The Hike and Bike Alaska is essentially a hiking tour with easy cycling
rides. Daily hikes, four cycling segments averaging 15 miles per day,
canoeing, sea kayaking, and a beautiful cruise across Prince William Sound
create an active, varied tour with time to relax.
Designed with flexibility for more challenging bicycling options, this tour is
perfect for couples with large differences in abilities or families. Sea
Kayaking is one of the easiest activities to learn, and provides an
unbelievably serene and scenic way to visit the wilderness! We stay in the
protected waters of Prince William Sound, where there is little or no threat of
wind or waves. For those who prefer not to be on the water, a hiking option is
available.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Day 1: After breakfast in Anchorage, we get in the van and drive to the edge
of the town, and the entrance to Chugach State Park. We start our hike at
treeline and move quickly up into the tundra at Flat Top Mountain. The
sweeping views from the front range of the mountains give a feel for the
awesome scale of this country. The more ambitious of us will make it to the
top of the mountain, while the rest are free top wander amidst the flowers
and meadows on the tundra. After lunch we board a ship of Prince William
Sound Cruises for an unforgettable trip across Prince William Sound. Whales,
seals, sea lions, and otters populate the sound in large numbers, and the
ship makes a side trip that get us right up to the face of Columbia Glacier.
We leave the ship and spend the night in Valdez across the bay from the
Trans – Alaska Pipeline Terminal. Total hiking time 3 1/2 hours.
Day 2:
Day 2: Sea Kayaking! We spend the morning paddling our kayaks right out of
the Valdez Harbor, and through the magnificent fjord known as Port Valdez..
On both sides, the mountains rise straight out of the water to over 7,000
feet, and at least thirteen glaciers are visible from our boats! This part
of Prince William Sound has many seals and otters. At the right times, King
Salmon can be seen right under the water, as they seek out their particular
stream for spawning. Valdez is also one of the best areas in the state to
observe bald eagles! The Sea Kayaking segment takes about four hours which
leaves us time in Valdez to see the town, and enjoy the excellent museum.
For those who prefer not to be on the water, we hike out the newly opened
Gold Creek Trail, which leads us four miles across the bottom of the
mountains along the shore of Prince William Sound.
Day 3:
Day 3: After a short lunch break, we van to the top of Thompson Pass where
we mount our bicycles for a spectacular 20 mile downhill ride through the
Chugach Range to Stuart Creek. We spend the night at Copper Center Lodge.
Total Hiking, 3 1/2 Hours, total biking 20 miles.
Day 4:
Day 4: A hop in the van takes us past the Wrangell Mountains and onto the
Alaska Range. We visit the ice age as we hike up Phelan Creek toward its
source at the face of Gulkana Glacier. As we near the glacier we observe the
eerie valley left behind as the glacier has retreated. Vegetation grows
lower and sparser, and finally disappears altogether as we near the ice. If
conditions allow, we continue right up onto the glacier! After our hike, we
turn onto the Denali Highway, and van to the highest point on the paved
road. We ride the bikes for about 9 miles along one of the most scenic parts
of the highway, to the Tangle River Inn.
Day 5:
Day 5: After breakfast, we pick up paddles and head out onto the Tangle
Lakes in canoes! The Tangle Lakes are miles and miles of beautiful glacial
lakes strung out along the Tangle River. The placid lakes take us far back
into pristine wilderness populated by caribou, moose, and bear, as well as a
host of exotic birds. You are free to canoe as much or as little as you
like. After lunch, we drive up to McClaren Summit where we hike along a high
ridgeline toward McClaren Glacier. Beyond is the main backbone of the Alaska
Range. The largest Mountains are Mt. Hayes 13,832 ft and Mt. Deborah 12,339
ft. We continue on to the Susitna River and the Gratious House for dinner
and our rooms.
Day 6:
Day 6: In the morning we hike up the hillside behind the lodge for more
spectacular views of the Susitna River, and the Alaska Range. Caribou, moose
and a host of exotic birds are frequently seen in this area. We reach the
Parks Highway at Cantwell, and bicycle down the Nenana River through the
Alaska Range to the Perch Restaurant, where we spend the night in cabins
near Carlo Creek, on the edge of Denali National Park.
Day 7:
Day 7: We turn south on the Parks Highway, pausing several times to enjoy
the spectacular view. We bicycle 20 miles down from the top of Broad Pass.
Weather permitting, we enjoy the sight of Mt. McKinley, at 20,320 feet, the
highest mountain in North America. At Coal Creek we hike up the side of the
mountain for spectacular views of the Susitna Valley, the Alaska Range and
Mt. McKinley!
Day 8:
Day 8: We journey into the Chugach Mountains for a beautiful hike above the
treeline along the shores of Eklutna Lake. The more adventurous may choose
to ride their bikes down the well maintained dirt trail that leads to
Eklutna Glacier! After a lakeside picnic lunch, we van into Anchorage for
our emotional farewell!
Tour Prices
Single Person
Price Double Occupancy
Per Person Price
$2895 $2495
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
They can customize any tour to your travel needs. Please contact them at
agent@infohub.com. Bon Voyage!
Notes:
Single person price includes private rooms.
