Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site-one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From summit to sea, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.
Trip Summary
Embark on a fifteen day journey into the wild of Glacier Bay Alaska. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand the natural beauty of what many consider one of the most beautiful places on earth. Capture breathtaking mountain views, see massive glaciers, beautiful landscapes, and pristine shorelines. You are guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful species of wildlife in their natural environments, both on land and in the water. Come with an open heart and mind. Leave with a renewed sense of purpose after we experience the beauty of life in its most simplest and natural forms.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: We land in Gustavus, Alaska and take “THE TAXI” to the mercantile to pick up any last provisions, especially fuel for your stove. We camp that night in the rainforest within walking distance of the lodge (real food, showers, etc.)
Day 2: We do an orientation with the rangers…food storage, grizzly bear etiquette, certain closures due to high grizzly activity, etc.
Day 3: We hike approximately four miles to the Bartlett River to fish for Dolly Varden and Cutthroat trout, and whatever species of salmon may be running (5 species in Alaska). That early evening we cook our fish on the beach and camp out in the same place that night. We also meet the Kayak people for some last minute instructions on the boats, etc.
Days 4 through 13 are strictly sea kayaking and camping on different islands or shoreline of Muir Inlet. Most days we kayak 8-12 miles. There are stops every couple of hours to eat, take pictures, fish or answer “nature calls”. We pass through the Beardsley Islands (black bear territory), on to Beartrack Cove (suddenly all grizzly territory, it’s like segregation, they don’t inhabit the same areas) From there we cruise over to Adams Inlet (moose grounds), then to the McBride and Riggs Glaciers where we’ll be kayaking among icebergs as big as cars.
On a typical day it is not unusual to be in close contact with humpback whales, watching them breach, feed or even play. Other daily sightings might include moose, orca whales, otters and bald eagles. Tide-pooling offers the chance to see brightly-colored sea stars, anemones and other fascinating invertebrates. Some of our time “on break” allows for picking wild strawberries, salmon berries, nagoon berries and beach peas.
Day 14 & 15: The last two days are spent at Bartlett Cove before returning home.
Supplies & Equipment
1. Mountain Stove that uses white gas only ( gas will be purchased in Gustavus)
2. A sturdy TENT (seam sealed be sure it doesn’t LEAK)
3. Sleeping Bag: Polarguard or any synthetic fiber minimum temp 20 degree. No Goose down
4. Day pack for hiking. Water, knife, fishing lures
5. 3 Dry bags for while kayaking to keep items dry. These can be purchased at any outdoor store
6. Rain Coat/Pants/Hat or attached hood: Waterproof not water resistant. Rubberized, waterproof fabric is best not Gore-tex. You can rent at your own expense the rain suit and boots for the entire trip for $30.00. If you choose to do so please give me advance notice as there is limited availability. The boots have no padding, you must wear with wool socks
7. Sturdy sneakers and/or light weight hiking boots
8. Potable aqua: (iodine tablets) for water purification
9. Clothing: 4 pairs of wool socks, 1-2 wool sweaters, 1 pile coat, wool hat to cover ears and cap to keep the sun off your face
10. Shirt: long sleeve wool and short sleeve t-shirt nylon or quick dry
9. Pants & shorts: 1 pair of shorts, nylon. Pants 2 pairs, wool, nylon wind pants, or synthetic.
10. Long underwear: Top & bottom polypropylene, light weight wool. No Cotton.
11. Gloves: Wool or pile. Rubber gloves to wear over gloves to keep dry and warm.
12. Camp set: pots, pans, knife, utensils, water bottle
Other suggested items: Please keep in mind unscented is best. No sweet smelling items.
Toilet paper, tissues, sunscreen, bug repellent with high DEET content, lip protection, flashlight, compass, fire starter, matches in waterproof container, zip lock bags, garbage bags, sunglasses, camera, film, binoculars, fishing gear (a fishing license will be required and can be purchased upon our arrival).
Food to Bring
Breakfasts
Oatmeal, instant oatmeal, & cook cereals
Granola
Pancake mix
Dried fruits
Powdered juice mixes
Powdered milk
Coffee, tea & cocoa mixes
Lunches
Peanut butter and jelly
Instant soups*
Crackers
Flat breads (wraps) or firm breads
Mayonnaise, mustard, & other condiments in plastic or squeeze containers
Cream cheese & jelly
Sardines, tuna, pate, etc.
Cheese
Hummus, Tabouli w/Pita bread
Dried fruits
Lots of gorp and snack mixes
Powdered fruit drink mixes
Powdered milk
Dinners
Macaroni & Cheese
Boxed pasta meals
Boxed noodle meals
Boxed rice meals, Rice-a-Roni. etc.
Instant refried beans, tortillas, salsa & burrito fixin’s
Polenta, grits, etc.
Curry soup ingredients
Spice kit with onions, garlic, olive and/or sesame oil, soy, etc.
Drink mixes, coffee & tea
