Best of Kachemak Bay: Alaskan Style Basecamp
Anchorage, AK
5.0 (7 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Glaciers & Mountain Views
- Backcountry Day Hikes
- Abundant Wildlife
- Scenic Coastal Boat Rides
- Mountain Solitude
- Lake Kayaking to Glacier
- Backcountry Camping and Cozy Cabins
Description
At the southwestern tip of the Kenai Peninsula lies one of Alaska’s most stunning and accessible wilderness areas—Kachemak Bay. Just a short boat ride from the town of Homer, this region offers a backcountry paradise where dramatic coastlines, towering peaks, and rich biodiversity converge. This basecamp-style adventure is designed to immerse you in Alaska’s wild heart while keeping things comfortable and low-impact. With cozy cabins and beach camping as your home base, you’ll enjoy the freedom of day hikes and kayaking excursions—without the burden of heavy packs. Throughout the journey, you’ll have countless opportunities to spot marine wildlife such as sea otters, orcas, sea lions, and seabirds from water taxis and kayaks. On land, keep an eye out for moose, mountain goats, black bears, spawning salmon, and soaring eagles. Each day brings a new adventure: hiking through ancient spruce forests, paddling to a glacier, and exploring remote beaches and alpine ridges. With a diverse mix of terrain and activities, this itinerary offers one of the most well-rounded and enriching ways to experience the magic of coastal Alaska.
$3500 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This basecamp style trip allows for hiking with a day pack weighing 10-15 pounds. The trails are very rugged in places, with rocky, muddy, overgrown and possibly snow-covered sections. Expect hiking distances up to 8 miles and elevation gain/loss up to 3,145 feet in a day.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 8 miles
Backpack Weight:
10-15 lbs.
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 6-8 hours (and a 35-45 lb. pack for .3 miles)
- Maintaining balance and footing on rugged terrain
- Kayaking
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Alaska backpacking adventure a solitude 3. You can expect several hours of solitude at a time.
PRIVATE TRIPS
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
PRIVATE RATES FOR THIS TRIP
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle: 4.5 hours
- Hiking Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 393 ft.
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive south from Anchorage, winding through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula—fondly known by locals as “Alaskans’ Playground.” As we travel, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of rugged mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys, and rivers shimmering in shades of turquoise. About an hour into the journey, we’ll pause for our first hike: a picturesque trail leading to Byron Glacier. This gentle walk offers a close-up look at the glacier, framed by dramatic peaks in every direction.
After stretching our legs, we’ll continue on to the charming Homer Harbor, where we’ll load our gear onto a water taxi for a scenic 20-minute ride across the stunning Kachemak Bay. Upon landing on a remote shoreline, a short, peaceful walk brings us to our off-the-grid cabins in Halibut Cove—our cozy home for the next couple of nights. As you settle in, your guide will prepare a hearty dinner. Whether you choose to relax and soak in the tranquility or explore the surrounding wilderness, the evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 2
- Kayak Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours
- Hiking Distance: 8.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 777 feet
Today is brimming with exploration as we experience the wild beauty of Alaska—by land and by water. From the front porch of our cabins, we’ll lace up our boots and set off on a scenic 2-mile hike along the Saddle Trail. This path winds through lush coastal forest, offering glimpses of towering peaks and the promise of what lies ahead. As the trail opens up, we’ll arrive at the breathtaking shores of Grewingk Lake, where our professional kayak guides will be waiting to welcome us. After a brief orientation and getting geared up, we’ll launch onto the glacier-fed waters for an unforgettable paddling experience. Gliding across the lake, we’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of the majestic Grewingk Glacier and the untouched Alaskan wilderness. We’ll pause for a peaceful lakeside lunch, soaking in the serenity and keeping an eye out for wildlife. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey on foot, exploring more of this remote and pristine landscape. By day’s end, we’ll return to camp ready to relax and refuel with a delicious dinner prepared by your guide. It’s the perfect close to a full day of discovery—just in time to rest up for the next exciting chapter of our journey tomorrow.
Day 3
- Water Taxi: 1 hour
- Hiking Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation Loss: 3,145 feet
This morning, we’ll pack up and board our second water taxi for a breathtaking one-hour ride across Kachemak Bay. Our destination: Kayak Beach, a secluded gem tucked along the southwest side of Tutka Point. Upon arrival, we’ll drop our gear at our beach campground before setting off on one of the most spectacular hikes in the area: Grace Ridge. The trail begins in a lush forest of spruce and alder, gradually ascending into an old-growth Sitka spruce grove. As we climb higher, we’ll pause at an alpine knob to soak in sweeping views of Eldred Passage, the volcanic peaks of the Cook Inlet, and the rugged silhouette of Sadie Peak. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for bald and golden eagles soaring overhead, black bears foraging, and mountain goats navigating the cliffs. The sounds of cascading waterfalls and babbling creeks will accompany us throughout the journey. After enjoying another delicious trail lunch prepared by your guide, we’ll make our way back down to Kayak Beach and return to our yurts for a well-earned evening of rest and relaxation.
