In a world where the treasures of wildlife and wild places dwindle, Alaska remains a wilderness jewel. More than any place in North America, it retains its wild character and ecological integrity, making a visit here simply a “must do” experience.

On this Alaska nature tour, we visit in August: a time for ripe berries, mammals in their prime, and birds. It is also a time of frenzied feeding before fall migration, while the tundra offers its first hints of color from Dwarf Willow and other ground-hugging plants.

This Alaska wildlife tour normally explores Denali National Park but a major road construction project has closed the magnificent drive into the park. But do no fear, we have another WOW location lined up for you. This year we feature Homer in our mix, with a bear-viewing day-flight possible from here to see Alaskan Brown Bear fishing for salmon. This is a photographer’s dream and something incredibly memorable. In addition to bears we see Bald Eagle, whales, Dall Sheep, Boreal birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Around postcard-perfect ponds, massive bull Moose polish their antlers ahead of the rut and Merlin may come charging out of the trees. Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park from the docks in scenic Seward to spot seabirds: puffins, murrelets, cormorants, murres, and auklets. At Northwestern Fjord, experience tidewater glaciers calving dramatically in a quiet cove where Harbor Seal rest on floating ice, seeking safe haven from Orca. Stay in rooms at the edge of the ocean at Land’s End in Homer. Listen as Sandhill Crane migrate overhead, watch Black-legged Kittiwake and Red-faced Cormorant on Gull Rock in Kachemak Bay, and opt to watch Brown Bear up close as they fish.

This is our classic Alaska Sampler trip: birds and wildlife, plus a uniquely Alaskan cultural and historical experience. Enjoy three nights in Anchorage, three nights in Homer, and two nights in Seward on scenic Resurrection Bay.

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  • "An amazing trip to coastal Alaska emphasizing wildlife, especially birds and mammals, and scenery. Our first trip to Alaska, and despite considerable rain and fog in the first several days, we enjoyed it greatly. Our guides were outstanding. Birding involved easy hikes and mostly birding near the vehicles, also a day-long boat trip in the Bay of Alaska (Kenai Fjords NP). Great views of the Bering Sea (Nome) and constantly-changing Arctic Ocean (Utqiagvik). Truly the land of the midnight sun!” — Ken & Jennie Rose, 2023 Travelers
  • “It was a great trip. I enjoyed the walk in Anchorage at Eagle River - flowers, views, birds, but the highlight was the three close by moose! Velvet on antlers! Exciting! The all day boat trip in Kenai Fjords N.P. in Seward was wonderful. Loved the birds - saw several "life" birds, glaciers and waterfalls - what a place!” — Marie Young, 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Anchorage and its excellent museum, great birding hotspots, views of the dramatic Chugach Mountains and way too many good restaurants.
  • Cruise from Seward to watch nesting seabirds on the Chiswell Islands, see an actively calving glacier, and spot plenty of puffins, auklets, Humpback Whales, and other marine mammals
  • Enjoy prime time for berries, mammal watching, Dall Sheep, Moose and bear-sightings, along with a great mix of boreal birds
  • Opt for a bear-viewing day-trip to see Alaskan Brown Bears fish for salmon on a short flight that lands in the wilderness from Homer
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., Aug. 10         Arrive in Anchorage

As you arrive in Anchorage, Alaska, flying in over Cook Inlet, watch for a pod of Beluga Whale — that is, if you can take your eyes off the snow-covered peaks on the west side of the bay, or the verdant Chugach Mountains that lend a dramatic background to Anchorage, Alaska’s vibrant and most-populous city.

We’ve chosen a delightful small hotel right in the center of downtown Anchorage so that you can explore the city a bit at your leisure; flights arrive throughout the day and into the evening. Just a few blocks away there is a walking trail along Cook Inlet with good birding. On mudflats you may see gulls, cranes, and shorebirds feeding, and in marshy areas you may find migrating Sandhill Crane. In the evening we enjoy dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants to get acquainted with our guides traveling companions.
Accommodations at the Copper Whale, Anchorage (D)

Tues., Aug. 11          Potter’s Marsh | Chugach State Park | Seward

This is a great day for photography, birding, and sightseeing. From the boardwalk trail at Potter’s Marsh, we hope to see spawning salmon, as well as Bald Eagle, and a number of waterfowl and waders. We follow the edge of Cooke Inlet, scanning the rugged slopes for signs of Dall Sheep and the bay waters for Beluga.

