DESCRIPTION:

Alaska in the autumn is one of the best times to visit, and many of the deciduous trees are blazing yellow and red by Labor Day. As a backdrop, the tallest mountains will have fresh snow on their peaks while the lower elevations are still dry. Wildlife search opportunities also improve in late season, as larger mammals begin feeding in the lower elevations in an attempt to pack on as much winter weight as possible.

Discover Alaska’s wild lands and pristine coastal environments from the comfort of exclusive wilderness lodges inside the national parks. Travel by private boat to the secluded Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island in Kenai Fjords National Park and witness a coastline rich in wildlife and scenic beauty. Visit a tidewater glacier and search for sea otters, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, and whales. Raft the Kenai River into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where we search for moose, bald eagles, and salmon. Hike, kayak, or explore the lakeshore by motorboat. At night, enjoy the unique opportunity to search for a spectacular Northern phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), not visible until Alaska’s late summer months.

Drive through the Chugach National Forest the town of Girdwood, surrounded by hanging glaciers and mountain peaks, where we can hike, pan for gold, cycle, or relax. As we head toward Denali, there is an optional flight-seeing tour of Denali (Mt. McKinley). We experience a Denali that few visitors get to – while staying deep inside the National Park. A 5-6 hour wildlife drive takes us to our lodge; we spend the next few days taking field trips and hikes with naturalists, canoeing, fishing, cycling, and enjoying evening programs. Depart via another wildlife drive then board the historic Alaska Railroad for a scenic rail passage thought Alaskan backcountry en route to Fairbanks, then home.

CONSIDER:

Of course, this trip can also be undertaken in the spring or summer.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.