SHORE EXCURSIONS

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike to Talbot Lake following a natural trail through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in America. Although the hike is only about three miles long roundtrip, the surrounding scenery is wonderfully varied and spectacular. You will walk in the shadow of towering western hemlocks, Sitka spruce and red cedars, all indigenous to the area. The naturalist guide will narrate the hike by describing the native flora and fauna and detailing the history of the area, which was once crucial to the logging industry. In the decades since the last pulp mill closed, the forest has regained its splendor and wildlife has flourished. You may spot eagles, deer, and beavers, which are particularly prevalent along the trail at Talbot Lake. The lake-view setting couldn’t be more serene as you sip hot chocolate while gathered around a campfire. You may see anglers fishing for cutthroat trout, but otherwise you will likely have the woods to yourself.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike three miles roundtrip through Tongass National Forest, America’s largest such landscape.
• Follow the trail to beautiful Talbot Lake and gather around a crackling campfire.
• Learn about the flora, fauna, and local history from the naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Join experienced guides on an exciting hiking adventure through the Tongass Rainforest that will immerse you in the incredible beauty of Southeast Alaska. Your adventure begins with a guided driving town tour of Skagway that continues up the White Pass on the Klondike Highway. Along the way your guide will regale you with the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and the natural history of the area. From the trailhead, you’ll spend the next 2 hours hiking through the beautiful alpine forest surrounded by the towering snowcapped mountains of the White Pass.

Your naturalist guides will stop frequently along the way to share their knowledge about the native flora, fauna, and to describe the amazing glacial history of Alaska. Each group is outfitted with binoculars to maximize your opportunities to see up-close the spectacular mountain and river scenery. Midway through the hike you’ll be treated to a delicious snack at the final breathtaking overlook with incredible views of the Skagway valley, White Pass, and the Lynn Canal. This is a great active family experience. Bring your camera!

OVERVIEW

Go deep-sea fishing with a captain and crew that know the prime fishing grounds and the best methods to catch plenty of salmon. Although countless species inhabit these waters, Ketchikan is the Salmon Capital of the World, so there is no better place to catch these highly prized sportfish. Once you reach a spot where the fish have been biting lately, you will begin trolling for salmon using a downrigger to ensure that the bait reaches the desired depth. Generally, with this method four rods are utilized for maximum efficiency. All the fishing tackle is provided so you can just concentrate on landing a big one. All five species of salmon are found in this part of Alaska and they are vigorous fighters. If you want to keep what you catch, it can be processed and shipped anywhere in the United States. Of course, be sure to snap lots of photos first. Highlight includes fishing for hard-fighting salmon in a small group of not more than six people. Enjoy the stunningly beautiful, natural backdrop of the Tongass National Forest and the wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish for hard-fighting salmon in a small group of not more than six people.
• Enjoy the stunningly beautiful, natural backdrop of the Tongass National Forest.
• Ship your catch home fully processed if you want to eat it later.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take in the gorgeous scenery within the pristine Misty Fjords National Monument while flying in a DeHavilland floatplane as the bush pilot elaborates on the natural wonders below. This completely undeveloped wilderness sprawls across more than two million acres in the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest. Majestic beyond imagination, the landscape is a mosaic of sea cliffs, misty mountains, deep fjords, thundering waterfalls, jewel-like lakes and dense rainforest, all of which you will gaze down upon from your own window seat. The exact route for the flight will depend on the weather. If you fly south, you will likely see shimmering Big Goat Lake and New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire that rises above the sea. The northern route usually passes over Neets Bay and Bell Island Hot Springs. Be sure to look for brown and black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles as wildlife is abundant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the Misty Fjords National Monument wilderness in a DeHavilland floatplane.
• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a pristine landscape that glaciers sculpted centuries ago.
• Pass over dense rainforest, cliff-lined fjords, majestic mountains and sparkling lakes.
• Keep an eye out for bears, deer, bald eagles and other iconic Alaskan wildlife.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Venture into the pristine wilds to look for iconic Alaskan animals such as humpback whales and grizzly bears in their natural habitats. Your adventure will begin aboard a whale-watching boat accompanied by a naturalist that will describe the creatures that you may soon observe. The nutrient-rich waters here are teeming with humpback whales that come to feed each summer before heading south to their breeding grounds. What a sight to watch these behemoths, which grow to about 50 feet long, as they breach the water’s surface and then dive down to feed again. Chances are, you will also catch sight of porpoises, sea lions and seals. After disembarking, you will drive deep into the remote Spasski River Valley to a raised observation platform to look for grizzly bears. They take their name from the gray, grizzled tips of their fur. Bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer are also commonly spotted here.

Hike an extraordinarily scenic forest trail near Haines that offers wonderful views of the rugged mountains and pristine Lynn Canal. On the way, you will drive through Fort William Seward, a National Historic Landmark. To enhance the experience, a guide will regale you with stories about the history of Haines, its role in the gold rush and the influence of the native Tlingits, who first settled here. You will soon arrive at a trailhead that leads to some of the most spectacular scenery around Haines. The views of Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest fjord in North America, will be breathtaking. The waterway served as the main route to the Yukon, where gold was discovered in 1896. As you make your way down the trail, look for wildlife that abounds in this area, including soaring eagles, playful seals, huge moose and even humpback whales breaching the surface of Lynn Canal.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike a forest trail that offers unspoiled views of the surrounding natural beauty.
• Drive through Fort William Seward, named for the Secretary of State that negotiated the purchase of Alaska.
• Become familiar with the area’s history and the culture of the Tlingit tribe.
• Look for bald eagles, moose and even humpback whales in and around Lynn Canal.
• Pause at a small pebble beach to savor a snack of smoked salmon.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Treat yourself to an action packed rowdy good time at The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Southeast Alaska’s rich logging history comes to life in this thrilling display of woodsmen skills. The world’s best lumberjacks go head-to-head in exciting events such as chopping, sawing, relay races, axe throwing, log rolling and of course the 50-foot speed climb. Your colorful host will not only introduce the events but will also offer a historic view of the Alaskan timber industry which has shaped this rugged land. This celebration of a bygone era is a rip-roaring good time and quality entertainment for all ages. A must do in Ketchikan! Covered, heated and cushioned grandstands make this a great choice on rainy days. Videotaping is not permitted but guests can participate in our annual photo contest. Shopping is available before and after the show.

