Last Frontier Alaskan Adventures

This adventure combines travelling in two of the most remote and spectacular areas of Alaska.

The Wrangell‐ St Elias National Park covers an area of  5 million hectares and is home to several of the highest peaks in North America. It is one of the last true wilderness areas in Alaska that is only visited by a vey small number of tourists each summer.

Prince William Sound is a natural wonder of Alaska. Its crystal clear waters are fed by massive glaciers formed high in the mountains ranges whch surround it.
Sealife is abundant here with orca and humpback whales cruising the inlets and fjords.

Our trip is designed to provide you with excellent opportunities to see the wildlife, experience the remoteness & marvel in the sheer beauty of these areas. 

Day 1‐ Meet in Anchorage and travel by van to the old copper mining town of McCarthy.
We overnight at Ma Johnsons Hotel and enjoy a drink at the Golden Saloon with the characters that call this town home.

Day 2- We spend the day exploring the ghost town of Kennicott and the abandoned copper mine. This was once a boom town where thousands of miners worked year round in what was the richest copper mine in North America.

Day 3 - 7 Donoho Lakes Glacier Trek. We start by hiking across the Root Glacier, being sure to take the scenic route and explore the fascinating world of glacier ice including moraines, crevasses and meltstream canyons. Your guide will teach you some interesting bits of glacial geology along the way.

Our first camp is set up on the far side of the Root Glacier on the moraine edge near a thundering waterfall. Bears are often spotted here as well as a family of foxes that has a den not far from our camp. The next day is a moderate day of hiking as we make our way (on dry land today) to our next camp by a lake just passed the foot of Donoho Peak. A short hike from camp and up a hill gives us a fantastic view of the glaciers and peaks that surround us.

On day three it's back on the ice and down the Kennicott glacier. This day included some of the most interesting glacial features of our trek. We conclude our day near the junction of the Kennicott and Root glaciers. On our last night we set up camp right on the glacier!

Our fourth and final day takes us back over the Root Glacier and finally back into Kennicott.
We'll sit on the porch of the lodge and have a cold drink before heading back down to McCarthy.
This adventure provides plenty of interesting hiking, wildlife opportunities, great views and glacial exploration.
Camp. B, L,D

Day 7 Another night at Ma Johnsons Hotel and a final chance to enjoy a meal and drink at The Golden Saloon with the friends we have made in McCarthy Hotel

Day 8 Today we charter our own plane from McCarthy to Valdez. The 100 mile flight provides a unique view of the rugged Chugach and the Wrangell Ranges. The plane flies low over Thompson Pass and numerous glaciers can be seen on this incredible flight.

This afternoon explore Valdez, the extreme skiing & snowboarding capital of North America! Valdez and vicinity is abundant in marine and land life wildlife. The seawaters abound with sea otters, Doll porpoise, harbor seals, sea lions, and Humpback and Orca whales.
Hotel

Day 9 ‐ 12 Glacier Island & Columbia Glacier Kayak

Meet at the office of Anadyr Adventures for a pre-trip safety briefing, paddling lesson and equipment fitting. Load boats and gear on our specialized water taxi and sit back and enjoy. The boat ride out to Glacier Island is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Eastern part of Prince William Sound.

Once we reach Chamberlain Bay we will organize our equipment, pack our boats and begin our expedition. Our first stop is Bull’s Head, made famous for the enormous Steller Sea Lion colony that inhabits the area. Once on our beach, one of the most beautiful and secluded on Glacier Island, we will set up camp while continuing to watch the wildlife just offshore. Prepare yourself for a meal set in one of the most beautiful places we know.

Camp. B, L,D

After relaxing on the beach with a good cup of coffee, we begin packing our boats for the day's exploration. Heading west across the south side of Glacier Island, we explore one of the most dramatic and rugged coastlines there is. Viewing its crystal clear waters and rock pinnacles, you will experience the same pristine nature as the first explorers did. We will stop at another beach ripe for combing and visit the secluded and beautiful Jackson cove.

After lunch and some exploring, we continue on with our paddle, heading toward another quality camping site on the south side of the island. Watch the sunset from your camp chair while settling in to your evening meal or hike in the forest immediately behind your tent. Whatever you feel, this place will inspire you.

The next morning we will be departing early and heading for the waters and scenery of Columbia Bay. This is the place to paddle with ice. Weave through the bergs and watch for otters and seals who have hauled themselves out on the ice. We will paddle our way to the moraine and pick a spot for lunch. This is also the gateway for a great hike among the beached bergs and the perfect place for photo opportunities. With the pack ice permitting, we may be able to get all the way to the terminal moraine, hike up a mountain ridge and look down onto the true terminus of Columbia: A truly amazing experience. 

Wake up and enjoy breakfast and coffee then pack our boats and head out to Heather Bay. Again we’ll trace ancient paddle strokes as we move through the ice toward Heather Island. After lunch on a small island surrounded by beautiful beaches, we will make our way into Emerald Cove and our pick up destination for the ride back to Valdez.

Paddling and camping in Prince William Sound for 3 nights and 4 days is enough to convince anyone that the area is truly one of the most beautiful wilderness locations in North America.

Day 12 Valdez. Return to town for a hot shower and a chance to download many of the incredible images you have taken!
Hotel

Day 13 Valdez.
A day at leisure. Options include charter fishing for salmon or halibut, rafting class IV rapids in Keystone Canyon or just wandering the fishing docks watching the boats unload their catch.
Hotel

Day 14‐ Today we board the Alaskan Ferry for the trip to Whittier. After a drink stop at Whittier Hotel it is onto the Alaskan Railroad for the final leg back to Anchorage to complete this amazing adventure. We arrive in Anchorage around 9:30pm.