury Camping and MICA Guides

Why Choose Exposure Alaska?

Small groups.

No more than 6 guests on one of our scheduled Alaska adventure tours.  Our maximum is the minimum for many companies.

Challenging Itineraries

If you like to sit on a bus, maybe take a little walk or do some shopping; look elsewhere.

Excellent Safety Record

Less time in the van, almost everything is included, we’re not for everyone, alaska adventures by challenge level.

Advanced Adventure Packages

Fly In Backpacking

Full Week Kayak Expedition

Moderate-Advanced Adventure Packages

Moderate Adventure Packages

3-Day Kayak Tour

Light-Moderate Adventure Packages

Typical, Everyday Tours

WE DON’T DO CHALLENGE LEVEL 1.  TAKE A TOUR BUS OR STICK TO THE CRUISE SHIP IF LEVEL 1 SOUNDS RIGHT FOR YOU

Alaska Travel Stories and Advice

What to Wear on an Alaskan Trek

One of the most common questions we receive is about what to wear for backpacking trips or glacier hikes. These suggestions are with Alaska's summer weather in [...]

Preparing for and Respecting the Outdoors

You've made the first big step and booked a trek (perhaps a glacier tour with our friends on the Matanuska Glacier)! Now you have loads of questions about what you have [...]

Fall in Alaska: The Sound of Silence

Fall in Alaska: The Sound of Silence As soon as the tips of the trees start to change color and the air becomes noticeably thinner, the crowds that frequent [...]

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Discover The REAL Alaska

Alaska’s most authentic national park experiences – since 1998 .   Award-winning , fully-guided , and all-inclusive small group adventures immersed well beyond the crowds .

There are 8 National Parks in Alaska which encompass over 54-million acres of federally protected land – an area larger than the state of Idaho. Bush flights, included with each & every trip, are required to access these remote destinations.

Be Challenged

Explore life.  Find adventure.   Experience REAL Alaska!   We have designed our menu of trips with options to suit most adventure travelers.  Our groups are capped at 8-guests, and the experience has been described as, “transformational!”

Our hand-selected team of expert Alaska guides (2 lead-guides accompany most trips), are experienced outdoor professionals.  Add 24-hour support from our front-office, and every expedition departs with unparalleled attention to risk management.

Choose Your Activity

Fully-guided & outfitted experiences through Alaska’s spectacular national parks, state parks, and wildlife refuges.

• Backpacking Trips
• Hiking Trips
• Kayaking Trips

Family Trips

Multisport trips.

• Rafting Trips

Explore Alaska's Parks

From Denali to Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and BEYOND!

• Denali National Park

• Lake Clark National Park

• Gates of the Arctic National Park

• Katmai National Park

• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

• Kobuk Valley National Park

• Aniakchak National Monument

• Northwest Arctic Parks

Expedition locations as spectacular and diverse as the Great Land itself!

Featured Adventures

All of our adventures have been specifically curated and hand crafted, but below is a sampling of some all-time favorites.  From 4-day basecamp hiking in adventures to 12-day backpacking expeditions, our shortlist of favorites is a great place to start exploring the REAL Alaska!

Backpacking Katmai – Katmai & Lake Clark National Parks

Twin Lakes Paddle – Lake Clark National Park

Backpacking Denali National Park – 7 Day

Turquoise to Twin Traverse – Lake Clark National Park

Turquoise Glacier High Route – Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark Unexplored – Lake Clark National Park

Turquoise Kayak and Hike – Lake Clark National Park

Basecamp Bears – Katmai National Park

Noatak River & Great Kobuk Sand Dunes Combination

We’ve got more remarkable adventure trips throughout Alaska. View all our trips.

How BIG and WILD is Alaska?

It’s really big and wild.

Get this — If you were cut Alaska in half, Texas would still be the third largest state. In fact, Alaska is much larger than California, Montana, and Texas combined!!! To say Alaska is BIG just doesn’t quite match the reality of truly experiencing it, and even when totally immersed deep within the backcountry, those attempting to grasp the incomprehensible scale of the place are often left utterly speechless.

It’s one of those places on our planet where the moments spent trying to find the right words to describe what’s being witnessed are often replaced with a simple, “WOW!”

Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, encompassing 586,000 acres of pristine Alaska wilderness, offers amazing hiking, and some of the wildest weather in Alaska, in one of the least visited and most remote units of the National Park System. A vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active “Ring of Fire,” Aniakchak is home to an impressive six-mile wide, 2,500 ft. deep caldera formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago.

