The Kenai Peninsula

7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Morning pickup in Anchorage, Chugach State Park, and National Forest Hike - Kenai Peninsula
Day 2: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 3: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 4: Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 5:  Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 7: Wildlife Cruise to Seward

Though no major changes from this schedule are expected,  in the spirit of adventure, the itinerary is designed for flexibility to take advantage and take into account changing weather or other circumstances.

Most casual guided activities will cover 3-5 miles roundtrip by foot or kayak, with minimal elevation gain, and at a casual pace. Moderate to challenging options generally entail a more brisk pace and can cover up to 6-12+ miles of terrain, including open-water crossings on sea kayaking adventures; hikes will generally reach under 2,000 ft. elevation gain over sea level, though excellent vistas can be achieved even at lower elevations.

Day 1: Morning pickup in Anchorage, Chugach State Park and National Forest Hike - Kenai Peninsula
Our guide and driver will meet you at a designated location in Anchorage this morning at 10 a.m. Today’s activity is a wonderful introductory nature hike, where you’ll learn about Alaska’s unique flora and fauna. This warm-up outing will be more casual today, with opportunities to take excellent photos. The route will lead around Turnagain Arm (where you may have the chance to spot bald eagles or elusive beluga whales) and then winds through the beautiful snowcapped mountains of the Chugach National Forest.
Upon arrival at Kenai Riverside Lodge this afternoon, you’ll enjoy a tour of the lodge grounds before being shown to your private cabin.  You’ll learn more about the lodge operations and details of tomorrow’s activities at dinner.

Overnight:  Kenai Riverside Lodge. (D)

(Included meals are noted: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner; complimentary snacks & non-alcoholic beverages included each day).

Day 2: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
From the launch site on the Kenai River, you will gear up for a scenic raft trip into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On this class II, casual stretch of river, you access stunning backcountry sights and protected wilderness areas.

Nearly two million acres in size, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is characterized by its diverse habitats and wildlife. In fact, the Refuge is considered by many visitors to represent Alaska in miniature. The dense vegetation on the banks of the river provides excellent habitat for moose. The biggest bull moose can be 7 1⁄2 feet tall at the shoulders, weigh 1800 lbs. and have antlers that span more than 6 feet.

Along the river, during your raft trip, be sure scan for moose, bald eagles, and other bird species and salmon. Your guide will be on the look out. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and, depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive at  the remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge, accessible only by boat. The Lodge utilizes a simple but effective hydroelectric power system to provide water and electricity, reducing the need for fossil-fueled power.

Appetizers and dinner will welcome you in the main lodge, followed by evening activities. Relax in the outdoor gazebo or enjoy a casual stroll along an established nature path.

Overnight: Kenai Backcountry Lodge (B, L, D)

(Ask us about substituting a day of fishing on the Upper Kenai River, in lieu of rafting, for an additional charge.)

Day 3: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities, including riparian and hemlock forests.

Return to the lodge in the afternoon and simply relax at the lodge or take a hot sauna. For those brave souls, a dip into the glacier-fed waters of Skilak Lake is invigorating. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge’s guides.

Overnight: Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
After a great breakfast in the main lodge, bid farewell to your backcountry setting and cross the lake on a scenic watercraft transfer. Your driver will meet you at the boat landing for a short van shuttle back to Kenai Riverside Lodge. Enjoy a casual afternoon hike on a trail in the Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Overnight: Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 5:  Kenai Fjords National Park
You bid farewell to the Kenai Riverside Lodge and travel by van to Seward where you'll check-in at the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge office. From your departure point in the charming seacoast town of Seward, you will board a small ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park – home to an array of glaciers and marine wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! A half-day marine wildlife and glacier cruise will allow you to explore the rugged coastline. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at the exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the Glacier Lodge offers stunning views of Pederson Glacier and miles of pristine beachfront for combing. This afternoon, meet your guides for a tour of the lodge and property and settle into your private cabins. Enjoy dinner and evening presentations.

Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park
Explore the wild delights of Kenai Fjords National Park for a full day. After breakfast in the main lodge, choose from a wide array of activities those that are best suited to your energy level and interest. Guided options include naturalist walks, sea kayaking, group canoe paddles, and more.

In the spirit of adventure and to take advantage of tidal and weather patterns, guides will discuss specific nature outings and options in the morning. All activities are suitable for beginners and require no previous experience.

For those seeking a more relaxed approach, the main lodge offers ideal comfort with direct views of nature. Curious sea otters and seals frequent the lagoon, just steps from the main lodge deck. In a nearby meadow, you can sometimes glimpse bears and other wildlife from a safe distance. The natural history library offers amazing resources and interesting reads – cozy up with a good book and let your worries drift out with the tide!

Upon return to the main lodge, share stories from your day’s adventure with other guests and join an evening natural history presentation, given by local expert guides or guest speakers.

Overnight: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Wildlife Cruise to Seward
Savor another morning in the wilds of Kenai Fjords National Park. A morning outing allows for another opportunity to kayak, canoe, hike or beach comb for a half-day before boarding the boat for the return wildlife cruise to Seward.

Along the way, photograph the sheer cliff walls teeming with birds, plants, and other vegetation and scan for more marine wildlife. Afterward, stretch out your sea legs with a short walk to the Alaska Railroad depot for check-in. Enjoy the spectacular scenery on your rail journey north to Anchorage on the deluxe GoldStar cars of the Alaska Railroad; dinner is included in your train fare, and you may slection form an array of tasty options in the dining car. You'll arrive at the downtown Anchorage depot by 10:15 p.m. Transfers not included. (B, L, D)

You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by 10:15 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We can provide suggestions for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 1:00 a.m. (the following day) in case of possible transportation delays.

Do you want to extend your stay? Then book our 8 day itinerary and spend another entire day exploring Kenai Fjords National Park and another nights at the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

8 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Morning pickup in Anchorage, Chugach State Park and National Forest Hike - Kenai Peninsula
Day 2: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 3: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 4: Chugach National Forest or Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Day 5:  Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 7: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 8: Wildlife Cruise to Seward

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You will be accommodated in three very unique lodges; Kenai Riverside Lodge, Kenai Backcountry & Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Just to give you a taste of the “style” of accommodations, the Glacier Lodge is set deep inside Kenai Fjords National Park, offering a magical experience and a personal connection with seacoast Alaska. The Backcountry lodge is a historic and ecologically managed log lodge surrounded by one million acres of designated wilderness. Located on a glacier-carved lake, it is accessible only by boat!