Raw Nature from Glacier Bay National Park to Tongass National Forest
Journey to Southeast Alaska's largest protected habitats, home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and nature. Explore Glacier Bay National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its marine wildlife and stunning glaciers, and Tongass National Forest - the largest forest in the US! Sea kayak in Bartlett Cove, watch 50-ton humpback whales breach at Point Adolphus, and look out for porpoises, sea lions, and seals. Fly in a small plane to Juneau for the last three nights, hike the Perseverance Trail, and enjoy an exciting helicopter tour and glacier hike on the Mendenhall Glacier! Stay at warm and welcoming hotels, including Glacier Bay Lodge - the only hotel within Glacier Bay National Park. Enjoy the best Alaska multi-adventure tour!
Journey to Southeast Alaska's largest protected habitats, home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife and nature. Explore Glacier Bay National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its marine wildlife and stunning glaciers, and Tongass National Forest - the largest forest in the US! Sea kayak in Bartlett Cove, watch 50-ton humpback whales breach at Point Adolphus, and look out for porpoises, sea lions, and seals. Fly in a small plane to Juneau for the last three nights, hike the Perseverance Trail, and enjoy an exciting helicopter tour and glacier hike on the Mendenhall Glacier! Stay at warm and welcoming hotels, including Glacier Bay Lodge - the only hotel within Glacier Bay National Park. Enjoy the best Alaska multi-adventure tour!
Arrive in Gustavus and take in its frontier spirit and small-town charm. In the late afternoon, meet your MT Sobek guide in the lobby for a welcome briefing before heading out on a short hike, or a visit to the Whale Exhibit. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group at the lodge.
Accommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Meals: Dinner
Discover Glacier Bay by Catamaran
Day 2
After an early breakfast, board a high-speed catamaran boat with a park ranger, who explains the geological wonders of the area. On this all-day tour, head to the farthest reaches of the dazzling Glacier Bay National Park, making stops for wildlife viewing along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch aboard the catamaran, paired with magnificent Alaskan backdrops. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Accommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Activity: 8-hour catamaran boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Bartlett Cove by Kayak & On Foot
Day 3
Delight in the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park via tandem kayaks and on foot today. The protected Bartlett Cove is the perfect place to spot bald eagles, sea lions, seals, black bears, and a variety of sea birds. Our kayak naturalist will share all of the hidden gems of the bay. Bartlett River trail is an out-and-back route that meanders along an intertidal lagoon and through the spruce and hemlock forest before ending at the Bartlett River estuary. Here you might experience a moose or river otter sighting before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Activity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking & 3.5 hour kayaking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture to Point Adolphus by Boat
Day 4
This morning, set out by boat to see the humpback whales at Point Adolphus, the best place in the North Pacific to observe this majestic endangered mammal. The protected north shore of Chichagof Island is a paradise for marine mammals, bears, and bald eagles, with special conditions in the ocean currents making it one of Alaska's best wildlife zones. Traveling by boat offers the flexibility to find where the wildlife is congregating and to observe them from the deck of a vessel. Return to the town of Gustavus for lunch and then take a flight to Juneau, the scenic capital of Alaska.
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton-Juneau, Alaska
Activity: 4 hours wildlife viewing
Transportation: 4-hour boat ride and 30-minute flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Mendenhall Glacier via Helicopter
Day 5
Today, embark on a helicopter adventure to the Mendenhall Glacier for an unforgettable experience hiking through the ever-changing glacial icescape. Gear up after a safety briefing and take to the skies, enjoying expansive views of the enormous Juneau Icefield and Tongass National Forest during the flight. On the trek, you'll access remote and pristine areas of the glacier, peer into deep crevasses, and marvel at dazzling blue ice flows. Upon returning, explore culture-rich museums before enjoying dinner in Juneau on your own.
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton-Juneau, Alaska
Activity: 2 hours/2 miles glacier walking
Transportation: 2-hour helicopter touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trek the Tongass National Forest
Day 6
Juneau is located in the largest national forest in the US, the Tongass, and boasts one of the most extensive networks of hiking trails in all of Alaska. Set out on a morning hike along the Perseverance Trail, which leads from downtown Juneau to a spectacular canyon and former rail line. The trail climbs above the Gold Creek Valley where there is an opportunity to see old mine shafts and Gold Creek. This afternoon, from charming downtown Juneau, hop aboard a tram operated by a Native American corporation and ride into the mountains. On the way up, experience the power and beauty of the temperate rainforest. Start the walk at the border of the trees and the alpine zone and soon enter fields of wildflowers, above the fjords, and close to the mountaintops. Enjoy a farewell dinner and spend one last night in Alaska's capital city.
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton-Juneau, Alaska
MT Sobek has been a pioneer in Southeast Alaska adventure travel since 1972, always placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
This 7-day adventure is the most comprehensive of its kind - with many off-the-charts experiences in one itinerary, at a relaxed pace. Great for the short-on-time traveler who wants to see the best of Southeast Alaska.
Follow expert Alaska guides as you experience this stunning region filled with glaciers, mountains, forests, and an abundance of wildlife.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Kate B.