Along the way, we look for birds of the temperate rainforest, a habitat that extends up from Southeast Alaska to rim the more easterly situated Prince William Sound. Birds here include Steller’s Jay, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Townsend’s Warbler.

On arrival, we settle into our accommodations across the street from Resurrection Bay in Seward.

We visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, built as part of the mitigation of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. This modern, interactive museum has live puffins, other seabirds and sea mammals (photographers, take your cameras!), and informative exhibits. Afterwards, enjoy fresh seafood or steaks at Ray’s, located on the waterfront — our favorite restaurant in Alaska, and a great place to enjoy the view.

It’s fun to wander after dinner, watch the halibut harvest come in, marvel at the many boats, and look for Sea Otter often just off the docks!
Accommodations at the Harbor 360, Seward (B,L,D)

Wed., Aug. 12           Chiswell Islands | Northwestern Fjord Cruise | Seward

Today we embark on an all-day boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park. This marvelous day is spent cruising among glaciers and seabird nesting islands of the Gulf of Alaska. As we leave the dock, we look for Northern Sea Otter, Marbled Murrelet, Pigeon Guillemot, Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants, Bald Eagle, and Glaucous-winged Gull.

Scenery is on a massive scale and we should find several feeding Humpback Whale that spend their summers in these rich ocean waters. We may also find pods of Orca or Dall’s Porpoise, and on glacial ice chunks near Northwestern Fjord, we’re sure to find Harbor Seal. The Chiswell Islands are prime seabird nesting areas, and here we find numerous Tufted and Horned Puffins, often quite close to the boat. Common Murre are incredibly common and our captain knows where to find the more local Thick-billed Murre on very steep-sided seamounts. Black-legged Kittiwake are abundant and vocal.

As we enter the narrow channel to Northwestern Fjord, we look for Rhinoceros Auklet, Horned Puffin, possibly Ancient Murrelet, and, by small freshwater inlet streams, the rare Kittlitz Murrelet. The boat must navigate floating ice, recently calved from Northwest Glacier; our captain pulls up quite close to this glacier, turns off the engine, and lets us float among the sights and sounds of this actively calving glacier — extraordinary! We then venture into deeper water where we look for Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters, more common at this time of year. As we reenter Resurrection Bay, we hope to get a glimpse of the rare Red-faced Cormorant, and hope to find Black Oystercatcher in a rocky bay.

After a very full day, dinner is at your leisure — choose from several great options close to our hotel.
Accommodations at the Harbor 360, Seward (B,L)

Thurs., Aug. 13         Seward Birding Hotspots | Tern Lake | Soldotna | Homer

Our birders can be out early for some optional birding at a couple of hotspots and a local feeder in Seward. Mid-morning we depart, following the shoreline of Turnagain Arm while we enjoy views of snow-capped mountains. We finish the day in Homer, our home for the next three nights.
Accommodations at the Lands End Hotel, Homer (B,L,D)

Fri. Aug. 14         Wildlife in Homer | Bear-Viewing Flight Options

As July and August are prime time for witnessing Brown Bear feeding at salmon streams, we highly recommend that you opt for a bear-viewing flight out to an active salmon stream, with a guide, to view the amazing spectacle of bears fishing in a stunning wilderness setting. Be sure to signup for this as you book the trip — we go over options and get it set up!

We also offer activities in Homer for those that do not wish to go bear-viewing, including transportation up to walk at the local nature center, and a drive east along the bay, looking for Sandhill Crane feeding in the meadows and agricultural areas. The excellent local museum showcases history, nature, and art and there are nice coffee shops and lunch places.

Another option today is fishing. This is one of the best places possible to fish for salmon and halibut and there are daily charters going out from the docks.

Dinner tonight is at a local favorite.
Accommodations at Land’s End, Homer (B,L,D)

Sat., Aug. 15         Homer Seabirds | Gull Rock | The Saltry

We have the full day to enjoy this small and charming Alaska town on the edge of the sea. Right outside our windows we should see Fork-tailed Storm Petrel feeding daintily and with luck, a Sea Otter floating by. Today we take the Danny J ferry out to an artist’s cove — eventually dining at the cozy Saltry Restaurant. This excellent and small restaurant hosts two seatings, with time to walk between artist’s studios when not your time to dine. En route though, we get great views at seabirds on a small islet that serves as a rookery for Black-legged Kittiwake, Red-faced Cormorant, Common Murre, and more.

