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Alaska Multisport

Alaska Multisport

Alaska’s vibrant frontier spirit and overwhelming natural grandeur have the power to consume the senses. And the Kenai Peninsula is often said to encapsulate the best of Alaska. Here colossal mountains, sparkling glaciers, abundant wildlife, expansive tundra and wildflower-filled meadows all challenge your sense of scale. Hike through the Chugach National Forest, pedal beneath glacier-carved peaks on the Kenai Peninsula, paddle in the sheltered coves and lagoons off picturesque Yukon Island, and stare down at an enormous ice field. At night, relax at wilderness retreats that reflect the hearty character of this great land.

Days 1-2 Seward

Meet in Anchorage Ride out of the city on bike paths before continuing on the gently rolling Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, perhaps spotting a moose or two  Journey south to the Kenai Peninsula, a wonderland of rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords and lakes In Kenai Fjords National Park, hike above Exit Glacier for unrivaled views of the vast Harding Icefield and the Resurrection River Valley.

Day 3 Cooper Landing

Hike the beautiful Ptarmigan Lake Trail through Sitka spruce forest and past crystal-clear Ptarmigan Creek, where red sockeye salmon spawn in the summer.

Days 4-6 Homer

Take in spectacular views of Cook Inlet and the volcanoes of the Alaska Range during a picnic lunch Bike a scenic route to a viewpoint overlooking the town of Homer, the Grewingk Glacier and the Homer Spit, a narrow finger of land in beautiful Kachemak Bay Stop at a local winery specializing in non-grape fruit wines Sea otters and bald eagles are common visitors at our hotel at the end of the spit  Take a water taxi to Yukon Island for a kayak trip around Kachemak Bay, keeping watch for bald eagles, harbor seals, porpoises and sea otters  Enjoy a morning hike with a naturalist through fields of wildflowers After picnicking at a former homestead, we return to Anchorage.

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NORTHERN NIGHTS: Casual Inns

Seward Windsong Lodge (2 nights): It's all about the views—of the Resurrection River and the snow-covered Chugach Mountains.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge (1 night): With in-room wood-burning stoves and a deck overlooking the Kenai River, this is an ideal spot to overnight in the wild.

Land's End Resort (2 nights): Commune with eagles, otters and seals, where land meets sea on Kachemak Bay.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
Insider Trips
Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more.
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

A recent article in The New York Times about traveling through the Kenai Peninsula captured the basic itinerary of this trip and the remarkable beauty of Alaska. It also became clear that Backroads knows a great deal more than did the author of the article about how to design an excellent trip, taking advantage of the best a region has to offer. The hikes to the Harding Icefield, to Ptarmigan Lake, and up the Heritage Trail were particularly fine and varied. The kayaking trip to Yukon Island was an exceptional experience. We saw more wildlife in six days than all our years of hiking put together, partially because of where Backroads took us.
Marion Reynolds - Waban, MA

Overall, a fantastic trip with great leaders, a well picked intinerary and flawless logistics. It doesn't get any better than this. The pleasure factor was high, the hassle factor low and the wow factor was off the scale. The accomodations in Seward and McKinley were quite nice and the accommodations at the Alyeska were even better. Don't change a thing.
David Fredricks - Seattle, WA

The Kenai Peninsula is a unique part of Alaska with a lot to offer active travelers, including a spectacular setting where glaciers, oceans, rivers and mountains take center stage. Hikers will love Kenai Fjords National Park, a natural wonderland whose skies are patrolled by bald eagles, and whose rocky headlands and islands provide a summer playground for seabirds. We also visit stunning Kachemak Bay which we explore by boat and sea kayak, where mountains and glaciers compete for your amazement. It’s truly a beautiful place to explore!
Justin Brown - Regional Manager for Alaska

THE best trip ever! I wanted to burn my return ticket and stay in Alaska!
Jennifer Allen - Houston, TX

Great trip as always. We love to learn about the area from the ground up and this Alaska trip was no exception. Explore, get exercise and meet new people. Perfect.
Karen Allen - San Diego, CA