Day 4
- Water Taxi: 25 minutes
- Kayak Duration: 6 hours
After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll hop aboard a water taxi for a quick and scenic 25-minute ride to Yukon Island—our launch point for today’s kayaking adventure. Once we arrive, our guides will get us outfitted with gear and provide a brief orientation before we slip into the water. Over the next four hours, we’ll paddle through a maze of craggy rock arches and sea stacks, keeping our eyes peeled for playful sea otters, curious seals, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Located within the U.S. Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, this area is a haven for marine mammals and seabirds, offering a rich and protected ecosystem to explore. The calm waters and dramatic coastal scenery make this one of the most memorable paddling experiences of the trip. After our time on the water, we’ll return to shore with hearts and cameras full—ready to relax and reflect on another incredible day in Alaska.
Day 5
- Hiking Distance: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,922 feet
- Shuttle: 4.5 hours
We’ll begin our final day with a one-hour water taxi ride back to Homer, soaking in the last views of Kachemak Bay’s rugged coastline. From there, we’ll journey to the Alyeska Ski Resort for one last adventure—a rainforest hike to Winner Creek Gorge and its cascading waterfalls. This well-maintained trail winds through lush, moss-draped forest and offers moderate terrain, making it a refreshing and rewarding walk. After stretching our legs and enjoying the peaceful beauty of the gorge, we’ll hit the road for the 4-hour drive back to Anchorage, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and wild beauty of Alaska that we’ve shared over the past few days.
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- 2 nights of unique Alaskan lodging in ocean front cabins + 2 nights of beach camping
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, day pack, and backpacking pack
- Bear canisters for food storage
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Guided, fully outfitted kayaking tours with a third-party provider (kayak guide gratuity included)
- 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.
- Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Anchorage and back
- All entrance fees, permits and passes
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare all meals with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware sleeping bags
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct an orientation meeting at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. This will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Anchorage.
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.
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 6 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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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
Weather in Alaska
This trip covers a dramatic diversity of terrain from coastal areas to mountains and tundra to glaciers. The weather will be largely dependent on which ecosystem you’re at the moment hiking in, so it’s best to be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions. Read below for average high and low temperatures in different parts of Alaska:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||||
|
Month
|
Denali
|
Kenai
|
||||||
|
hi
|
low
|
Precip
|
hi
|
low
|
Precip
|
|||
|
June
|
53°
|
41°
|
2.42 in
|
58°
|
46°
|
5.2 in
|
||
|
July
|
56°
|
45°
|
3.12 in
|
61°
|
50°
|
7.1 in
|
||
|
August
|
51°
|
41°
|
3.01 in
|
61°
|
55°
|
8.8 in
|
||
|
September
|
41°
|
31°
|
1.74 in
|
55°
|
49°
|
13.3 in
|
||
Accommodations
3 MOOSE CABINS
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.
BEACH CAMPING
2 Nights
Enjoy 2 nights in the backcountry in the comfort of your own tent. This remote beach is only accessible by water taxi, so enjoy solitude and relaxation after amazing days of hiking and kayaking. Enjoy time before and after dinner watching for animals or catching up on a favorite book. As we are further into the backcountry on this second half of the trip, take note that there are no showers or Wi-Fi, and outhouses are within 100 ft. of camp.
FANTASTIC MEALS
Fresh & Delicious
Basecamp trips include meals for the duration of the tours beginning with breakfast the first day through lunch the final day. Meals are prepared by your guide(s) using fresh ingredients, exclusive Wildland recipes, and we adhere to all department of health outdoor cooking codes.
Trip Reviews
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Mark W
Wildland is Amazing
Wildland Trekking is awesome, as a first time backpacker, they really took great care of us. Their guide Jessie is amazing, I highly recommend her and Wildland. We are coming back to Alaska!
Trinette S
Unforgettable Adventure
We had an unforgettable Alaskan adventure! Stunning wilderness, breathtaking hikes, mouthwatering meals and an incredible, heart warming, soul-enriching guide (Rafi). This trip is a must!
Christina S
Such a fantastic trip.
I had an excellent time on this trip! Highlights included beautiful vistas, great wildlife and a wonderful time kayaking. Our guide Sam was fabulous - flexible and informative. We had perfect weather in July. I can't wait for my next Wildland adventure!
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