AK Mountains & Sound

⇒ 15 day trip, small group up to 6 people
⇒ One departure, July 21, 2024

Day 1: Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier

Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier

From Anchorage we will travel to the Matanuska valley and raft the Lionshead run of the Matanuska River.

Day 2: Matanuska to McCarthy

We will begin the day by getting crampons and helmets and enjoy a hike on the Matanuska Glacier, approximately two hours in total. Alaska’s longest piedmont glacier, the Matanuska is a dynamic landscape that provides a unique insight to these Ice Age featrues that have reshaped Alaska’s landscape. After lunch, we will drive east to the charming end of the road town known as McCarthy. A true relic of Alaska’s past,  visiting McCarthy remains a unique experience thanks to the challenges of driving the rugged and wild former railbed of the Copper River and Northwest Railbed, now known as the McCarthy Road.

We will camp by the river at the road’s end, a short walk to town where the colorful locals and a few quaint pubs await.

Day 3 through 7 Wrangell Mountains Backcountry Basecamp

From McCarthy we will travel by Bush plane into the amazing Wrangell – St Elias backcountry where we will establish a Basecamp from which to explore the mountain landscape on day hikes.

By establishing a Base Camp we will be able to explore this mountain landscape where wild rivers, glaciers and the sub-alpine zone all converge free of heavy backpacks. Accessing the backcountry with Alaskan Bush planes is a unique experience in itself, one that requires prudent packing to maximize space and a bit of flexibility and patience to achieve the right weather opportunity.

Fortunately, McCarthy neighbors the Kennecott Copper Mines and there is plenty to see and explore in the frontcountry. We will hike the challenging trail to the peaks above Kennecott once travelled by the hearty individuals who labored along the Bonanaza Ridge to make Kennicott the most lucrative copper operation in the history of the world. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to spend a day Ice climbing- perfect for the first-timer or an experienced climber. For those interested in a closer look at the rich mining history, tours inside the Kennecott Mill building are also available.

All in addition to the unforgettable Basecamp experience in the Wrangell mountain backcountry enjoying day long hikes in a remarkable wilderness free of trails and maddening crowds. Our stay in McCarthy will conclude with a Saturday night in this little town that knows how to let its hair down and make the most of the long days of summer.

Day 8: McCarthy to Valdez

From McCarthy we will turn our attention south and make the scenic drive out of the Wrangell Range and into the Chugach towards the salt water port of Valdez. Though Valdez is now known as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaskan pipeline this town is rich in history and scenic beauty. Valdez first came into existence as the entry point for gold seekers intent on reaching the Yukon gold fields over a century ago. While the gold rush may be long gone, this bustling little port ringed by snow capped peaks, known affectionately by its dedicated residents as “the little Switzerland of Alaska”,  remains, with a focused appreciation in its role as gateway to the stunning seaside landscape of Prince William Sound.

From Valdez we will transfer to a water taxi which will transport us and our tandem kayaks on to the next phase of the adventure—- kayaking the bays and fjords of the east end of Prince William Sound.

Day 9 to 11. Kayaking Prince William Sound

After approximately two hours on the water taxi we will reach our beach where we will begin our kayak trip. Utilizing stable tandem kayaks perfect for paddlers of all skill levels, from first timer to experienced kayaker, we will carry everything we need to camp comfortably along the way. Kayaks are a perfect way to explore this intriguing landscape of glacially scoured valleys and unscathed ancient coastal rainforests. We’ll have time to explore on foot as well as we encounter this dynamic landscape in a truly personal, up-close experience.

On our return to Valdez we will take a break from tents with a night in a cozy cabin where we will wash up, dry off, enjoy a night in town and get ready for an early morning departure.

Day 12 to 15: Ferry across the Sound and drive to Homer–SALMONFEST

We will once again shift gears and cross Prince William Sound on the Alaskan ferry with an expected mid day arrival at the port of Whittier. From there we will drive south on the Kenai peninsula to another end of the road destination. Homer on beautiful Kachemak Bay. The next two days are Salmonfest, a music festival that features an eclectic mix of musical acts, both nationally known and Alaskan local. You will have the option to camp at the Festival grounds or in Homer with transportation provided daily to and from the festival. Tickets to Friday and Saturday are included. Sunday you have the option to hike or at additional cost, book a saltwater charter excursion from Homer.

On Monday, we will return to Anchorage in time for evening departuring flights. For everyone else we will have an optional farewell dinner .