Established in 1917 with the mission of conserving wildlife, Denali National Park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness, and is often referred to as the crown jewel of the National Park System. Flaunting complete unaltered ecosystems, countless rivers, glaciers, expanses of tundra, and the tallest peak in North America, Denali is not to be missed. Since it’s creation, Denali National Park has been the laboratory of a phenomenal group of scientists who have been able to study the magic of an intact subarctic ecosystem.

Hiking and backpacking in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is simply a trip of a lifetime. ANWR is one of the least visited and remote areas left in North America, and, despite the media attention it receives, it offers the opportunity for unparalleled exploratory adventure. Though the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that the 19 million acre Arctic refuge – an area the size of South Carolina – receives approximately 1500 recreational visitors a year.

At over 3.5 Million acres, Katmai National Park is home to the largest brown bear population in the world, holds the spawning grounds of literally millions of sockeye salmon, and contains within its wild borders the unaltered evidence of one of the world’s most powerful volcanic eruptions ever recorded. Katmai National park is most known for it’s majestic Brown Bears, most notably those at Brooks Falls.

To this day, Lake Clark National Park represents the roots of our enterprise. Not only is it where we guided our first trip and the base of summertime operations, it is also the backdrop for most of our itineraries and, quite simply, our favorite place on earth to explore. From white summits of glacier-clad volcanoes, laced ribbons of wild and scenic rivers, endless expanses of verdant tundra, to salmon choked waters of azure lakes, Lake Clark is without equal. Since its creation in 1980 to protect the amazing scenery, abundant wildlife and traditional lifestyles of its residents, it has been hailed as Alaska’s epitome, and for Alaska Alpine Adventures it remains home.

Gates of the Arctic National Park, despite being the recipient of frequent media attention over the past 45 years, remains one of the most remote and unspoiled places on earth. Its 8.4 million acres cover an area twice the size of Connecticut and only slightly smaller than Switzerland. The park is essentially a road-less wilderness area and, except for limited and difficult access along the Dalton highway, most recreational visitors choose to enter the park via chartered airplane.

Bering Land Bridge & Cape Krusenstern National Monuments – two of the most remote and certainly the least visited park units in the entire system. With world class birding, abundant wildlife, and remote access, these areas offer ample solitude, fantastic camping, and a window into 5000 + years of human history layered within the landscape. Bering Land Bridge offers an amazing hot springs at Serpentine and fantastic hiking through a landscape of rolling tundra hills and granite tors. Cape Krusenstern National Monument also has spectacular hiking, remote camping, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Entirely above the arctic circle, Kobuk Valley National Park is distinct in a multitude of ways. As one of the least visited national parks it the system, it is certainly one of the most difficult to get to, and perhaps the park’s hallmark, the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes represent the largest active arctic dune field in North America.

In addition to being America’s largest national park (larger than Rhode Island and Vermont combined), Wrangell-St. Elias is home to the continent’s most impressive list of superlatives. The Alaska, Chugach and Wrangell-Saint Elias ranges converge in what is referred to as the “mountain kingdom of North America.”

This spectacular wilderness includes the continent’s largest assemblage of glaciers, and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount St. Elias (18,008′), the second highest peak in the United States, the largest non-polar icefield in the world, and a boundary that when combined with Kluane Tatshenshini/Alsek National Park in Canada and Glacier Bay National Park, encompasses the world’s largest internationally protected area at 24 million acres.

Celebrating 25 Years of Award Winning Adventures

Expertly crafted adventures.

Alaska Alpine Adventures has been slowly and methodically handcrafting our selection of the finest and most inclusive adventure itineraries across the Great Land for more than two decades.

Our posted trips represent the best of the best — adventures that have been cultivated by combining our passion for exploration, our deep love and respect for Alaska and its people, and the profound humility that comes with the privilege of sharing Alaska’s national parks and wildlife refuges with amazing people just like you.

Why Travel With Us?

Leaders & Advocates of Alaska Wilderness Travel

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading authentic small-group adventure vacations and remote expeditions throughout Alaska’s spectacular national parks, wildlife refuges, and state parks.  With multiple national awards and widely recognized as a longtime leader in Alaska’s adventure travel industry, Alaska Alpine Adventures is committed to providing the highest level of customer service and the absolute best adventure trips that Alaska has to offer.