You may opt for a second day of bear viewing or a fishing charter if you wish. Back in Homer we meet up at a very picturesque watering hole for a local brew, then go to dinner — fresh Halibut anyone?
Accommodations at Land’s End, Homer (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 16          Return to Anchorage

We break up the five-hour drive back to Anchorage, making a day of it with stops for birding, learning highligts of local ecology, geology, and more. Behind Potter’s Marsh we wind up into the hills to check for possible Boreal Chickadee or Black-backed Woodpecker. We check some ponds for Pacific and Common Loons, and scan the berry-rich hillsides for bears, Mountain Goat, and Dall Sheep.

Our accommodations are out by the airport, near the hike and bike trail that is often frequented by Moose as well as humans. Visit Earthquake Park for a wonderful Cook Inlet View. We dine at a favorite local restaurant in Anchorage.
Accommodations at The Millennium Lakefront, Anchorage (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 17         Anchorage: Nature & Culture

We visit Westchester Lagoon today. Here we may find Red-necked Grebe (often with half-grown young), Hudsonian Godwit, and Short-billed Dowitcher, as Mew Gull circle overhead. We look for Boreal Chickadee, Alder Flycatcher, Blackpoll Warbler, and other songbirds in wooded areas in the hills above the tidal mudflats. We want to network with local friends and guides for tips on recent sightings. We may go to the local Arctic botanic garden, or head up into the hills or north to Eagle Creek, based on finding species we’d still like to see.

In the afternoon we focus on culture, seeing the city and the excellent local Anchorage Museum with cultural, historical, and scientific exhibits. Enjoy some free time to shop, explore downtown, and then a grand finale at Simon and Seaforts – just an amazing restaurant with a view. If you prefer to walk this afternoon, the coastal trail can be accessed right outside your door and extends for many miles.
Accommodations at the Lakefront Anchorage near the airport in Anchorage (B,L,D)

Tues., Aug. 18         Departures

We say goodbye today; make flights out at your convenience. The airport return is a complimentary shuttle from the hotel. (B)

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Cost of the Journey

Cost of the tour is per person, based on occupancy: $6590 DBL / $7570 SGL, from Anchorage, Alaska.

Tour cost includes accommodations for 8 nights, most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), park entrance and other activity fees for activities for nine days, as described in the itinerary, the all-day boat tour in Kenai Fjords National Park, professional guide services, pre-departure materials and miscellaneous program expenses. 

Cost does not include round-trip airfare to and from Anchorage, Alaska or your airport transfers. The cost does not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar; or gratuities for luggage handling or personal services. Optional bear viewing (currently estimated at $1,400 pp) should be booked with registration. You should be fit enough to walk at least two miles over uneven terrain. Rubber boots or hip waders are supplied. Times are based on bears, weather and tides, but the trips run 5-7 hours, typically a one hour to one and a half hour scenic flight each way and 3 hours on the beach/streams with bears. This is an outing with professional guides that we book for you.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)


Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive August 10, 2026 no later than 5:00 PM if you want to join the group for dinner.


Departure Details: Plan flights to depart August 18, 2026 at your leisure.


Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, we suggest booking an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Copper Whale Inn. You can book online and send us the confirmation number, with the goal being you won’t have to switch rooms. The Copper Whale fills very fast so you will want to book this as soon as possible. The Hilton Anchorage is another option near the Copper Whale if it does not have vacancy. Also the Lakefront Anchroage (our final night hotel) is a good early night option as well, its very close to the airport. 


If you want to do some sight-seeing around Anchorage, there are plenty of things to do! The hotel is situated in the downtown area, which is great for dining and shopping. It’s also close to the Coastal Trail, which is a paved trail along the Cook Inlet that is great for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing. It’s not uncommon to see eagles or moose from the trail. If you want to learn more about art, history, science, and culture in Alaska, then plan a visit to the Anchorage Museum. It’s located in the downtown area and has many fascinating exhibits. Transportation around Anchorage is easy with Uber and taxis.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Alaska

Southeast Alaska Cruise

  • Bryan Calk

    Bryan started birding at Fort Clark Springs in southwest Texas when he was 10 years old and never stopped. He got his first taste of guiding while leading trips for the Rio Brazos Audubon Society during college. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2015 with a degree in genetics, Bryan worked as an avian field biologist on several projects across Texas and New Mexico. Currently residing in Albuquerque as a professional birding tour guide, he leads field tours, workshops, and youth birding programs across the US. In his free time, Bryan enjoys butterflies, searching for herps, photography, art, cooking, and gardening.

