SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Experience the ultimate treetop adventure and come away with a newfound confidence in your physical abilities, mental fortitude and sheer willpower to push yourself to new heights. Rooted in the culture of the Tlingit People, this aerial course includes swinging ropes, balance bridges and daring climbs into the tree canopy while wearing a harness and smart belay system. An orientation and practice run on the ground will help prepare you for the fun and challenges that lie ahead. Afterwards, you will warm up on the easy Xíxch' (Frog) Course, move on to the moderate Yéil (Raven) Course and then pull yourself along a rope while hanging high above the forest floor on a Tyrolean Traverse. That’s the Xóots (Bear) Course. With your confidence now soaring, you will be ready for the high-flying Ch'áak' (Eagle) Course, which ends in the treetops 50 feet above the ground. The descent will be just as exhilarating as you soar back to earth on an auto-descent device, called the “Eagle’s Flight”.

HIGHLIGHTS

• These aerial ropes adventure will have you swinging, scrambling, and climbing through multiple elements.
• Climb high into the tree canopy by negotiating a series of aerial ropes courses.
• Prepare for the ultimate challenge by warming up on easier aerial ropes courses.
• Enjoy literal bird’s-eye views of the forest from high above.
• Gain newfound confidence in your abilities to meet new challenges.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes; thick-soled shoes recommended.

OVERVIEW

Ride through the wilderness on the outskirts of Juneau in a Jeep with a retractable top that will offer unobstructed views of Alaska’s extraordinary beauty. A short drive along the Gastineau Channel will take you to Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers. As a bonus, a leisurely walk along the Steep Creek Trail offers an added chance to possibly observe a bear in the forest. Take a memorable drive toward the end of the road system, where the views from Eagle Beach are sweeping and this secluded stretch of sand is a great spot to view the majestic Chilkat Mountains. Also on your journey is the National Shrine of St. Thérèse; the building’s cobblestone exterior on a serene island is particularly memorable. Depending on weather conditions and guest preferences, your host will select a fourth destination that may include a scenic drive on Douglas Island, a visit to the salmon hatchery or a trip into Juneau’s past at historic Gold Creek.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride into the wilds that lie on the outskirts of Alaska’s capital in a 4x4 Jeep.
• Behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers.
• Pause at the Shrine of St. Thérèse, where a short causeway will lead to a quaint cobblestone church nestled in the trees.
• Soak in the beauty of the Chilkat Mountains from the peaceful shores of Eagle Beach.
• Depending on weather, your host will select a fourth location that might include the salmon hatchery, Gold Creek, or a scenic drive along Douglas Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Engage in Alaska’s state sport of dog mushing on special equipment that is modified for the snow-free summer and interact with the huskies that effortlessly pull the sled. The mushers camp is across Gastineau Channel on Douglas Island, a heavily forested wilderness. It’s the ideal environment for the dogs to train for mushing through the snow come winter. The custom-designed wheeled summer sleds comfortably seat six people, with the musher in charge of steering the team from the back of the sled. As you sit back and enjoy the ride, you'll witness the sheer determination and spirit of the dogs as they pull you along the trail. Back at the kennel, you will see how the dogs are cared for, perhaps talk with the camp’s veterinarian and play with a retired sled dog. Alaskan huskies are known for their great endurance, power and intelligence. You can’t help but be awed in their presence. The wooded setting is equally memorable, especially when seen from the suspension bridge that spans Fish Creek.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the wilderness and observe the dedication and energy of the sled dogs during the ride.
• Interact with the dogs and mushers that rely on them for winter travel.
• See how the huskies are cared for like professional athletes, which they are.
• Admire the seemingly endless wilderness from the suspension bridge over Fish Creek.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