• Alaska logistics experts
• Global partnerships
• Commitment to sustainability & conservation
• Travel awards & accolades

A Talented and Passionate Team

We specialize in multi-day and  multi-sport Alaska hiking tours ,  rafting trips ,  Alaska backpacking trips , and  kayaking adventures  throughout the Last Frontier, and our guided Alaska adventure tours include itineraries to  Lake Clark National Park ,  Denali ,  Wrangell-St. Elias ,  Kenai Fjords , the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge ,  Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond .

• Exceptional guides
• Delicious backcountry food
• Total wilderness immersion
• Uniquely spectacular destinations

A test of will and determination and a spectacular adventure shared with two incomparable guides. A reaffirmation of my life’s dream of stepping into the wild.

Entrepreneur & Corporate Chef

Recent Trip Reviews

We value our guests feedback and take every review to heart.  In fact, it’s the reviews from our guests (both the good and the not-so-good) that continually drive progress around here.

I flew to Alaska a few times during my time in the Marine Corps. I instantly fell in love with everything Alaska. It took longer that I would’ve hoped, but I finally got to take my trip this summer. I have to say, it did not disappoint. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Visiting one of the most remote places on earth with a group of people was an experience of a lifetime. We took over 1000 pictures between the 7 of us and I can say that none of them do this landscape justice. It was boggy, wet, mosquito ridden, rocky, cold, hot…you get the idea. However, it was the most wonderful experience of my life. The folks at AAA know how to treat their guests and I can only hope to go back one day on another trip.

Josh Strother

I took the big trip, 12 days in Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, from Aug 8 to Aug 19, 2023. You might be wondering if you can do it. I’m 62 and in reasonable shape–I walk 20 miles a week–but I’m also about 20 pounds overweight. I had not slept on the ground in a while. But it was fine. Don’t kid yourself, it gets hot and cold out there, there are bugs, you have to paddle fair distances, and your sleeping mat is not your memory foam bed at home. BUT, if you are in generally good shape and can roll with the circumstances as they change, you can do this.

The trip organization and the guides are 100% top notch. I mean, every detail is accounted for and safety is #1 by a long, long distance. Our guides were 24 and 26 years old, but they were both seasoned professionals. They were friendly and helpful the whole time. They took extra care of one member of our party who was having a pretty tough time with some of it.

That part in the description about “the Alaska factor” is real. When we got to Bettles, it was too smoky from wildfires to travel til the next day. When we finished the river portion, it took 24 hours for the clouds to clear and get a plane in. So, yes, it went from 85 and smoky to 50 and raining with wind in about 7 days. But you know what? We got to canoe 83 miles as promised and we spent the night at both national parks. But there are factors beyond anyone’s control and they will come into play.

We saw 6 grizzlies which, oddly, we saw on the same day. 2 musk ox. 2 caribou. A fox. The scenery is stunning. You will never think of another area as “wilderness” again. Canoes, paddles, tents, etc. are top notch. And the food is, of course, a little heavy on noodles, but it was all tasty. It is not the freeze dried stuff from the store. They have their own kitchen and bring real food, vacuum-sealed. Snacks are great. Coffee and tea every morning.

I strongly recommend this trip. It’s not “easy,” but you don’t have to be in any special condition to do it if you are willing to sleep on the ground (on a mat), paddle a canoe, and be hot/cold/dry/wet in the same day. The guides do an amazing amount of the work, so be prepared to tip lavishly. Believe me, by the end, you’ll recognize what they were worth.

Finally, the price. It’s not cheap. But think about it a minute. 12 days. A night in a nice hotel. FIVE internal flights. Full-service guides the whole time. Every meal. Canoes. Hiking poles. Quality tents. Try to price out what it would cost to do it yourself. Then pay AAA the money.

Arthur Farnsley

Both Brian and Dan were phenomenal guides and took the experience to another level. They were extremely helpful and engaged throughout the week, and they ensured our safety while maximizing fun.

Andrew Alcorta

Could not be improved by much. Both guides were wonderful. The activities were just right as were  the accommodations.  Weather was perfect, activities were fine and both guides were willing to go out of their were to make sure we all had the best time.

Jeff Goldman

Great trekking, great guides and great food… just a really spectacular experience from start to finish. You’ve got a repeat customer in me for sure.

Ryan Drescher

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. If anything, I would have planned for a longer stay! Thanks to all of you who made it easy for me to enjoy the Alaskan wild!  The trip exceeded all of my over the top expectations!

Dave Lockhart

Our guests get to experience some of the most remote corners of Alaska. View all our trip reviews.

