Northern Exposure Adventure Tour

Experience the wilds of Alaska with a few more comforts thrown in - occasional nights in a warm bed, established campgrounds, hot showers, meals out.

If you're new to adventure travel, prefer a less challenging itinerary or just want to "rough it" a little bit less, this trip could be for you.

This trip is entirely north of Anchorage...glacier trekking in the Matanuska Valley, hiking in the Talkeetna mountains, and exploring Denali National Park - a great opportunity to look for wildlife.

These trips are certainly active vacations. All trips include day hiking in spectacular alpine areas, looking for wildlife, trekking on a glacier and white water rafting. Less time sitting in a van than most commercial trips, no more than 6 guests in a group, more challenging activities, and no "extras" or hidden charges.

No experience required but you must be over 18, in relatively good physical condition and prepared for a fun and active vacation.

Challenge Level: 3-4; Moderate hiking and paddling. Occasional primitive camping.

Itinerary

This 6-day itinerary includes:
-Glacier trekking
-An overnight visit to our homestead
-Alpine day hike
-Visit to historic (and quirky) Talkeetna
-Denali National Park wildlife viewing and day hikes
-Whitewater rafting
-2 Nights in an inn, B&B or cabin

Day 1 - We?ll meet in Anchorage, and after a gear check and orientation, we?ll drive north to the huge Matanuska Glacier where we?ll don mountaineering crampons to explore and hike around. Bottomless crevasses and towering walls of ice are always impressive. That night we're back at our homestead for a big Alaskan welcome barbecue and soak in our wood-fired hot tub.

Our homestead and Base Camp is about halfway between the Matanuska glacier and Anchorage. It's nothing too elaborate but a lot of visitors really enjoy staying with us and sampling a little of our lifestyle; solar power, a home made water system, garden, greenhouse and a small log cabin we built ourselves. You'll stay in comfortable cabin tents equipped with cots and foam mattresses. Our other guests sometimes include moose and bear wandering through our "yard".

Day 2 - An early start and we'll head up into the alpine areas of scenic Hatcher Pass for a great day hike. Traveling fast and light we'll take in some exceptional views. At the end of the day we'll load up and head north, its about a 2.5 hour drive after which we?ll reward ourselves with a nice meal out, a shower and a cozy bed at an inn in Talkeetna renowned for its local color.

Day 3 - After a hearty breakfast at the inn, you'll have a chance to wander around town. Talkeetna is a quirky historic town that, rumor has it, was the inspiration for the television show "Northern Exposure." After lunch we'll head north to Denali to set up camp at an established campground close to the park entrance.

Day 4 - There are a lot of options for today. Of course there's hiking in the Denali Park area but few trails so we'll be doing some scrambling and travel up river drainages in pursuit of great views. You could also visit the famous Denali sled dogs or if opportunity arises we might attend one of the educational lectures at the Visitors Center in the evening.

Day 5 - The bus is far and away the most reliable way to see wildlife in Denali. There is no other vehicular traffic and animals are accustomed to these non-threatening daily visitors. During the ride we'll be looking for bear, moose, caribou, fox and everything else. A picnic lunch and hike before heading back for dinner out and a comfortable night in an inn or B&B.

Day 6 - Our last day, we'll start with a raft trip on the exciting Nenana River before we head back to Anchorage to say our goodbyes. If the schedule allows, we'll try and stop at the Iditarod sled dog race headquarters to break up the drive. Although the trip officially ends when we drop you at your hotel, good restaurants and nightlife are easy to find in Anchorage for those who choose to meet up for a last hurrah!

Includes: all related local transportation. All meals from lunch on day of pick-up to dinner on last day with the exception of dinner out on Day 5. Accommodation as listed in the itinerary. All guides and instruction. Group and specialized equipment (tents, kayaks, rafts, safety equipment etc.)

Not included: Anchorage accommodation before and after the trip. Personal expenses such as beverages, etc. Personal gear and clothing (sleeping bag, pad, backpack, boots, outerwear, all other clothing)

Must be at least 18 years old and reasonably fit. No experience required. Limit 6 guests. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs available. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-321-3640.