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Alaska Hiking

Alaska Hiking

From the capital city of Juneau and the Mendenhall Glacier to historic Skagway and awesome Glacier Bay National Park, we invite you to meet Alaska—where rugged wilderness and a pioneering spirit are at its heart and soul. Hike amid thick forests of spruce and Douglas fir, and cruise through the vibrant blue waters of Glacier Bay, where wildlife and calving glaciers take center stage. Fly above North America's longest fjord. Travel the Inside Passage—popularized by the Klondike gold stampede in the late 1890s—and discover that history still thrives in landmarks along our route.

Day 1 Juneau

Meet in Juneau Trace the footsteps of gold miners on the historic Perseverance Trail Follow paths through Sitka spruce forests and lush flora along the scenic banks of Gold Creek Explore historic Juneau on foot.

Days 2-3 Skagway

On our way to Haines, fly over Lynn Canal, the longest and narrowest fjord in North America Hike through temperate rain forest to Seduction Point, keeping an eye out for moose, grizzlies, black bears and bald eagles Hop on a high-speed ferry to Skagway Travel along the original Gold Rush trail on the historic White Pass & Yukon Railway, which climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles at grades of up to 3.9 percent, making it one of the steepest railways in the world. Hike to Laughton Glacier in the shadow of the Sawtooth Moutains.

Days 4-6 Glacier Bay

Get a bird's-eye view of the Chilkat Range on a flight to Glacier Bay Sea kayak to Pleasant Island, a beautiful stretch of land covered in old-growth forest and offering grand views of the Fairweather Range and Cathedral Peaks Enjoy a day-long cruise through the brilliant blue Glacier Bay National Park, a World Heritage site Watch for graceful humpback whales and listen for the thunder of calving glaciers Hike through a rain forest and along a trail lined with wildflowers, mushrooms and blackberry bushes.

big map Alaska Hiking

Klondike Hospitality : Casual Inns

Westmark Baranof (1 night): A hotel with a host of amenities located in the heart of the bustling Alaskan capital.

Westmark Inn Skagway (2 nights): A comfortable inn adjacent to Skagway's historic district, offering warm hospitality in a rustic setting.

Glacier Bay Lodge (2 nights): A charming haven nestled on the shore of Bartlett Cove, with a perpetually blazing fire and a hearty Alaskan menu.

NOTE: IN THE 2008 WALKING CATALOG, THIS TRIP IS INCORRECTLY LISTED AS A PREMIERE INN TRIP.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Alaska Hiking
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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
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
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

A phenomenal experience filled with sensory awe and everlasting memories. The local guides and leaders were more than simply competent - they were effervescent personalities that precisely complemented the experience. We trekked to locations that we could not have imagined, enjoyed vistas that no camera picture will ever fully capture. It was, quite simply, the best.
Michael Donovan - Oceanside, CA
This trip was beyond anything I could have imagined! It truly was a dream trip, made even better by our fabulous leaders. I don't know how I could ever travel independently again!
Sandi Berg - Atlanta, GA