Push Your Boundaries Find Your Adventure

The Alaska Experience

"When I find myself within the vast landscapes of Alaska's wilderness, I undergo a physical and emotional transformation; as if the experience of being immersed in the wilds is the catalyst that reunites my body with my soul.”

Dan Oberlatz, Founder

Each member of team at Alaska Alpine Adventures is hand-selected, thoroughly trained, extraordinarily competent, super thoughtful, and really nice too!

Dan Oberlatz

Aaron Fetter

Michael Kleinman

Sean Johnson

Sara Olbright

We’ve got a great team of talented & professional Alaska guides. View all our guides.

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Canoeing Trek Equipment List

Featured news, are you ready for backpacking adventures.

Experience our River or Sea Treks

Check out our Interior Tours of Alaska

Interested in a Custom Tour?

The premier Alaskan High Adventure outdoor experience for scouts . Backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and more!

Thank you for your interest in the programs of the Northern Lights High Adventure Base. The Midnight Sun Council, Boy Scouts of America, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, operates the Base.

The mission of the Base is to provide a remote outdoor experience to youth and adults within the Scouting program.

See more...

Product of the Month!

Category: FAQs

Ready to plan trip. how do i make a reservation.

The first step to planning your Northern Lights High Adventure Expedition is to answer the following questions: 1) Which trek do we want to attend? See pg. 7 for more information on the treks. 2) What day do we want to arrive? Arrival dates are flexible on a first come, first serve basis. 3) How long of a trip do we want? From 3 days to 3 weeks we have an option for you! 4) How many crews will we need? Some trips are restricted in size due to land use permits. See fee section for more details. Once you have answered all of the above questions, contact NLHA to make your reservation. After reserving your trip, you will have 3 weeks to turn in your $330 deposit per crew (note: if making reservation after January 1, we require a $1,100 deposit per crew).

What are the Requirements to Attend NLHA?

Each Crew must have: ➢ A minimum of two adults (one of which must be at least 21 years of age and registered with the BSA). There are no gender restrictions for leadership except for co-ed Exploring post or Venturing crews, which must have both male and female leadership 21 years old or older. ➢ 1 adult leader trained in the following: o Wilderness First Aid (16 hour course) o CPR o Weather Hazards o Safe Swim Defense o Safety Afloat ➢ All adult leaders must be trained in Youth Protection

All participants: ➢ Must be 14 years of age or have completed 8th Grade upon arrival at NLHA ➢ Must weigh 100 LBS and no more than 295 LBS- more information on pg. 20 ➢ Must have a current (within 12 months) and complete BSA Health and Medical Record ➢ Must be classified as a BSA swimmer* ➢ Must be a registered Boy Scout, Explorer or Venturer *Swim Checks will be done at Lost Lake Camp by our Life Guards in order to verify that participants are able to swim in Alaskan waters.

Category: Resources

Current northern lights high adventure brochure, current high adventure complete planning guide.

Trek Reservation Form

Health and Medical Form

  click image to open/download the Canoeing/Kayaking Trek Equipment List

 Also needed are Water Filters (we recommend MSR or Katadyn)

Trail Programs and Policies-part 2

Wash and Rinse Dishes Thoroughly

Protect the health of your crew by thoroughly washing, rinsing and sanitizing dishes. Let dishes and utensils air dry. The dirty dishwater should be disposed of at least 200 feet behind the campsite and at least 200 feet from any water source.

No Climbing Allowed

Rock climbing, rappelling and tree climbing are not permitted. BSA regulations require 

advanced training and equipment which is not available for use on your trek.

Requirements Category

• What Physical Conditioning and Preparation is Needed?

Foods Category

Reservations category.

• Reservations

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Submission preview.

A: 1400 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701

T: (907) 452-1976

E: [email protected]

W: alaskahighadventure.com

Copyright © alaskahighadventure.com

Advanced Trek

Deep glacier exploration.

Glacier Exploration

Go further, go higher.

This adventurous trip gets you out to the spectacular features of the “Backcountry” of the glacier.

For those looking for a demanding yet rewarding glacier experience.

This trip is appropriate for adventurous travelers seeking a full day of glacial exploration.

Our experienced guides will take you to a remote area of the glacier and use basic rope and anchor systems to safely access some of the most spectacular features of the Matanuska; explore moulins, crevasses, blue pools, and rare ice features.

Your time on the ice includes a mixture of hiking to scenic vistas and using ropes to scramble up non-vertical walls and walk to the edge of large crevasses and moulins.