Help pedal a unique group bicycle from pub to pub and enjoy entertaining commentary at each venue, culminating with a craft beer tasting. It won’t take long to reach Ernie’s Old Time Saloon, a landmark that locals have frequented for years. While there, you will learn a bit about the history of Sitka, which was the capital of Russian America until 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska. The second pub will be the Pioneer Bar, a longtime watering hole for fishermen. Between fish stories – which may or may not be true – be sure to check out the photographs of historical fishing boats and shipwrecks that cover most every square inch of wall space. Afterwards, you will pedal off to the Bayview Pub, a local favorite known for its selection of locally brewed craft beers. You will be offered a sampling of some of the most popular ones.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Pedal through downtown in a unique group bicycle that you will help power while the guide steers.
• Stop along the way at three classic pubs that are local favorites.
• Enjoy a beer tasting and hear all sorts of entertaining stories at each pub.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

A short, narrated bus ride brings you to Salmon Creek, the outdoor site for your salmon bake. Listen to live Alaska folk music while you dine under translucent, heated domes shielding you from the elements. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast. Savor Alaskan caught wild salmon barbecued over an open alder wood fire accompanied by chicken, potatoes, baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of salads, cornbread, lemonade, coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate as well as blueberry cake for dessert. Beer, wine and soda are available for purchase.

Stroll through the woods and roast marshmallows over the campfire . Take a short walk along Salmon Creek, a salmon spawning steam, to a breathtaking waterfall. Here you can also explore the remains of the historic Wagner Mine and try your hand at gold panning. Stop by the Trading Post to browse and shop for Alaskan items.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure by flying over the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane, paddling across a pristine lake and hiking over the surface of Norris Glacier. The flight will take you over a densely forested mountainous terrain towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to the enormous Juneau Icefield. The sights will be spectacularly scenic, as will be the landing in a glacially fed lake. You will then ease into a one-person packraft, a kayak-like inflatable vessel that is easy to navigate. The guide will demonstrate the best paddling techniques so you can confidently maneuver past the icebergs that you will encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sealions and other wildlife. Upon reaching the glacier, you will don micro-spikes to improve your footing for the hike across the icy landscape. This trifecta of flying, paddling and hiking is an experience you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane made for adventure.
• Land in a glacially fed lake and paddle across it in a kayak-like packcraft.
• Hike across the icy terrain of Norris Glacier, a part of the massive Juneau Icefield.
• Marvel at the majestic scenery and look for wildlife such as bald eagles and sealions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Observe many of Alaska’s most iconic animals by cruising the surrounding waters, visiting a center for injured birds of prey, and touring a facility for rescued bears. After boarding a deluxe catamaran at the pier, you will spend the next three hours or so viewing the indigenous wildlife in the passages and bays near Sitka. The conditions are ideal for supporting a variety of animals, and sightings are frequent wherever you look. You might gaze up to see bald eagles soaring overhead. Whales often breach the water’s surface in a magnificent display of size and power. Sea otters, sea lions and seals typically frolic near the rocky coast. You might also scan the forest edge for brown bears and black-tailed deer. A naturalist will be on board to explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem as your skilled Captain maneuvers the vessel to provide the best-possible views. Following your viewing adventure at sea, you will drive to the nearby Alaska Raptor Center, where injured birds of prey receive medical treatment in hopes of releasing them back into the wild. A wildlife interpreter will guide you through the Bald Eagle Flight Building, and introduce you to some of the “raptors in residence” perched in outdoor habitats. Afterwards, you’ll have some time to explore the river trail and enjoy interactive exhibits. Your adventure continues with a narrated drive along a winding, coastal road to visit the Fortress of the Bear rescue facility at Silver Bay. Here, you can view and photograph brown and black bears up-close from a raised platform, and learn about an Alaskan family’s dream: offering a life-saving alternative for bears caught in conflict with their human neighbors. Following your visit, you will transfer back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise waters teeming with whales, sea otters and other marine life.
• Watch bald eagles and other raptors being rehabilitated.
• Photograph brown and black bears up close at a rescue facility
• Learn about the wildlife from various naturalists.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Become a citizen science observer for the day aboard a safari vessel, where you will observe marine animals such as humpback whales and collect data of great scientific value. After departing from the pier, you will soon board a safari vessel specifically designed for wildlife viewing. The custom-built vessel features large-panel windows and sits low in the water to offer the best vantage point from inside the heated cabin or out on the open bow. A naturalist guide will be onboard as you take on the role of a citizen science observer, which entails collecting data and documenting wildlife activities for a local university and regional science programs. During the cruise, you will attempt to track and record the behaviors of various marine creatures, including humpback whales. It will be a hands-on experience that may include invasive species monitoring, humpback whale identification, and recording observations of marine mammals. Your completed data log will be used to help scientists improve their understanding of the marine food chain and environmental factors that affect wildlife populations. You might even spot a humpback whale breaching the water’s surface, as they feed voraciously here to fatten up for their winter migration south. Whatever you observe and record, you can be assured that your effects will contribute to the safeguarding and deepening of our understanding of the delicate marine environments of Southeast Alaska.