Anchorage + Kenai Peninsula 7 days for Extreme Adventurers
Season
May - Sept
Transportation
Why This Trip?
Prepare for an unparalleled 7-day expedition that weaves through the landscapes of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. This journey, which offers heart-pounding activities and breathtaking vistas, is curated for the boldest adventurers, with mountain biking and exhilarating dogsledding along the way. It will take you to Seward for a remote cabin or yurt retreat to enjoy kayaking and wildlife encounters. You’ll then head to Homer for bear viewing, scenic flights, and fishing charters, before returning to Anchorage, with stops in Kenai or Soldotna. Conclude in Anchorage, with visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Portage Glacier.
Itinerary
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Fly into Anchorage, rent a car, and make the 40-minute scenic drive to Girdwood. Spend the next two nights in Girdwood; accommodations include B&Bs and the luxurious Alyeska Resort, as well as vacation rentals and cabins.
If you’re looking for a workout and aren’t too tired from traveling, Bird Ridge is a popular heart-pounding hike along Turnagain Arm just before Girdwood. From Girdwood, you could do an out-and-back hike on the Crow Pass Trail or the North Face Trail from the base of the mountain, and then rest your legs by riding the tram back down. You can also opt for a guided hike.
Another option is to drive into nearby Whittier to hike Portage Pass, where you’ll get stunning views of the Whittier Harbor and Portage Glacier. In Whittier you could also get out on the water on a Jet Ski for a fun and unique way to explore glaciers and marine wildlife.
Spend the day in Girdwood. You’ll find excellent options for biking, whether you want to pedal on a well-developed trail or do some off-roading. Bike through the lush forest and past gorges, or along trails with water and mountain views. The Alyeska Bike Park offers great trails for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. Rent bikes from Powder Hound or the resort and go exploring.
If biking isn’t your thing, saddle up for an adrenaline-pumping dog sledding adventure through the pristine wilderness, led by a team of energetic huskies and experienced mushers. Or, dive into the icy waters of the Chugach National Forest for a thrilling whitewater rafting journey, navigating exhilarating rapids amidst breathtaking scenery.
End the day at one of Girdwood’s many great restaurants.
Today you’ll make the 1.5 hr drive to Seward and select a remote lodge, cabin, or yurt rental, where you’ll be close to activities like kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. These accommodations provide comfort and a connection to nature, making this an ideal base for exploring the beauty of Alaska’s marine environment. Stay for 2 nights and make it the basecamp for your Seward adventures.
Pick an adventure! Go hiking, ziplining, tidepooling, or wildlife viewing. You could also combine kayaking with hiking to waterfalls and exploring hidden coves. Some lodges offer the option to charter a boat for activities like fishing, whale watching, or cruising to the adjacent Kenai Fjords National Park. Overnight at your wilderness lodge or yurt.
Make the 3.5-hour drive from Seward to Homer in the morning. From there, it’s a short flight to Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park for a guided bear viewing trip. Both areas are densely populated with massive brown bears and your guide will pick the right spot depending upon the time of year.
If hiking is your passion, catch an afternoon water taxi ride to Kachemak Bay State Park, across the bay from Homer. The popular Grace Ridge trail leads you to alpine views overlooking the water. An easier but equally popular trail is the Glacier Lake Trail, which offers views of Grewingk Glacier.
Depart from Homer and choose your next adventure. One option is to take a 1.5-hour drive to Kenai or Soldotna, or a 2.5-hour drive to Cooper Landing.
In Kenai or Soldotna, you can dive into fishing adventures or take part in a fly-out bear-viewing excursion. To experience this area like a local, rent a bike from Beenums and hit the 10 kilometers of singletrack trails at the Tsalteshi Trail System. The trails are also great for a hike or run.
From Cooper Landing, you can raft the Kenai River, go fishing, or explore the area’s great trails, like Ptarmigan Creek, Devil’s Pass, or Crescent Lake.
Overnight in Soldotna or Cooper Landing.
Today, you’ll drive back to Anchorage, which will take 3.5 hours from Soldotna or 2 hours from Cooper Landing.
Make a pit stop in Hope (about an hour south of Anchorage) and raft Six Mile Creek—one of the most famous and challenging whitewater runs in the entire state of Alaska. Guests must be 12 years old for the 2-canyon trip and 16 years old for the 3-canyon trip, and be able to pass a swimming test.
If rafting isn't your thing, head back to Anchorage and cruise down the trails at Hilltop Bike Park, the northernmost bike park in North America.
After your heart-pounding adventure, enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Overnight in Anchorage, or fly home.