Please keep in mind these activities involve height exposure. This trek requires a 2 mile hike through the uneven glacial moraine. 

This Tour Requires:

• Minimum age: 12 years
• Able to walk at a brisk pace
• Able to walk over uneven terrain

*Our Advanced Trek fee does not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon Check In at the MICA Base. The current fee is $45 per person but is subject to change; we have no control over this access fee.*

• Chevron down What to Expect
• A full day on the Matanuska Glacier, including 2-3 hours of demanding moraine hiking and 3-4 hours of stunning white ice exploration (total time on moraine vs. white ice depends on group ability and pace). In total, guests can expect to hike approximately 6 miles on this trip.
• Guided exploration of exciting glacial features and stunning views in a remote area of the Matanuska Glacier
• A faster-paced, smaller group than the Ice Fall Trek [1:4]
• A closer look at spectacular glacial features including, crevasses, moulins, deep canyons, blue pools, and (potentially) ice caves
• Hiking access to Matanuska Glacier ice features
• $225 + Glacier Access Fee = $260/person

*If you are a group of 5 or more, don’t worry! Give us a call/email or click here and we can chat about adding a second guide to a time slot.

• Chevron down What to Bring

For the Advanced Trek we require you to have:

• A backpack with room for gear. If you don’t have one, we have some available for you to use!
• Hiking boots that come over your ankle. If you don’t own a pair, we have some available for your use!

Our recommendations on clothing and gear:

• Quick dry clothing (not cotton/jeans). Usually a good pair of hiking pants works great. Ski pants and jackets are not necessary
• Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
• Liner gloves
• Tall synthetic or wool socks
• Extra warm layers
• Snacks and water or packed lunch
• Chevron down What NOT to bring
• Chevron down Things to Consider

Glaciers are dynamic and constantly changing; certain features are not available for the entirety of a summer season.

While this trip is your best chance to see an ice cave, please be prepared that this feature may be unavailable at the time of your trip.

Ability level of all group members. If you are a party of 2, you will likely be paired with others. The best way to ensure your group has the best day suitable for your objectives and abilities is to book a *Private Tour*. On a custom trip, your guide can tailor the day to what your group wants to see and set an appropriate pace for all group members.

Need Transportation?

We recommend Planet Earth Adventures for a great package deal. (There is no public transportation to the glacier.)

• Chevron down Special Promotions

Book now and you’ll receive valuable promotional codes for the following:

• Save 35% on the Extreme Zip Adventure, featuring the fastest zipline in Alaska, the G2

Why explore the Matanuska Glacier with us? Our Guides are out on the glacier every day, often on their days off! We know the best features and how to get you there while managing the risks of hiking on a glacier.

Guided adventures on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Go with the Pros!

Looking for more Advanced Tours?

Extreme zip adventure.

Two. Big. Zips. The longest, fastest ziplines within 800 miles This is not a canopy tour! Riders reach 40-60 mph and fly over the tops of trees.

Glacier Overnight Adventure

If you think you’ll like our daytime glacier tours, check out our amazing glacier camping experience.

Ice Climbing

Here’s your chance to try out ice climbing…on a glacier! Fun for all skill levels, no experience needed. Fantastic photo opportunities.

Alaska Ultimate High Adventure 

We develop 100% customized high adventure itineraries based on the interests of  your scouts..

What you get , is a turnkey  adventure of a lifetime. Each trip includes all logistics,  transportation, lodging, food and cooking equipment. On top of all that we supply you with  exceptional guides who love working with Scouts. 

It begins with a phone call or email to our professional staff. From there they will interview you to find what types of activities your Crew or Troop is interested in and how much time you would like to spend in Alaska.  

   Adventure

    activities .

AK Ultimate High Adventure is only limited to your imagination, trips can be remote bush plane drop offs in the Gates of the Arctic or Van Tours of some of Alaska's most iconic destinations. Listed below are some of our most popular trip options. 

​   Alaska Van Tour

-Tour of Denali National Park

-Kenai Fjords whale watching 

-Charter fishing

-Glacier Hike

-River float

-100% customizable 

Sea Kayaking Tour

Perfect as a 7 day stand alone expedition or combine it with a backpacking itinerary for the perfect balance of land and sea.  Alaska sea kayaking is like nothing else with amazing views of seals, icebergs, and glaciers!

Just like it sounds, combine a week of camp with a few extra days of adventure after. We have amazing options in both the Denali and Juneau areas.

