Raw Nature from Glacier Bay National Park to the Chilkat Range
Journey to Southeast Alaska's sensational 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 the Chilkat and Chilkoot regions—hidden wilderness gems. Cruise the icy wonders of Glacier Bay, watch 50-ton humpback whales breach at Point Adolphus, and look out for porpoises, sea lions, and seals. Fly in a small plane to Haines for the last three nights, raft through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, kayak Chikoot Lake, and summit Mt. Riley! 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 sensational 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 the Chilkat and Chilkoot regions—hidden wilderness gems. Cruise the icy wonders of Glacier Bay, watch 50-ton humpback whales breach at Point Adolphus, and look out for porpoises, sea lions, and seals. Fly in a small plane to Haines for the last three nights, raft through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, kayak Chikoot Lake, and summit Mt. Riley! 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 remote Gustavus and take in its frontier spirit and small-town charm before a short drive to the Glacier Bay Lodge, the only lodging inside Glacier Bay National Park. In the early evening, meet your MT Sobek guide in the lodge 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
Transportation: 10-minute airport transfer
Meals: Dinner
Discover Glacier Bay by Catamaran
Day 2
After an early breakfast, board a high-speed catamaran accompanied by a park ranger, who explains the ecological wonders of the area, ranging from rainforest to tidewater glaciers. On this all-day tour, head to the farthest reaches of the dazzling Glacier Bay National Park, with chances to spot whales, Stellar sea lions, puffins, coastal bears, seals, eagles, and more along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch aboard the catamaran, paired with magnificent Alaskan mountain backdrops. Back on dry land, explore the Huna Tlingit Tribal House where you learn how clans sustained themselves for centuries on the abundant resources of the land and sea around Bartlett Cove. 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
Cruise to Point Adolphus for Whales and Wildlife
Day 3
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. In the late afternoon, hike the Bartlett River Trail through enchanting spruce and hemlock forest, emerging at the estuary where you might get a moose or river otter sighting before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Activity: 3.5-hour wildlife cruise, plus 3 hours/4 miles hiking with minimal elevation change
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Haines & Afternoon Hike
Day 4
After breakfast, board a flight to Haines, Alaska. This settlement straddles the peninsula between Chilkat and Chilkoot Inlets, Tlingit territory and a gold rush gateway. Visit Fort Seward, established to bring order to the unruly gold seekers, the last of a series of 11 Alaskan military posts constructed during the gold rush era. After lunch, take a short scenic drive into Chilkat State Park. Based on your group's interests and ability, there are several hiking options and if weather permits, the possibility to summit Mt. Riley. Hike through old-growth forest, mossy bogs, and fascinating geology. On a clear day, enjoy a 360-degree view including Chilkat and Katzehin Rivers, Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers, Juneau and Skagway, and Berner's Bay—all framed beneath incredible glaciated peaks.
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel
Activity: 3-4 hours/4-5 miles hiking with 750' feet elevation gain/loss; shorter options available
Transportation: Scenic charter flight, 30-minutes round-trip private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Float through a Bald Eagle Preserve & Hike Alaskan Coastline
Day 5
Today, board rafts for a scenic float (there is no whitewater on this section of river) through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles. The watersheds of the preserve, vital habitat for the eagles, are fed by freshwater upwellings and swollen by melting glacier. The park is rich with wildlife including five species of Pacific salmon, nearly 100 bird species, and large mammals such as brown and black bears, moose, lynx, wolverines, river otters, foxes, and mountain goats. After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon will be filled with a walk through forest and meadows, and beach combing along the coast near Battery Point, where it is common to observe colorfully beaked surf scoters, seals, and sea lions.
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel
Activity: 3-hour easy rafting float, plus 2 hours/2 miles walking
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayak Chilkoot Lake & Hike Moose Meadows
Day 6
This morning, get ready for an unforgettable professionally guided kayak adventure on Chilkoot Lake! Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Alaska's wilderness as you paddle this serene glacial lake, surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, and lush forests. Glide silently, experiencing the tranquility and splendor of one of Alaska's true gems. Back on shore you'll use spotting scopes to search for wildlife and learn about the rich history of the area and the cultural significance of Chilkoot Lake to the native Tlingit people. Enjoy a private oceanside picnic on Lynn Fjord before embarking on an easy hike through Moose Meadows, a pretty beach meadow with great views of the Rainbow Glacier. Tonight, celebrate your week of adventure!
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel
Activity: 2 hours kayaking, 2 hours/2 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain/loss
Transportation: 20-minute transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid Farewell to Alaska
Day 7
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, then say farewell to your guide(s) and Southeast Alaska before your journey homeward.
Transportation: 10-minute transfer (this is not included)
MT Sobek has our own base of operations in Haines, Alaska with professionally trained guides and all the necessary permits prepared for your Alaska adventure.
Our trip explores Alaska's spectacular wildlife-rich waterways, tranquil meadows, enchanting forests, and breathtaking peaks carefully chosen to avoid the throngs of cruise-ship tourists.
Our expert local interpretive guides live and play in Southeast Alaska and can't wait to show you its natural wonders, remarkable history, and hidden charms.
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.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. There will be hikes of various lengths most days. Terrain includes the alpine zone above the tree line, beaches, or trails through the old growth forest. Kayaking and rafting on calm water. All hikes are optional. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
8-hour catamaran boat ride
Day 3
3.5-hour wildlife cruise, plus 3 hours/4 miles hiking with minimal elevation change
Day 4
3-4 hours/4-5 miles hiking with 750' feet elevation gain/loss; shorter options available
Day 5
3-hour easy rafting float, plus 2 hours/2 miles walking
Day 6
2 hours kayaking, 2 hours/2 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain/loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Enjoy a comfortable stay at the only hotel within Glacier Bay and base yourself in the heart of one of Alaska's most scenic areas in Haines.
Glacier Bay Lodge-Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
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.
The Aspen Suites Hotel is within walking distance to the charming downtown of Haines. Take a stroll along the water edge's as you explore the quaint shops and restaurants. Each room offers modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and fully furnished kitchen.
Weather
Enjoy mild summers, with almost daily light rain, chilly winds near glaciers, and breezy oceansides. Daytime 55-75°F. Evenings 40-55°F.
Jul
Aug
Gustavus
High
Low
High
Low
Gustavus
63
49
63
48
Juneau
High
Low
High
Low
Juneau
63
51
63
60
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 Haines at the Aspen Suites Hotel.
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.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18 but check out our private trip options for groups with younger guests (minimum age 12).
