Kenai Fjords Backcountry Explorer is an active 7-day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park that includes arrangements in Anchorage and Seward before going to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge for an incredible 4-day/3-night exploration. Highlights include more time exploring one place intimately, boating into your remote lodge, great sea kayaking opportunities and a departing ride on the historic Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage.
This is the ultimate of all Kenai Fjords tours as it’s fully devoted to exploring the national park, and your home base is the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge located within Kenai Fjords National Park. From this spectacular setting, on the shore of a protected lagoon in full view of Pedersen Glacier, wildlife viewing opportunities abound, as do activity choices. The lodge and guest cabins reside within the Native-owned, 1,700-acre Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. Each comfortably appointed log cabin features a private bath and view of the lagoon.
Lodge activities include sea kayaking on protected waters (from short paddles to half-day trips), hiking (from interpretive walks to beach combing), as well as canoe explorations. Each day, choose the activities that match your interest and energy level. The lodge is a great place to explore and a prime setting for relaxing with a view. On the 4- to 5-hour boat journey to access the lodge, it’s common to see Steller sea lions, sea otters, Dall’s porpoises, humpback and/or orca whales, bald eagles, puffins and a myriad of other birdlife. On site, harbor seals, sea and river otters, mountain goats, black bears, bald eagles and a multitude of birds abound.
Of all of our Kenai Fjords tours, this trip is highlighted by spending the most time in this national park, and all from a remote Alaska lodge so guests have an experience like no other. Keep it simple with a true Alaska experience, with less overland travel and more in-depth exploration here in Kenai Fjords National Park.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.
The 8-day Ultimate Alaska Adventure is an action-packed backcountry exploration by kayak, helicopter, raft, dogsled and foot. Experience wild Alaska in comfort with true hospitality in four unique and authentic lodges on the Kenai Peninsula. With only 8 total guests per Ultimate Alaska Adventure, this experience is truly authentic with a small footprint and personalized attention.
Kick off with a helicopter ride to a snow-clad glacier where harnessed dogs and sleds await to take you on tour. Raft or fish the Kenai River, famous for incredible salmon spawning runs. At the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, hike secluded trails through fascinating ecological communities. Drift in a custom boat across Skilak Lake to a woodsy foray in the Kenai Mountains, where a trailside picnic lunch awaits. And gear up with crampons, a harness and helmet to hike the unforgettable Exit Glacier.
Whale watching and glacier viewing are highlights of a four-hour dramatic coastline cruise from Seward through Kenai Fjords National Park. Then beachcomb or launch a kayak with excellent bird-watching opportunities and take in the stunning views of Pedersen Glacier. Complete this active Alaskan adventure with a backcountry rail tour on the historic Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage.
Don’t worry, this action-packed adventure (one of our most top Alaska national park tours) is designed strategically with relaxation breaks right when you need them: wood-fired saunas, riverside docks, fireside chats, comfortable common areas, private cabins and delicious meals accompany every lodge. The Kenai Backcountry Lodge is located on the shores of Skilak Lake, surrounded by miles of wilderness. The Kenai Riverside Lodge is a world-class fishing retreat on the banks of the Kenai River. The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only accommodation located within Kenai Fjords National Park. And the Seward Windsong Lodge is a peaceful retreat conveniently nestled among trees at the entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Alaska adventure experts have personal experience visiting the lodges and wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula. Contact us to discover more about the Ultimate Alaska Adventure and other options that suit your travel interests and timeline.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.
The 7-day Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure is an adventure through the magical worlds of two distinct Alaska national parks: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park. Sleep in the backcountry at four unique Alaska lodges, each with their own luxury, charm and unparalleled access to nature.
From four lodges, explore the spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park by kayak and small boat tour, then venture into Denali National Park. Along the way, adventure in a canoe, go kayaking, take a nature walk or enjoy an optional flightseeing tour and visit the charming small towns of Seward and Talkeetna. Journey from the snow-capped peaks and emerald waters of the Kenai Peninsula to the glacier-clad Alaska Range and its sweeping upland tundra valleys. Head into the wilderness on foot or sea kayak, exploring the trails and shores used by gold seekers and trophy hunters. Hike up to see views of North America’s highest peak, Denali, and ride the Alaska Railroad through scenic road-less valleys.
