Seward Wilderness Collective

Take a spectacular private guided hiking tour in Seward—where the mountains meet the ocean—to explore glaciers and alpine ridges. Or begin with a private boat tour and access some truly remote areas. Either way, when you go with Seward Wilderness Collective, you get a great tour plus something extra—a dialogue with our knowledgeable guides about the impacts of climate change, with living examples right in front of your eyes.

The Mission

Seward Wilderness Collective cultivates connections to the natural world, empowers community resilience, and inspires collective climate action.

The Experience

On a tour with Seward Wilderness Collective, you’ll not just experience an amazing hike; your guides will also point out real-life examples of climate change and cover creative steps that we can all take towards a smaller carbon footprint. While talking about climate change can be difficult, your guides will discuss it in a way meant to inspire hope and action.

Lunch will include sandwiches and granola bars made from scratch by a local restaurant that gets their produce from local growers on the Kenai Peninsula. By sourcing our lunches locally, we cut down on unnecessary packaging and support our small-town economy. You won’t see any single-use plastic water bottles or plastic wrappers. In addition, guests of the boat tours will have the opportunity to offset carbon emissions of their trip.

Guided Hikes

These hikes are locals’ favorites, selected for their inspiring beauty and appropriate for all ability levels. Our passionate, knowledgeable guides enrich the outdoor experience by fostering a dialogue about climate change while providing interpretation and information about Alaska’s natural splendor. Move at your own pace, whether that’s a stroll or a mountain run. Lunch is included on all full-day hikes.

• Exit Glacier Half-Day. This is the shortest, easiest, and most family-friendly option. Hiking toward Exit Glacier offers a vivid example of our changing climate; you’ll see markers showing how the glacier has retreated and learn about the important role of glaciers in our ecosystem as you explore the Exit Glacier National Park trail network. Witness the glacial outflow rushing through the outwash plain and notice signs of glacial movement as you experience geological history right before your eyes. Exit Glacier is a popular spot, so you’ll leave early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds (2.5 miles round-trip, 300 feet elevation gain, ages 6+).
• Resurrection Bay Half-Day. This family-friendly hike out to Tonsina Point, along the coast, is good for kids. Tonsina Creek becomes an important salmon spawning stream in late July/early August, so if you visit during that time you’ll be able to witness the fish returning from their epic ocean journey. You’ll have the opportunity to experience several ecosystems, including the lush green temperate rainforest and rugged, rocky coastline. You’ll also hear about the effect of the coastal environment on the fjords, explore the beach, go tidepooling, and hike on the boardwalk trail through the mossy forest (4 miles round-trip, 700 feet elevation gain, ages 6+).

• Mount Marathon Bowl. This hike is on the strenuous side, though the trail you’ll be hiking is gentler (but still steep!) than the famous racer trail. You’ll access the bowl—a beautiful alpine environment with wildflowers that offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area—and feel a sense of accomplishment as you look out over the town of Seward and Resurrection Bay. Cool your feet off in the mountain stream before setting off on the return journey. A great way to gain perspective as you gain altitude and view the fjords from on high, plus it is carbon neutral since the trailhead is within walking distance from the shop (5 miles round-trip, 1,650 feet elevation gain, ages 9+).
• Harding Icefield. This strenuous trip starts out on the same trail as the Exit Glacier hike, but you’ll climb up alongside the glacier’s path, following it for 4 miles up to the top of the icefield. Experience an ever-changing landscape that tells a geological story as you hike toward the summit. Pass through wildflower-filled meadows, with the chance to see wildlife (such as marmots, goats, and black bears) and take in the awe of the otherworldly Harding Icefield stretching beyond the horizon. Go in-depth with your guide about glacier science and our changing world. The best part? Getting to feel really small at the top. (8 miles round-trip, 3,300 feet elevation gain, ages 12+).

Boat Ride + Hike

Your group will enjoy a private wildlife boat tour, allowing you to access truly remote areas where you’re unlikely to see anyone else. This is a full-day adventure with lunch included.

• Alpine Trail Day Trip. This is the best option to take in the highlights of Seward if all you have is one day. Take a short, 30-minute boat ride through Resurrection Bay with the opportunity to spot otters and other marine wildlife on your way to this challenging hike. The Alpine Trail goes from the water’s edge right up into the alpine mountain zone, passing through moss-covered forest and emerging above the treeline, where you’ll find amazing views of glaciers tucked into peaks and the fjord stretching towards the open Gulf of Alaska. Feel a real sense of accomplishment as you experience the best of Seward’s land and sea (6 miles round-trip, 1,600 feet elevation gain, ages 9+).