Alaska Gold
This is a multi-activity adventure beyond compare, and surely worthy of the designation Alaska “Gold!” Gateway to twenty-four million acres of protected wilderness, Haines, Alaska (rated by National Geographic Adventure in 2004 as one of 10 “great adventure towns”), is the perfect departure city for this trip designed especially for people who want to “do it all.” Raft the Class III whitewater of the upper Tatshenshini River as it winds through the Yukon wilderness; cycle the coastline of Chilkat State Park, with majestic glaciers and 7,000-foot peaks as your backdrop; trek and camp on the Davidson Glacier, geared up with crampons, ice axe, and helmet; paddle a kayak in the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait, where humpback whales abound. Unique transportation between activities includes charter boat, bush plane, and even a war canoe! A touch of wilderness camping mixed with a few nights in cozy inns make this trip an excellent choice for the active traveler looking for excitement and challenge—with a decidedly soft edge.
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
* Whale watching and sea kayaking at Point Adolphus, the most active feeding grounds for humpback whales
* Learn to walk on a glacier!
* Whitewater rafting on the headwaters of the Tatshenshini River
* Cycle along the stunning coastline of the Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America
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Itinerary: Alaska Gold
Day 1- Meet in Haines, Alaska, for pre-trip meeting and dinner.
Day 2- Van transfer into Canada over the Chilkat Pass and into the Yukon’s Kluane National Park for a day of rafting the Class III rapids of the Blanchard, headwaters of the Tatshenshini River.
Day 3- Easy ten-mile cycle along the coastline near Chilkat State Park, with views of 7,000-foot peaks and glaciers in the distance. Afternoon boat transfer via war canoe and ferry to camp on the shores of Davidson Lake.
Day 4- Strap on your crampons! After a thorough introduction to glacier trekking, we’re off for a full-day trek on the Davidson Glacier (a favorite activity of many of our past guests!).
Day 5- Morning hike on the glacier, then take a spectacular flightseeing trip over stunning Glacier National Park to Gustavus.
Day 6- Take a charter boat across Icy Strait to Point Adolphus, feeding grounds for humpback whales. After an introductory sea kayak lesson, you’ll take off for a silent paddle through the pristine waters, observing the abundant marine life (humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, orcas, and more!).
Day 7- We may be treated to a breakfast show of humpbacks splashing and blowing along the shore! Spend the day kayaking among the wildlife and exploring the verdant old growth forest.
Day 8- Meet the charter boat and take a whale watching cruise back to Gustavus. Board an air taxi for Juneau. Depart Juneau.
DATES/PRICES: Please see our schedule for current dates and prices information.
*this trip is run in conjunction with Alaska Discovery, a Mountain Travel Sobek Company
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Photo Credits
©C. S. Bettencourt (MTS staff)
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