When you visit Southeast Alaska and combine the originators of glacier helicopter tours with Alaska’s largest operating dogsled tour company, you get a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll fly over the lush rainforest, deep blue crevasses and glacier carved peaks as your pilots deliver a spectacular flight seeing tour en route to the dogsled camp on Mendenhall Glacier. Here the professional mushers and Alaskan sled dogs will have you driving the team or relaxing in the sled as you take in the awe-inspiring scenery. You'll have time to talk with the mushers about the great 1,000-mile Iditarod race or take pictures with the dogs before your helicopter takes you back to the base. Don’t miss this truly Alaskan experience!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar over the pristine wilderness that borders Juneau in a helicopter.
• Land on Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long river of ice.
• Help Drive a dogsled along a trail on the glacier.
• Discuss the finer points of dogsledding with professional mushers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly, in layers, in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat, sturdy and comfortable close-toe shoes.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a guide along a winding gravel trail through the Tongass National Forest and feast on seafood at a popular waterfront lounge afterwards. As you hike the two-mile-long Coast Guard Beach trail – which is considered challenging – the guide will point out and describe the flora and fauna that you encounter in the serene rainforest. You can expect to travel over steep rocky slopes, between outcroppings of jagged rocks and over a wooden bridge. The experience will be well worth the effort as you will be rewarded with stunning views of the beach below. You will also enjoy a waterfront view, overlooking Ketchikan’s historic working float plane docks at Bush Pilot's Lounge for your Taste of Alaska lunch. Which includes locally sourced salmon, reindeer sausage, halibut and more! Served along with a local craft beer or wine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike a challenging but rewarding coastal trail through the Tongass National Forest.
• Enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest and spectacular views the entire time.
• Learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in the rainforest and along the coast.
• Dine on a bounty of Alaskan seafood at Bush Pilot's Lounge following the hike.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress for inclement weather.
• Layered clothing and comfortable footwear recommended.

OVERVIEW

Take in the gorgeous scenery within the pristine Misty Fjords National Monument while flying in a DeHavilland floatplane as your 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.

OVERVIEW

Join seasoned Bering Sea fishermen for an extraordinary journey of discovery on the Aleutian Ballad, a storied crab boat featured on the television series “Deadliest Catch.” You will set out into the protected waters off Ketchikan and relax in the heated and sheltered outdoor amphitheater until the boat reaches prime crabbing water. In time, the crew will start hauling up crab pots and long lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life such as king crab, octopus, prawns and rock fish. The catch will then be placed into an on-deck aquarium for you to view and even touch, if you desire. The crew will also relate stories of their lives at sea and point out the indigenous marine life, which may include seals, sea otters and whales.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail the glassy calm waters of the inside passage on a real King Crab boat from the TV show “Deadliest Catch.
• Hear the real-life experiences from the seasoned fishermen as they haul crab pots and fishing lines full of marine life.
• Hands on opportunity to hold the daily catch and observe the catch in the on-deck aquarium. This is the only place in the world this excursion can be operated, don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to get the full Alaskan experience.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.
• Be sure to bring a camera for the endless photo opportunities.