Growing up in the open country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Kate fell in love with the outdoor life. Drawn to the west and eventually heading north to Alaska she started working for MT Sobek as an international river guide in 1980. Kate now shares her passion, knowledge, and leadership skills with fellow travelers, on our Multi-Adventure trips in Southeast Alaska. Kate also enjoys skiing, biking, painting, reading, and Pickleball! Kate divides her year between Alaska, Utah, and Mexico.
Robin P.
Robin is a 20 year Sierra Club Outings leader veteran who has lead children and adults on a wide variety of hiking, kayaking and camping trips in the Southeast. She is an avid whitewater rafter and has run rivers in Alaska, The Southwest and in Chile. Robin has been venturing to Alaska for the past 30 years after falling in love with the majesty of the environment. She is an avid traveler and explorer of the natural world.
Arrive in Gustavus and take in its frontier spirit and small-town charm. In the late afternoon, meet your MT Sobek guide in the lobby for a welcome briefing before heading out on a short hike, or a visit to the Whale Exhibit. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group at the lodge.
After an early breakfast, board a high-speed catamaran boat with a park ranger, who explains the geological wonders of the area. On this all-day tour, head to the farthest reaches of the dazzling Glacier Bay National Park, making stops for wildlife viewing along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch aboard the catamaran, paired with magnificent Alaskan backdrops. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Delight in the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park via tandem kayaks and on foot today. The protected Bartlett Cove is the perfect place to spot bald eagles, sea lions, seals, black bears, and a variety of sea birds. Our kayak naturalist will share all of the hidden gems of the bay. Bartlett River trail is an out-and-back route that meanders along an intertidal lagoon and through the spruce and hemlock forest before ending at the Bartlett River estuary. Here you might experience a moose or river otter sighting before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
This morning, set out by boat to see the humpback whales at Point Adolphus, the best place in the North Pacific to observe this majestic endangered mammal. The protected north shore of Chichagof Island is a paradise for marine mammals, bears, and bald eagles, with special conditions in the ocean currents making it one of Alaska\'s best wildlife zones. Traveling by boat offers the flexibility to find where the wildlife is congregating and to observe them from the deck of a vessel. Return to the town of Gustavus for lunch and then take a flight to Juneau, the scenic capital of Alaska.
Today, embark on a helicopter adventure to the Mendenhall Glacier for an unforgettable experience hiking through the ever-changing glacial icescape. Gear up after a safety briefing and take to the skies, enjoying expansive views of the enormous Juneau Icefield and Tongass National Forest during the flight. On the trek, you\'ll access remote and pristine areas of the glacier, peer into deep crevasses, and marvel at dazzling blue ice flows. Upon returning, explore culture-rich museums before enjoying dinner in Juneau on your own.
Juneau is located in the largest national forest in the US, the Tongass, and boasts one of the most extensive networks of hiking trails in all of Alaska. Set out on a morning hike along the Perseverance Trail, which leads from downtown Juneau to a spectacular canyon and former rail line. The trail climbs above the Gold Creek Valley where there is an opportunity to see old mine shafts and Gold Creek. This afternoon, from charming downtown Juneau, hop aboard a tram operated by a Native American corporation and ride into the mountains. On the way up, experience the power and beauty of the temperate rainforest. Start the walk at the border of the trees and the alpine zone and soon enter fields of wildflowers, above the fjords, and close to the mountaintops. Enjoy a farewell dinner and spend one last night in Alaska\'s capital city.
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guide will secure transportation to Juneau Airport for the departing flight of your choice.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. There will be hikes of various length every day. Terrain includes the alpine zone above the tree line, beaches, and boardwalks or trails through the old growth forest. All hikes are optional. Learn more about activity levels here.
Nestled under the spruce trees lining Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay Lodge is the only hotel within Glacier Bay National Park. Guests delight in striking sunset views of the Fairweather Mountain range and relax in the warmth of the lobby's massive stone fireplace. The cozy rooms all come with en-suite bathrooms.
Located in downtown Juneau, the seven-story Four Points by Sheraton couples excellent access to the city and Alaska's pristine wilderness. The hotel features 106 handsomely updated rooms, all including Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and in-room coffeemakers. South-facing rooms offer prime vistas of Juneau's waterfront, while rooms facing north look onto the city and the mountains.
Weather
Enjoy mild summers, with almost daily light rain, chilly winds near glaciers, and breezy ocean sides. Daytime 55-75°F. Evenings 40-55°F.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Gustavus
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Gustavus
61
45
63
49
63
48
Juneau
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Juneau
62
48
63
51
63
60
Know Before You Book
Accommodations The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodging-the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An awesome MT Sobek guide will meet you at the airport in Gustavus and transfer with you to the evening's accommodations within Glacier Bay National Park, only 8 miles down the road!
Is it easy to make arrangements for additional nights?
Super easy. We recommend extending your stay at the Lodge at Glacier Bay National Park or in Juneau at the Four Points Sheraton.
What wildlife do you typically see?
There are possibilities to see humpback and orca whales, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins, moose and bears. Each new season brings a wide variety of mammals and bird species on any given day.
Will it rain while I'm in Alaska?
The weather in Alaska is quite variable, so please expect that rain may fall every day. A good sturdy raincoat is recommended.
How intense is the helicopter ride and what does it entail?
You will be in a safe and stable helicopter flown by a crew of very experienced pilots. The helicopter ride will be a quick 15 minutes from the airport to the glacier landing, with touring on the way back.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our family friendly departures and private trip options for groups with younger guests.
