Coastal Alaska Explorer
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
7 Days, 6 Nights 32MI / 51KM
Trip Highlights
This spectacular journey showcases the best of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, where rugged mountains, pristine coastlines, and massive glaciers create one of the state’s most unforgettable landscapes. Explore the peninsula by trail, water taxi, and kayak as you hike through lush forests, traverse alpine ridgelines, and paddle beneath towering tidewater glaciers. Along the way, keep watch for Alaska’s iconic wildlife, including moose, bears, whales, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds. From scenic coastal communities to remote wilderness destinations, this adventure offers an immersive experience in the wild beauty of Alaska.
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Kayak to a Glacier
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Iconic Alaskan Wildlife
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Fascinating History
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Water Taxi to Remote Hiking Trails
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Unique Alaska Lodging
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Stunning Scenery
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
7 Days, 6 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 10 Miles -
Group Size
2-6 Guests
Receive a PDF info packet via email which includes:
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
The majority of trails on this trip are well maintained, but there are significantly rugged sections that can be wet, muddy, overgrown or snow-covered. Some days feature moderately long hikes (up to 9 miles) with moderate elevation gain/loss of up to 3,500 feet.
Accommodations vary by location. Some cabins and yurts do not have running water, and bathroom and shower facilities may be shared with other guests.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle: 1 hr 45 mins
Hiking Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 400 feet
Total Ascent: 837 ft
Total Descent: 839 ft
After meeting your guide and enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast, we’ll head south along Turnagain Arm to begin our adventure on the scenic Gull Rock Trail. Following the rugged shoreline of Cook Inlet, this hike offers sweeping views of Chickaloon Bay, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a true introduction to Alaska’s wild coastal landscapes.
The trail can be wet, rocky, and uneven in places, but the rewards are plentiful. Keep an eye on the water for seals, whales, and seabirds as we make our way along the coast, soaking in the stunning scenery before continuing deeper into the Kenai Peninsula.
Day 2
Shuttle: 3.5 hours
Water Taxi: 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 777 feet
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Homer and board a water taxi across Kachemak Bay to begin our hike to Grewingk Lake, a stunning glacial lake often considered the quintessential Alaskan landscape. The trail climbs steadily over a wooded saddle before descending through lush, wild terrain to the lakeshore. While portions of the route can be rugged, the destination is unforgettable: turquoise glacial waters, towering peaks, and a peaceful wilderness setting that invites a moment of quiet reflection. Following our hike, we’ll make our way to our accommodations and settle in for the evening.
Day 3
Water Taxi: 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 8.9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,444 feet
This morning, we’ll cross Kachemak Bay by water taxi and begin our hike on the iconic Grace Ridge Trail. Starting in a peaceful coastal forest, the trail gradually climbs into expansive alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and panoramic views. Along the ridgeline, dramatic vistas stretch across Kachemak Bay to glacier-clad mountains beyond, revealing some of the most spectacular scenery on the Kenai Peninsula. Covering nearly 9 miles with substantial elevation gain, this hike is an unforgettable day on the trail. We’ll finish at a remote beach, where our water taxi will transport us back across the bay to our cabins.
Day 4
Drive Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 282 feet
This morning, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, where coastal views gradually give way to dense spruce forests and mountain landscapes. After crossing the bay by water taxi, we’ll continue north to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. There, we’ll embark on a shorter hike to explore this protected landscape, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
Day 5
Drive Time: 2 hours 30 mins
Hiking Mileage: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 616 feet
Today’s adventure takes us to a lesser-visited corner of the Kenai Peninsula near Cooper Landing. Our hike winds through lush spruce forests, offering a quieter and more intimate experience of Alaska’s wilderness. Along the way, keep an eye out for moose, a variety of bird species, and, depending on the season, vibrant displays of wildflowers lining the trail.
Day 6
Drive Time: 20 minutes
Activity Duration: 10.5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: N/A
After several days of exploring Alaska on foot, it’s time to experience the Kenai Peninsula from a new perspective. Today, we’ll embark on a full-day adventure to Aialik Glacier, the largest and most actively calving tidewater glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Our journey begins with a scenic water taxi ride through Aialik Bay, where opportunities abound to spot humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds. Upon reaching our launch beach, we’ll gear up and paddle into the dramatic fjord landscape. From the water, we’ll experience the immense scale and beauty of Aialik Glacier up close, watching for pieces of ice calving from its towering face and drifting through the bay. Surrounded by rugged peaks, icy waters, and abundant wildlife, this unforgettable day offers a truly immersive glimpse into Alaska’s wild and dynamic coastal environment.
Day 7
Shuttle: 3 hours
Hiking Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2000 feet
Today brings our closest encounter yet with one of Alaska’s iconic glaciers. Departing Seward, we’ll travel into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park and hike alongside Exit Glacier, the park’s only glacier accessible by trail. Our route follows the glacier’s lateral moraine, offering a fascinating look at the forces that have shaped this dramatic landscape. As we climb to viewpoints overlooking the glacier, expansive vistas reveal the flowing ice, surrounding mountains, and the valley carved by centuries of glacial movement. After taking in the scenery and reflecting on an incredible week of exploration, we’ll journey to Anchorage to conclude our incredible week together.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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6 nights of double occupancy lodging (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
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Top-of-the-line daypack and trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through dinner on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Transportation for the duration of the trip starting the morning of Day 1 through Day 7
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Entrance fees and national park permits
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Bear safety equipment including bear spray canisters
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
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Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to the national parks
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Alcoholic beverages
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Bear Creek Lodge
0-1 Night
Bear Creek Lodge is a cozy, rustic, very authentic retreat in the wilds of Alaska. We enjoy their private cabins with backcountry feel and their majestic property for only one night, but we wish it could be more. The rustic cabins are nestled between a majestic pond and rushing mountain stream, and the on sight restaurant is a guest favorite. Please note this lodge does not have private bathrooms and showers, but the communal area is very clean. (shared bathrooms and showers, wifi in the restaurant, cell service, sauna)
Three Moose Cabins
0-2 NightS
At these remote cabins, that we catch a water taxi to access, you can step off your front covered porch into 70 miles of hiking trails through iconic Alaskan wilderness. On the shores of Halibut Cove, this is a warm, cozy eco-lodge co-existing in harmony with nature. From your cabin, watch for sea otters, eagles, and even bears and whales. All rooms have private bathrooms with flushing toilets, sinks, and hot showers.
Seward Windsong Lodge
0-2 NightS
The Seward Windsong Lodge sits along the Resurrection River. Rustic decor with modern amenities make this is a great place to stay. There are beautiful views of the surrounding area and plenty of outdoor seating to soak it all in. All rooms have a private bathrooms.
WiFi
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet around 7:00 am at the Springhill Suites Anchorage Midtown on the morning of Day 1.
Your guide will email you approximately 10 days in advance to coordinate the rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Anchorage
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and its connecting flights from many major US cities make Anchorage very accessible. The major airlines that fly to Anchorage are Delta, United, American, Alaska Airlines and Sun Country. Direct flights are often available from Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Chicago and Las Vegas.
Pre and Post-Trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Anchorage, AK as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time during the pre-trip communication. Generally, you can expect it to be around 6 am, although the exact time will depend on several factors such as planned activities, current weather and road conditions. On the final day of the trip, you can expect a return to Anchorage around 7:00 – 9:00 pm, and your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport. Note: A variety of circumstances can influence our timeline on the final day of a trip, therefore Wildland Trekking does not guarantee return times.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
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