DAY 1

From the meeting point in Anchorage, you begin a scenic drive south along the Turnagain Arm, beneath the awesome Chugach Mountains, to the picturesque town of Seward on Resurrection Bay. Upon arrival in Seward, a brief welcome meeting is followed by lunch in view of a spectacular backdrop of snowcapped mountains and water.

Following lunch, a short drive brings you to the base of Exit Glacier, the only glacier accessible by road in Kenai Fjords National Park. An easy trail takes you alongside the glacier, providing close-up views of this impressive ice-age remnant. It is believed that this active glacier once extended all the way to Seward.

Later this afternoon, the Seward Small Boat Harbor is where you board a boat for an exploratory cruise on Resurrection Bay. This scenic and informative trip highlights the wildlife, hidden coves, and alpine glaciers of the bay. A stop on one of the islands includes a salmon bake dinner, a fitting welcome to your Alaskan adventure and the natural wonders that lie ahead.
Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

DAY 2

Today you embark on a spectacular hike up Lost Lake trail. The round trip is 10 miles, with a 2,000-foot elevation gain; however, you may opt to walk a portion of the trail. The route winds through the northernmost coastal rainforest of moss-covered hemlocks and spruce as it leads to the high country where patches of stunted evergreens give way to alpine tundra. A stunning site for a picnic lunch is at the top of this glacial valley, with 360-degree views of snowcapped mountains and Resurrection Bay, which sits along the horizon. En route you are likely to see signs of wildlife habitat, if not the wildlife itself. A pleasure not to be missed is simply to sit quietly, listening to the silence and watching for Dall sheep grazing above.

Tonight you enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant overlooking Resurrection Bay.
Seward Windsong Lodge, Seward

DAY 3

This morning you can choose between a visit to the world-class Alaskan Sea Life Center, one of Alaska’s premier marine visitor attractions, or simply take time to stroll Main Street in Seward, exploring shops, galleries, and the Small Boat Harbor.

Mid-morning you begin the 1½ hour drive to your next accommodation, a lodge nestled within the Chugach National Forest offering beautiful views over the Kenai River. Upon arrival lunch is served on the deck, which overlooks the river valley. Following lunch you can choose to fish or raft along the Kenai River (at your own expense), or you may wish to join the guides on a walk to Russian River Falls. Here you may spot salmon swimming upstream, before returning to relax in the comfort of the bungalow-style rooms or soak in the hot tub.

Tonight fresh fare is served in the serene setting of the lodge’s dining room.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Kenai

DAY 4

This morning your route leads further south along the Kenai Peninsula, this time along its western shore to the scenic town of Homer. Approaching Homer, an incredible panorama of mountains, white peaks, and glaciers unveils itself—presenting the landscape to explore over the next three days.

A yellow taxi boat, driven by our friend Karl, takes you across Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival you are served a beachfront lunch, surrounded by spectacular views. Kachemak Bay State Park extends 200 miles along the southwestern edge of the Kenai Peninsula and is home to glaciers, high mountains, lakes, islands, beaches, and a picturesque rocky shoreline.

The walking trail skirts the shores of Kachemak Bay and its rocky beach, then crosses a huge glacial outwash plain. From here the views further unfold as you approach Grewingk Lake at the base of spectacular Grewingk Glacier.

Your walk continues along a low ridge between Grewingk Glacier and Halibut Cove, the trail providing stunning views as it descends through short switchbacks and steep forested terrain. The return journey to the shores of Kachemak Bay is by boat.

Tonight you are warm and dry in comfortable accommodations with spectacular views overlooking Kachemak Bay, and mountains and glaciers farther in the distance. An independent dinner this evening allows you to explore this small Alaskan town and choose from one of its many restaurants.
Land’s End Resort, Homer

DAY 5

After breakfast you return to Kachemak Bay State Park, this time to discover the shores and coves of the bay by kayak.

Following a thorough dry-land orientation and instruction on paddling technique, safety, and boat handling, you launch your kayak. The adventure features spectacular scenery as you wind your way through two bays, paddling in narrow tidal channels and close to bold sea cliffs before emerging into more open water. The route provides a glimpse of diverse scenery and sea life including the Gull Island seabird colony, where you may see puffins and other species of seabirds. This is a perfect way to explore the bay, its wildlife, and its incredible beauty.

Following a full morning of kayaking, a water taxi takes you back across the bay to Homer. Here you have time to explore local shops and galleries, partake in an optional afternoon walk, or simply relax and enjoy the view from your beachfront accommodations.

This evening a farewell dinner is served at a unique restaurant accessible only by boat.
Land’s End Resort, Homer

DAY 6

One last shared sunrise over the dramatic Kenai Mountains is followed by an early morning breakfast at the famed Two Sisters Bakery, a local favorite. Following breakfast, the first stop is at the nearby Visitor’s Center before a final walk along Bishop’s Beach. During lunch, your guides can assist you in arranging any number of activities from spa treatments at the hotel to halibut fishing to “flight seeing” or even a return visit to Halibut’s Cove for a leisurely look at a number of artisan galleries along a unique pier/path system. If you are departing Homer on this day, transportation to the airport can be arranged through the front desk at the Land’s End Resort.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward, Alaska

Nestled in a peaceful glacial river valley on the edge of the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Night 3

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Cooper Landing, Alaska

Overlooking the turquoise Kenai River, the Lodge offers the serenity of a wilderness retreat, featuring bungalow-style rooms with sitting areas, wood-burning stoves, and private porches.

Nights 4 & 5

Land's End Resort
Homer, Alaska

Spectacularly situated at the tip of the Homer Spit on the shores of Kachemak Bay, this resort offers 180-degree views of the Kenai Mountain Range and its glaciers.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Agusta Lind

Agusta was born in Boulder, Colorado, and her quest for wide open spaces, sparsely populated areas, and adventure brought her to Alaska. She currently works as an educator in the Kenai Peninsula and hikes the rugged alpine trails when not guiding our tour there.

Jerry Olive

Jerry has lived in Alaska for 32 years, and is an elementary special education teacher when not guiding. During the 12 years that Jerry and his family lived in the Inupiaq Eskimo village of Selawik in the Northwest Arctic, he developed an extensive knowledge of the region’s unique culture, environment and flora and fauna. His wife is a wood carving artist—he is happy to expound on her work if asked. While hiking amongst the mountain goats and wilderness Jerry indeed feels fortunate to live and walk in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Kim Blommel

Sparked by an inquisitive nature and adventurous drive, Kim is an accomplished educator and wilderness traveler. After decades of teaching and exploring the far reaches of Alaska, she remains in awe of the stunning landscapes, native cultures, and diverse ecosystems. Kim willingly shares local knowledge and thoughtful insights while hiking in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Charlie Crangle

Passion for wilderness brought Charlie north nearly 30 years ago. A skilled adventurer, he has climbed, skied, and paddled in many remote areas of Alaska. A recently retired educator, he enjoys sharing his broad knowledge of all things Alaskan. When not guiding, Charlie feeds his wanderlust by traveling mountainous regions throughout the world.