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilderness on a utility task vehicle and then cruise along the gorgeous shoreline to a waterfront lodge for a hearty crab feast and beer pairing. After taking the wheel of the UTV, you will tear through mountainous terrain and along old logging roads at adrenaline-pumping speeds that will make this driving adventure even more memorable. Upon reaching the coast, you will board a vessel and cruise down an inland arm of the sea. The views will be spectacular, especially while passing the Mahoney Glacial Cirque, an amphitheater-like valley that ancient glaciers carved through the rugged landscape. Wildlife is abundant throughout this remote area, especially bald eagles. A sumptuous meal awaits you at George Inlet Lodge, a former 1940s bunkhouse for a fish cannery. It is a beautiful setting to dine on the lodges crab chowder and Dungeness crab s paired with five unique craft beers from two local breweries.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive a utility task vehicle off-road through densely forested, mountainous terrain.
• Cruise past the gorgeous Mahoney Glacial Cirque.
• Feast on Dungeness crabs and local craft beers at the historical George Inlet Lodge.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Get ready for an intimate boating adventure through the Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord! You'll get extra-close to the shore while exploring hidden coves, waterfalls, beaches and abundant wildlife on this fun filled, two-hour sightseeing tour. Your knowledgeable Captain will make multiple stops for photo opportunities and wildlife sightings, while providing a colorful narrative throughout the tour. Keep your eyes open for whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, mountain goats and sea birds as you explore the rugged wilderness of this majestic fjord. On occasion the captain will turn the engines off, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds and smells of this pristine Alaska wilderness. Climb aboard the same type of boat used by U.S. Navy Seals and Coast Guard rescue teams. With its deep V hull surrounded by inflatable tubes this boat is designed to deliver a smooth ride in any ocean condition. You’ll straddle the custom shock-absorbing seats as you race by the steep rock walls of this spectacular fjord. This adrenaline-packed excursion covers more of Alaska’s rugged wilderness in less time, allowing you to spend the rest of your day exploring the historic gold rush town of Skagway.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Lynn Canal, North America's longest and deepest fjord.
• Look for whales, eagles, seals, sea lions, mountain goats, and seabirds.
• Multiple stops for photos and wildlife sightings.
• Enjoy more wilderness exploration in less time, leaving room to visit the historic gold rush town.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an exceptional experience near the face of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll paddle across Mendenhall Lake, navigating past icebergs, surrounded by one of the richest samplings of Alaskan wildlife you’ll find anywhere. Birds including arctic terns’ nest in the towering cliffs and eagles, goats, salmon and bears are all common sights. Then, venture within a safe distance of the massive, awe-inspiring face of the living Mendenhall Glacier. Grab a thrill ride by skirting the base of the beautiful and powerful Nugget Falls. Refuel with an Alaskan-style snack. You’ll make your trip in a traditional easy to paddle, 15 - 20 passenger Tlingit-style canoe, an exceptionally stable 28 foot watercraft, with all modern safety gear supplied. Because of the close approach to the glacier face, the U.S. Forest Service tightly controls the number of participants.

OVERVIEW

Cruise to a trailhead in America’s largest national forest and then hike to a pristine lake, where you may kayak, fish or simply relax around the crackling campfire. The adventure begins with an immensely scenic boat ride of about five miles to Camp Coogan Bay and then on to a trailhead that offers easy access into the pristine wonderland of Tongass National Forest. You can expect to hike under a canopy of towering hemlock, spruce and cedar trees that shade an understory of evergreens. Along the way, the guide will point out the most interesting flora and fauna and describe their roles in the ecosystem. In time, you will hike past a waterfall, eventually arriving at a pristine mountain lake, where you will enjoy free time. Few places are as peaceful and majestic as the Tongass National Forest, an area that avid outdoorsman Theodore Roosevelt established as president in the early 1900s.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise through pristine bay waters to a trailhead in the Tongass National Forest.
• Follow a winding trail through Tongass, the world’s largest intact rainforest.
• Observe the flora and fauna that the naturalist guide points out and describes.
• Pause at a waterfall on the way to a mountain lake.
• Enjoy time to do as you please while at the mountain lake.

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

OVERVIEW

Join professional mountain guides for an exciting rock climbing and rappelling adventure on the stunning granite walls of Alaska! Your adventure begins with Haines Wilderness & Nature Explorationan interpretive drive through historic Skagway and up into the majestic White Pass Gold Route. A short hike through the temperate rainforest on an interpretive trail will bring you to the base of the spectacular rock face carved by retreating glaciers. Here you’ll gear up with rock climbing shoes, helmet, and harness and then you’re off to enjoy this incredible experience. Choose between multiple climbing routes, each ending in an amazing view of the Skagway River and the surrounding wilderness. You’ll also have an opportunity to try an awesome 70-foot rappel! This adventure is perfect for those looking to try rock climbing for the first time, as well as for experienced climbers. Climbing is not mandatory, you can simply enjoy the tour, a cliffside snack, breathtaking views and watch the others scale the cliffs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the stunning granite walls of Alaska, with views of the Skagway River and surrounding wilderness.
• Begins with an interpretive drive through historic Skagway and the White Pass Gold Route.
• A short hike through the temperate rainforest leads to the base of a spectacular rock face.
• Multiple climbing routes available, offering amazing views at the top.

HELPFUL HINTS

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