Drive Time: 3 hours

Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet

Continuing south to the coast, we will hike once again in the Chugach Range, where we will be reminded of the contrast between the salmon fed coastal forests and those of the interior. The trees will get bigger as we make our way to the Kenai Peninsula – nicknamed Alaska’s Playground. Our lodge this evening will again be nestled in a glacially carved valley, but the mountains will feel closer than ever as we experience the origins of what form a glacial fjord.

Drive Time: 2 hours

Hiking Mileage: 5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet

Today will be our closest experience with a glacier yet. As we approach the coastal town of Seward, we will head back up into the mountains and enter Kenai Fjords National Park. Here will hike along the lateral moraine of Exit Glacier, the only glacier in the park that is accessible by foot trail. After hiking, we will settle in our final lodge in the hills above Resurrection Bay where dinner awaits. For seafood lovers, this is a great opportunity to try the freshest halibut, salmon and crab anywhere in the world.

Drive Time: 30 minutes

Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 700 feet

To beat the tides we’ll make an early start at our hiking destination on the south side of Seward, just a few minutes away. We will hike along the coast to the historic site of Fort McGilvray, where we will learn about a big piece of Alaska’s history as a strategic military location for the United States. Next we’ll enjoy lunch on the beach and watch for Humpback Whales, sea otters and bald eagles. Because the tides will be too high for us to return on the trail that brought us here, we will return to our trailhead at Miller’s Landing with a short water taxi boat ride. This evening we will celebrate our final night of a week long journey in ‘The Great Land’.

Drive Time: 3 hours

Hiking Mileage: 3 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 600 feet

It may be our last day, but we’ve saved some of the very best for last! Before we leave the Kenai Range, we’ll enjoy a beautiful hike near Portage Lake to see Byron Glacier. Then, after a tasty lunch, we’ll board the Alaska Railroad and ride it to Spencer Glacier. This backcountry destination is only accessible by rail. You will step off the train into a dramatic setting with a gorgeous, aquamarine glacial lake, icebergs and mountain views. You will feel like you’ve been taken back in time to the last ice age, as you stare up at towering peaks, dramatic headwalls and glacial-fed rivers. We will raft out onto the lake to access a short float down the peaceful Placer River for more stunning views. We’ll re-board the train at a remote, backcountry station. If you’d prefer not to raft, you can enjoy a longer scenic train ride into the mountains for views of Grandview Glacier, or embark on a short hike with your guide along the shores of Spencer Glacier Lake to look for wildlife or touch an iceberg if you’re lucky. We’ll have a farewell dinner at the famous Alyeska Ski Resort before a relaxing, scenic drive back to Anchorage for the conclusion of our adventure. What a week it’s been!