Afforable Nature
Alaska
A veritable bargain at only 7.2 million dollars - that is what the United States paid Russia in 1867 to acquire Alaska. Here is a chance to get your money's worth! Spectacular and massive landscapes of glaciers, icebergs, rivers, waterfalls secluded bays and mountains are home to a myriad of wildlife. Thousands of Bald Eagle, curious black and wary brown bear, noisy harbor seal, playful sea otter and the giants of the ocean, the humpback whale. Jet boats on rivers, thermal springs, observational decks just 30 feet from bear and calving icebergs hurtling towards the surface, and the historic Tlingit people - you'll know this treasured land was worth every penny and more.
Day 1 - Arrival/Juneau/Wrangell Island/Tongass National Forest
Arrive on your own into Juneau, where you board your flight to Wrangell Island in the Southeast Alaska Inside Passage and transfer to your rustic, red cedar pole lodge situated in the heart of the Tongass National Forest with Wrangell Harbor views and Alaskan home-style dining. BRUCE HARDING'S OLD SOURDOUGH LODGE.
Day 2 - Stikine River/Leconte Wilderness/Shakes Glacier
Accompanied by an expert Alaskan wilderness guide and naturalist, travel by heated jet boat up the narrow Stikine River into the LeConte Wilderness that is dominated by steep, rugged mountains and dense forest. An important fish and wildlife area, the River is teeming with one of Alaska's famous exports - a multitude of salmon species, including king, sockeye, coho and Chinook. Mountain goat eyes you from cliffs and wolf may intently watch you from the banks. Black bear has been known to stop boats as it crosses the River, and inland you may spot brown bear (island species of grizzly are known as brown bear). Deer, moose, otter, mink and martin are all active in this habitat. Take a break and immerse yourself in the thermal waters of the Chief Shakes Hot Springs. Approximately 2,000 Bald Eagle congregate at the River mouth during spring making it the biggest concentration in the world. The Delta Flats are a major nesting area for migratory water birds. Cruise into the Stikine Icefield and experience the grandeur of Shakes Glacier and its vast host of icebergs. The center of the 1850 Goldrush, learn about the River's on-going environmental and cultural relevance. BRUCE HARDING'S OLD SOURDOUGH LODGE.
Day 3 - AnAn Creek/U.S. Forest Service Observatory
Return to your jet boat for a full-day of bear viewing at the *U.S. Forest Service Observatory near the falls at AnAn Creek. Here you will witness the largest pink salmon run in Southeast Alaska and a popular dining spot for black and brown bear. Rarely do you find these bears inhabiting the same territory, so this is a chance for exceptional photographic opportunities. A half-mile hike gives your guide time to acquaint you with the area and educate you about the Creek's significance through the centuries to Tlingit. Arrive at the Observatory that consists of a covered deck, open platform and photo blind. See black bear dipping their heads under the surface seeking salmon. Brown bear are less prevalent, however when they approach, the black bear generally acquiesce its spot to them. BRUCE HARDING'S OLD SOURDOUGH LODGE. (B,L)
*A strictly enforced pass system limits the number of visitors to 60 per day between July 5th and August 25th, and allows only 20 people at a time onto the Observatory Deck to keep the effects on the environment at a minimum.
Day 4 - Wrangell Island Tour
Sik-Klein, an Alaskan native of Tlingit and Haida descent will be your personal guide on an Island tour. Visit historic sites; at Petroglyph Beach, see ancient rock carvings dating back 10,000 years, the Chief Shakes Tribal House and the 'Last Great Potlatch' of the Tlingit people, and admire the museum's artifacts documenting its colorful past, including the oldest-known surviving Tlinget house posts carved in the 1700's. Get an in-depth look at the commercial industry that feeds the local economy - traditional and modern salmon smoke houses. BRUCE HARDING'S OLD SOURDOUGH LODGE. (B)
Day 5 - Petersburg
Arrive at the quaint fishing village of Petersburg on Mitkof Island via the Inter-Island Ferry. Of Norwegian heritage, enjoy its beauty on a sightseeing tour with time to browse shops and galleries. Visit Sing Lee Alley and Bojer Wikan Fisherman's Memorial Park, lunch is on your own, however there are several eateries serving fresh, local seafood. Your bed and breakfast accommodation is comfortable with unique decor. SCANDIA HOUSE HOTEL OR SIMILAR. (B)
Day 6 - Leconte Glacier
Board your jet to the southern-most active glacier in the northern hemisphere that flows directly into salt water - LeConte. Arguably the most beautiful of all temperate glaciers, it was discovered in 1887 and covers 2,900 square miles and extends 120 miles. With the craggy, snow-covered peaks of the Coastal Mountain Range as its backdrop, and cascading waterfalls glistening on the granite cliffs, it is ideally protected by harbor seals to breed and raise their young. Navigate around massive chunks of floating ice and watch for shooter icebergs - ones that break off from depths of 500-700 feet beneath the water and shoot to the top. SCANDIA HOUSE HOTEL OR SIMILAR. (B,L)
Day 7 - Frederick Sound
With an expert naturalist, embark on a private whale-watching cruise to Frederick Sound, one of the premier places in Alaska to observe humpback whale taking part in a group feeding frenzy upon krill, zooplankton and herring. Of the 1,000 humpback whale that migrate to Alaska, approximately 500 head here to feed in these nutrient rich waters. You may observe harbor seal sunning on one of the many icebergs in the glacier channel, and watch for orca, Steller's sea lion and Dall's porpoise. In the distance you may see the Five Fingers Island Lighthouse constructed in 1902. SCANDIA HOUSE HOTEL. (B)
Day 8 - Petersburg/Juneau/Departure
This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Juneau. (B)
Your Journey Includes:
- Best accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Jet boats are covered and heated.
- Stikine Private Jet Boat Tour, Day Trip to AnAn Creek, and Wrangell and Petersburg city tours.
- Private boat trip to LeConte Glacier.
- Private whale watching in Frederick's Sound.
- Breakfast daily and all other meals per itinerary.
- Inter-Island Ferry to Petersburg.
- Expert Professional naturalists and guides.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park entry fees.
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallets.
2008 Dates |
Main Trip Price/Person Land Only |
Airfare |
Single Supplement |
Jun 28- Jul 5 |
$3,695 |
$300 |
$695 |
Jul 26- Aug 2 |
$3,695 |
$300 |
$695 |
For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes, Inc. at (800) 627-1244