West of Glacier Bay, at the foot of
the 18,008-foot Mount Saint Elias, lies the remote and spectacularly
beautiful fjords of Icy Bay. Along this stunning coastline of
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, we spend 9 days paddling and
hiking in pure discovery. The moving glaciers have left vast ridges,
open meadows and wide beach flats in its stead. Witness the steep
fjords, tumbling waterfalls, massive glaciers and towering peaks
found only in the Wrangell-St. Elias Range. Bears, mountain goats,
moose, wolves and seals live in the area along with unique birds
including Aleutian terns, jaegers and swans. This is our most remote
trip. Be prepared for adventure!
The coasts of Wrangell-St. Elias
National Park feature a large set of fjords off the Gulf of Alaska
called Icy Bay. These were created just last century during a rapid
retreat of the glaciers that now lie at the head of the fjords. The
backdrop is the St. Elias Mountains, the highest coastal mountain
range in the world. Mount St. Elias has a sea level to summit rise
of 18,008 feet in less than 10 miles, making it the highest vertical
rise in the world (Everest, by comparison, has a base to summit rise
of only 12,000 feet).
This expedition is the most rigorous
sea kayaking trip we offer. Participants must be in good shape,
possess an adventurous spirit and have an explorer's curiosity to
see new country. Itineraries vary, and some days might involve long
paddles or difficult hiking. The weather can be unpredictable.
Though temperatures usually stay above 50 degrees and may get into
the 70's, storms off the Gulf of Alaska can hit us with strong winds
and driving rain. On nice days there isn't a more spectacular
setting in all of Alaska! Begins and ends in Yakutat.
Day 1
- We meet in Yakutat at the Glacier Bear Lodge for our pre-trip
meeting and lodging.
Day 2
- Our sea kayaking journey begins with an unforgettable bush plane
flight across the Malaspina Glacier, a mass of slowly moving ice
bigger than the state of Rhode Island. We unload and assemble our
folding kayaks and begin kayaking.
Day 3-7
- We will let nature and our own desires dictate our itinerary.
There is so much to explore. Most days we will be kayaking, moving
from one extraordinary camp to another. There will be times that we
are content to drift among the icebergs watching birds, seals,
porpoises and the unending scenery. We'll stay at some camps for two
nights to allow for all-day hikes into the hills and valleys above
the fjords. These extensive treks take us to the most remote reaches
of Alaska's sublime wilderness. Nights will be spent in tents in
pristine settings. Sunsets against Mt. St. Elias reflected in the
jewel-studded bay create peaceful dreams.
Day 8
- We break down our kayaks and board bush planes for another
memorable flight to Yakutat. We arrive in time to catch the
southbound jet.
