West of Glacier Bay, at the foot of the 18,000-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 and rigorous 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 18,000 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 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.

DETAILED ITINERARY:
 

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 3-9 - 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 10 - We break down our kayaks and board bush planes for another memorable flight to Yakutat. We arrive in time to catch the southbound jet.