Rest easy each night, in a special lodge with Alaskan charm. The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only accommodation located within Kenai Fjords National Park. The Seward Windsong Lodge is a peaceful retreat conveniently nestled among trees at the entrance to Kenai Fjords National Park. The Talkeetna Lodge sits just to the south of Denali National Park, with stunning views of Denali and the Alaska Range. And the Tonglen Lake Lodge offers a quiet corner that’s near to the Denali Park entrance but far enough away to feel secluded.
This 7-day overland, round-trip-from-Anchorage adventure is designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or stand alone as a memorable week in the Alaska backcountry. This is a great start to any Alaska national parks tour as it covers two important parks by land. Contact the Alaska experts at AdventureSmith Explorations to learn how to tie-in this 7-day Alaska Coast to Denali Adventure with one of our small ship cruises into Glacier Bay National Park for the ultimate experience!
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about visiting Denali National Park and AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.
The 7- or 8-day Alaska Wildland Collection is a seamless Alaska adventure that promises remote and in-depth exploration of the magical Kenai Peninsula and Kenai National Park, with three distinct Kenai lodges as 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.
Take a scenic rafting trip down the Kenai River, searching for moose, eagles and salmon. Hike in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where alpine tundra and splendid views of Skilak Lake make epic photographing opportunities. Journey farther south to Seward for a boat ride into the remote Kenai Fjords National Park. Hike to Russian River Falls where salmon run upstream or pick berries on the Hideout Overlook Trail. Board a custom catamaran to view glaciers, whales and other marine wildlife. Sea kayak and canoe on pristine shores and relax in the lodges’ libraries, common areas, private cabins, saunas and sun decks. Return to Anchorage on the historic Alaska Railroad through backcountry wilderness that is truly astounding.
Along the way, enjoy an array of guided activities to suit your interests and energy level. 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 and backcountry lodge hospitality, all at a great value, making it one of our top-selling Alaska national park tours. Easy access from Anchorage, short travel times, fun activities and special youth rates make this a great family travel option in Alaska.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ crew of award-winning Alaska adventure experts have personal experience visiting the lodges and wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula. Contact us to discover more about the Alaska Wildland Collection and other options that suit your travel interests and timeline.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.
The pace is relaxed on this once-in-a-lifetime, 11-day Alaska Grand Adventure. Journey from the snow-capped peaks and emerald waters of the Kenai Peninsula to the glacier-clad Alaska Range and its sweeping upland tundra valleys on this Alaska national parks tour. Venture into the wilderness by raft, explore the trails and shores used by gold seekers and trophy hunters, hike up to see views of North America’s highest peak, Denali, and ride the Alaska Railroad through scenic road-less valleys.
Explore the Kenai Fjords National Park, home to glaciers, whales, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more. At the beachfront of Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, beachcomb and bird watch in the presence of Pederson Glacier. Take interpretive walks, go sea kayaking amid glacial ice, canoe in the lagoon or simply relax in your private cabin. At Kenai Riverside Lodge, kayak, hike or try fishing in the Kenai River in Cooper Landing. Gear up at the Kenai Backcountry Lodge for a scenic rafting trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and search for moose, bald eagles and spawning salmon. Hike trails to the tundra and splendid ecological communities, then relax on the sundeck, in your private cabin, in the wood-fired sauna or welcoming common areas.
From the Talkeetna Lodge, choose from an array of activities that suit you best, including an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. Denali. Then travel into Denali National Park’s Alaskan wild, staying at the secluded Tonglen Lake Lodge. A unique portion of this Alaska Grand Adventure is an interpretive Wildlife Safari, a drive within Denali National Park, where caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, migratory and resident birds and Mt. Denali itself take residence.
Both journeys are designed to complement any coastal cruise experience or to make the most of an extra 11 days away from home. Take in the natural beauty of Alaska as you travel through some of the state’s most stunning wilderness: Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Denali National Park. Contact the Alaska experts at AdventureSmith Explorations to learn how to complement the Alaska Grand Adventure with one of our small ship cruises into Glacier Bay National Park for the ultimate experience!
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about visiting Denali National Park and AdventureSmith’s Alaska land tours or all Alaska trips by land and sea.