Alaska Off the Beaten Path
With breathtaking Mt. McKinley, towering glaciers, and diverse wildlife, this itinerary guides you to places few tourists know about.
From historic copper mining ghost town - Kennicott, to the Caribou Lodge located in the Talkeetna Mountains and the fishing community of Cordova, this itinerary is designed to bring you up close and personal to the best Alaska has to offer but without the crowds.
Itinerary/Details
Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive at the Anchorage Airport . Pick up your rental car (rental is not included in the package price) and transfer to your hotel for an overnight in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. A MilePost Guide will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
Day 2 Anchorage/Caribou Lodge
Head north toward the colorful town of Talkeetna for a scenic float plane flight to Caribou Lodge. This all inclusive wilderness lodge is located on a remote lake above timberline in the Talkeetna Mountains just southeast of Denali National Park and is closer to Mt. McKinley than the park headquarters or entrance. (CB,L,D)
Day 3 Caribou Lodge
Recreation activities at Caribou Lodge are limited only by your imagination and the seasons. You can view wildlife, observe the flora and fauna, take advantage of unlimited photography opportunities, or take a leisurely boat ride around the lake and try your hand at catch and release fishing. In season fields of wildflowers and mouthwatering berries will delight your eyes and tantalize your taste buds. You can take one of the many hiking options, from the short hike to Bear Point for a 360 degree panoramic view of Denali, the Alaskan Range, the valley below, the Talkeetna Mountains and to the North as far as the eye can see. Or you can hike to one of the nearby lakes, streams, and beaver ponds, for observing the wildlife, trying your hand at gold panning, a little fishing, or just enjoying the cool, clear mountain waters and basking in the scenery around you. Overnight Caribou Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Caribou Lodge/Denali Park
Return to the Parks Highway by mid morning and continue your drive north to Denali National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife and other photo opportunities along the way. In the evening, relax at your leisure. Overnight in Denali near the Park Entrance. (B)
Day 5 Denali Park/Denali Highway
The Denali Highway, once the primary road access to Denali National Park, is about 135 miles long and mostly gravel. The entire route presents outstanding opportunities for scenic views of the Alaska Range, boreal vegetation, glacial features and wildlife. Look for caribou, moose, fox, ptarmigan, trumpeter swan and other waterfowl. Overnight at the Tangle River Inn located at mile 20 of the Denali Highway.
Day 6 Denali Highway
There are plenty of activities available in the Tangle Lakes area. Cast a line from the dock or rent one of the Inn’s canoes for a quiet, private tour of the lake's scenery and wildlife, or to find your perfect fishing hole. Another popular option is to hike the areas extensive trail system. Purchase a packed lunch from the Tangle River Inn Café and spend the day in the wilderness. Overnight Tangle River Inn.
Day 7 Denali Highway/McCarthy
Continue to Paxson, the beginning (or end) of the Denali Highway. From Paxson you will take the Richardson Highway to the little town of Chitina. The gravel McCarthy road leads from Chitina, across the Copper River, and ends at the Kennicott River (60 miles, 100 km, approximately 2 hours). Park your vehicle near the Kennicott Bridge and cross the foot bridge to McCarthy. You will be picked up on the other side. Overnight in McCarthy.
Day 8 McCarthy
Spend this day exploring the historic town of Kennecott or take an optional tour such as glacier hiking, ice climbing or flight seeing. Take advantage of spectacular hiking opportunities. Overnight in McCarthy.
Day 9 McCarthy/Valdez
Continue south to the end of the spectacular Richardson Highway. Part of the route parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and, weather permitting, you'll have incredible views of the St. Elias Mountains. Stop by Worthington Glacier for a look at this gigantic piece of ice. Valdez is nestled between the waterfront and mountains, giving it the nickname, Alaska’s Little Switzerland. Overnight Valdez.
Day 10 Valdez
Spend the day exploring Prince William Sound on a 6.5 hour glacier cruise. Cruise the majestic waters of Prince William Sound from Valdez to Columbia Glacier. You may spot sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, Humpback or Orca Whales, porpoise, eagles, puffins, cormorants and more. On board staff will share with you stories about the history of the Sound from early explorers, gold and copper mining, oil shipping, commercial fishing and the 1964 Earthquake. Overnight Valdez. (CB,L)
Day 11 Valdez/Cordova
Board the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System for a scenic journey to Cordova. Cordova is a uniquely Alaskan community, shaped by its dramatic natural setting, rich cultural heritage, and colorful residents. Cordova is a working town, nestled in the heart of a spectacular wilderness that still looks to the ocean and forests for its livelihood. Overnight at the all inclusive Orca Adventure Lodge. (CB,D)
Day 12 Cordova
Orca Adventure Lodge offers guided fishing trips by boat or plane, remote fishing cabins, hiking, kayaking, and glacier tours in one of the most beautiful parts of Alaska. Combine all this with the long history of the restored Orca Cannery, and you get one Alaska's most unique adventure destinations! Enjoy a drive across the Copper River Delta, on a road that was once the path of the Copper River Railway, to the spectacular Childs Glacier. The glacier provides some of the most active glacier calving in Alaska as the voluminous Copper River cuts away at the base of the glacier. In addition you will be in awe of the amazing view of the Historic Million Dollar Bridge. Overnight Orca Adventure Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Cordova/Whittier/Anchorage
Once again you will board the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System for your journey to Whittier. Built by the U. S. Government during World War II as a port and petroleum deliver center, today Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound. Upon arrival into Whittier you will drive through North America’s Longest Tunnel – the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Your final destination today is going to be Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage. (B)
Day 14 Anchorage
Enjoy sightseeing in Anchorage, or take an optional tour. End of tour. (B)
Departure
Package departs from:
Anchorage
2012 Validity dates:
June 1 - August 25, 2012
Tour Price
2012 Pricing
$2891 per person, double occupancy
Package Includes
Rate Includes: MilePost Guide, hotel accommodations (in Anchorage, Denali Highway, Denali Park Entrance, McCarthy, Valdez), 2 nights at the Caribou Lodge, 2 nights at the Orca Adventure Lodge, Columbia Glacier Cruise in Valdez, Alaska Marine Highway passage between Valdez and Cordova, Cordova and Whittier.
Not Included: Rental car. Contact Explore Tours for a car rental quote based on your preferred vehicle type.
Also Note: Continental Breakfast (CB) listed may not be available if our prefered hotel for this area is sold out.
