AdventureSmith Explorations
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Alaska Wildland Collection
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trip specifics

price
2013
Adult
Youth 7-18
Regular Season
$3195
$2195
Shoulder Season
$2995
$1995
Early Season
$2695
$1695
Prices are per person based on double occupancy
 
Taxes not included
 
Upgrades available
at Kenai Backcountry Lodge:
$50 Log Cabin
$100 Private Bath
duration
7 days
trip dates

Jun 02 - Jun 08, 2013 †
Jun 16 - Jun 22, 2013 *
Jun 30 - Jul 06, 2013
Jul 14 - Jul 20, 2013
Jul 28 - Aug 03, 2013
Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2013
Aug 25 - Aug 31, 2013 *
* Shoulder Season
 Early Season
trip level
Adventure Level 1 - OnAdventure Level 2 - OffAdventure Level 3 - Off
view explanation
highlights
Anchorage
Cooper Landing
Kenai River
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Skilak Lake
Chugach National Forest
Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park
Alaska Railroad
accomm types
Lodge
Wilderness Lodge
Alaska Wildland Collection is a seamless seven-day adventure that promises remote Alaska through an in-depth exploration of the magical Kenai Peninsula with three distinct Kenai lodges as your home base. Spend two nights each at the classic Kenai Riverside Lodge, situated along the bank of the beautiful Kenai River; at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, a historic and ecologically managed lodge; and at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the first and only lodge in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Along the way, enjoy an array of guided activities to suit your interest and energy level as you explore the Last Frontier. In the evening, enjoy fresh fare like grilled salmon and comfortably appointed accommodations while you soak up the authentic Alaskan hospitality. Alaska Wildland Collection is the perfect blend of wild, remote Alaska, at a great value.

Day 1 - Anchorate to Cooper's Landing

Meet your trip leader at the Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage hotel at 2:30 p.m. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing, home to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Arrive at the lodge in time for dinner and trip orientation.

Accommodations: Kenai Riverside Lodge
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Kenai River Rafting

From the lodge's launch site on the Kenai River, gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On this class II, casual stretch of river, you'll be able to access stunning backcountry sights and protected wilderness areas. While rafting, scan for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Late afternoon, arrive at the boat-in-only Kenai Backcountry Lodge, a unique, historic inn. Appetizers and dinner welcome you in the main lodge, followed by evening activities. Relax in the outdoor gazebo or in the wood-fired sauna. For those brave souls, take a dip into the glacier-fed waters of Skilak Lake.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Exploration

Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike the Cottonwood Creek Trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the alpine tundra and enjoy splendid views of Skilak Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake and shoreline by boat; stop along the way for short walks and to marvel at the explosion of wildflowers. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an evening sunset kayak or a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides.

Accommodations: Kenai Backcountry Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Chugach National Forest / Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Cross the lake in the morning, and say farewell to Kenai Backcountry Lodge as you return to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a casual afternoon hike on a trail in the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Ask your guide about hiking to the Russian River Falls to view salmon as they swim upstream, trying to leap over the falls to return to their spawning waters or venture along the Hideout Overlook Trail for views of open alpine meadows, a perfect opportunity to view wildlife and, in late summer, great berry picking! Relax in the evening on the riverside deck or enjoy a nice wood-fired sauna before enjoying a hearty dinner at Kenai Riverside Lodge.

Accommodations: Kenai Riverside Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Seward / Kenai Fjords National Park

Following breakfast, bid farewell to Cooper Landing and the Kenai Riverside Lodge, as you travel through the Chugach National Forest to the picturesque seacoast town of Seward, situated at the head of Resurrection Bay. Board a custom catamaran bound for Kenai Fjords National Park, home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife such as whales, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and puffins. A four-hour cruise allows time to explore the dramatic coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at your exclusive lodge destination, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers miles of pristine beachfront for combing and views of the stunning Pedersen Glacier. This afternoon, meet your wilderness guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Kenai Fjords National Park

After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from an array of activities to match your interest and energy level. Guided options include interpretive nature walks, canoeing, sea kayaking and coastal explorations; or, relax at the lodge and peruse the natural history library, or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront.

Accommodations: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Seward / Alaska Railroad / Anchorage

This morning allows another opportunity to canoe, kayak or explore the area in the morning before bidding farewell to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Midday, embark on a return coastal wildlife cruise back to Seward. From there, board the historic Alaska Railroad for a scenic backcountry rail tour back to Anchorage. Dinner and hotel/airport transfers are not included, but meals are available for purchase on the train. Arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:30pm and transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch



Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining a small ship Adventure Cruise.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes this style of adventure travel unique.

Included: Meals as indicated on itinerary, accommodations in a mix of hotels and rustic lodges, entrance fees, leadership, crew, local guides, kayaking, hiking activities, Alaska Railroad return to Anchorage.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from Alaska, airport taxes, excess baggage charges; return transfer from railroad to airport or hotel; any additional hotel nights in Anchorage; some meals; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages; and insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: Single rooms are available for a 25% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will charge the 25% single supplement, then refund this amount once a share is found. If a share is not found the 25% single supplement will apply.

Families & Children: Minimum age is 7 years old. Triple/quadruple occupancy subject to availability; inquire for discounts.

Arrival & Departure: Alaska Wildland Collection begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Meet your expedition leader at 2:30pm on Day 1 at the Clarion Suites downtown Anchorage hotel, or at the Anchorage airport (ANC) at 3:00pm. The trip ends when your Alaska Railroad train arrives at the Anchorage station on Day 7 at about 10:30pm. Most travelers plan to depart the Anchorage airport (ANC) one day after the trip. If you choose to fly home on the night of Day 7, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 12:00am midnight, in case of possible transportation delays.

Payment & Cancellation: A deposit of $1400 per traveler is due at the time of booking. A second deposit of 50% of the trip total, less the original deposit, is due 120 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. If cancellation or change occurs, the cancellation fee is as follows for days prior to trip departure date:
$300 or 10% of total - 121 days
$600 or 20% of total - 91-120 days
50% of total - 36-90 days prior
100% of total per person cost - 0-35 days

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.

TraveEx Insurance

Qualifications: Alaska Wildland Collection will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors and a sense of adventure.

Weather Delay Policy: On rare occasions, rough weather forces us to cancel boat transportation to the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. In the remote chance that the boat captains determine that safe and comfortable boat travel to the lodge is not possible, guests will have the option to select one of the following actions: 1) Reschedule your travel dates for the same amount of nights at another time during the season. 2) Refund the stay, or prorate the unused portion of the trip, and make alternative hotel arrangements. 4) If space is available, be transported to another lodge for full-service accommodations, activities, and meals, with a $150 per person, per night refund for this lodge substitution. Please note this option is based on availability.


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