Backpacking

The Last Frontier is home to many options for breathtaking backpacking trips, our most popular options take 7-10 days. Ask about our remote destination trips.

Backpacking & Kayaking Combo

Get the best of both worlds! Hike the Resurection Pass, then go sea kayaking in the Blackstone Bay.

River Trips

Multi-day rafting and canoeing with exceptional fishing and incredible views. Popular options include the Copper River, Chitna River, Kobuk River and many more, ask about your options! 

National Parks

Take an adventure in one of America's Treasures 

-Wrangel St. Elias

-Kobuk Valley

-Lake Clark

-Glacier Bay

Service Center

3117 Patterson St

Anchorage, AK 99504

907-337-9547 

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In this one-house town, Alaska’s wilderness is at your fingertips

You might not think Whittier—a town with fewer than 300 residents—would be the gateway to multiple cruise ship docks, a major railhead, dozens of glaciers, and a temperate rainforest. You’d be wrong.

There’s only one way to arrive by land into Whittier, Alaska : a 2.5-mile-long one-lane tunnel. Once part of a World War II railway, the underpass’ rugged walls remind you that you’re driving straight through a 4,000-foot mountain.

As you drive toward the city’s heart, Alaska’s famed Prince William Sound and a small harbor are on the left. To the right, a massive waterfall cascades down the verdant face of the mountain you just drove through. Looking a mile and a half behind you along the coast, you’ll see a new cruise ship terminal set to open this summer.  

“You’re not going to see very many places that have a couple of cruise ship docks, a major railhead, a ferry terminal, and a small boat harbor, with fewer than 300 residents,” says Dave Dickason, mayor of Whittier.  

But there’s another side to Whittier that someone just passing through may never see. Most of Whittier’s 280 residents live in the 14-story Begich Towers Incorporated , or “the BTI” to locals, because the Alaska Railroad owns most of the land around the city. Built in the late 1950s as a U.S. Army barracks, the peach-colored condo building has its own post office, library, grocery store, and an underground tunnel that leads to the school.  

“It’s that feeling of living in a college dorm, but you’re an adult and you don’t have a resident advisor,” says Jamie Loan, the city’s planning and zoning commissioner.  

( Visiting Alaska? Here’s what the locals love .)

A growing number of visitors are flocking to this remote seaside town, an hour’s drive south of Anchorage , to trek some of Alaska’s best short-distance hiking trails, including the four-mile jaunt over Portage Pass , and discover the wealth of outdoor recreation tours and activities.  

With more than a half million visitors passing through the tunnel each year and a second cruise ship dock already under construction, Whittier’s volunteer-led government is taking measures to preserve the town’s small community.

Small town, big adventure

There are few places in Alaska where travelers can spot more than two dozen glaciers in one day; kayak through the state’s pristine waters; zip into Prince William Sound via Jet Ski, motorboat, or stand-up paddleboard; hike to a waterfall in a temperate rainforest; and sample some of the best fish and chips you’ll get anywhere on the planet.

“If you are looking for a different, wonderfully odd, amazing place to come do some unique stuff, Whittier is a place that, even as somebody who grew up in Alaska, I don’t think I gave enough credit to until I really spent time there,” says Charlie Howard, co-owner of Glacier Jetski Adventures . Whittier’s geographic location, protected waters, and proximity to tidewater glaciers drew him and his wife, Bec, to choose the town as a base of operations in 2014.

Howard, who grew up in Juneau, saw firsthand what happens when out-of-town conglomerates take over locally owned businesses to serve massive numbers of cruise ship passengers.  

“Whittier is a place where there’s still some room for a guy like myself, with just a dream, an idea, and a little bit of capital, to start something new and exciting,” he says.

( Discover an isolated Alaska island where walruses sing .)

While increased cruise ship travel would serve as a much needed revenue stream to support the town’s infrastructure, there are still concerns of how to grow the city sustainably, especially when visitors from a single cruise ship can outnumber the locals, 10 to one.

“The conversation that happens in Whittier most often, I think, is about space,” says Loan. “Whether it’s housing or land use, we’re always talking about how we can maximize what we do have.”

Still, from finishing the last leg of a trail loop that will highlight the town’s most scenic waterfalls to building a new, accessible walkway near the harbor, the city is hopeful that it can welcome a booming number of visitors and remain the sort of place where the entire community is invited for daily breakfast at the school.

( More than a quarter of this national park is covered by glaciers .)

“We know that people are coming. But it has to start with us, and it has to also be good for us residents, too,” says Loan.

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