    Other trips with Bryan Calk

  • Mollee Brown

    Mollee is a lifelong lover of birds and nature based in West Virginia. She’s the owner of Nighthawk Agency, which creates custom projects with conservation and ecotourism organizations. Mollee has guided tours throughout the world for the past decade and loves to immerse in the wildlife, flora, and culture of each place she visits. She’s passionate about education as a means to conservation and serves on the boards of organizations including Frontiers in Ornithology and The Birding Co-op. She’s also the producer of Life List: A Birding Podcast and writes for a variety of bird and nature publications.

    Mollee has loved photography since she started borrowing her grandma’s camera as a child, and usually has a camera in hand while birding, hiking, camping, and exploring the world. She’s most at home among mountains and hilly terrains.

    Other trips with Mollee Brown

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Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs and general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel.  See the “General Health Information” section below.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please enter your flight details into your client portal.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay. See "Packing List" tab for more details.

General Health Information

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency.

Do bring any prescription medications with you and its best if you have a copy of the prescription in case of loss.

We encourage you to assess your fitness to be able to participate and consult with your doctor if necessary. See "Pace of the Tour" section below. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and List of Hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as a framework for each day and alert you to any changes in the schedule or to our hotels if these were needed.

Our guided group journeys keep a moderate pace with full field days.  To fully participate, you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of (weather dependent) picnics in the field and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinners we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasions we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, in some locations room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Weather & Climate

You'll find Alaska's summer temperatures surprisingly pleasant with daytime average highs range from the mid-50’s°F – to high 60’s°F. Nighttime lows are cool, dipping into the 30's - 40's. Layers function very well, and the single most used item is often a fleece-vest, just enough to buffer a cool wind.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

See “Packing List” tab for more detailed information and checklists, but in summary, we emphasize that you pack light in soft-sided luggage (easier to load in vans and charter planes), plan for dressing comfortably in layers (for managing varying conditions in any given day), and please pack your personal medication, travel documents, optics, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON, not in your checked luggage. Laundry services are available at most lodgings for an additional fee, but be prepared to hand launder if you need to. 

Annoyances & Hazards

There may be some Alaska-sized mosquitoes and other biting insect life along the way, so be prepared with a good insect repellent. If you do not want to carry it on the plane, you can purchase it upon your arrival. Also, the sun is intense, so plan on a good hat, sunscreen and lip balm.

Motion Sickness

For the Kenai Fjords all day boat trip we’ll be on a big boat but if you are sensitive to motion you may want to bring along some Bonine or other motion sickness medicine. The nice thing on the route is that we do get into a fjord where it’s calm, so the rock and roll sections are not too long! Also, consider if you need something for rides in vans as well.

Food & Drinks

We will carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible! There are some great reusable water filtering bottles on the market today that are great if you prefer drinking filtered water. Some options include Lifestraw or GRAYL Ultrapress or SteriPen. 

At all locations we choose restaurants that feature local foods and have a nice atmosphere. Alcohol and wine can be purchased ahead of time if you want to have drinks in your room. Beer and wine are available at restaurants we visit. We can make a stop at a local store if you wish to buy drinks or snacks for your stay.

Spending Money and Gratuities

Many people ask how much money to plan to bring for spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. There is not a lot to buy out in the wilds of this part of Alaska, though where we do encounter them, shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books. You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for your hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available throughout most of the journey. Wi-Fi is provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask that all attendees please rotate vans, so you sit with different drivers and alternate in front and back seating.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact us toll-free (866) 900-1146, or email. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or Read more

Please Pack Light!

Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or charter aircraft than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft-sided luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked bag that does not exceed 45 pounds. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Delayed Luggage:  Imagine NOT getting your checked bags upon arrival! Therefore, DO NOT pack any essential medications, vital optics (binoculars, camera, eye-glasses), or essential travel documents in your checked luggage! Pack these and other essential items in your CARRY-ON bag and on your person (i.e. under-garment pouch). You will want a day pack for field trips, so this makes an ideal carry-on. Another suggested tip is to travel wearing your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!).

Weather: Pack clothing that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions (See “Weather & Climate” section in Essential Information). You may check your favorite weather website, such as www.weather.com, closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be upon arrival. You may also visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for more regional information by month.

Dress: Plan to dress comfortably and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in lightweight layers is the best way to provide options to get you through a day of varying weather and temperatures comfortably. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun, vegetation and pests. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to layer and launder. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.  A lightweight and waterproof outer layer is essential as well as comfortable hiking footwear. Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. It is important to have a warm jacket when the tour includes cooler temps and/or higher elevations.

Laundry: Several of our lodges and camps provide laundry service. Consider packing laundry soap sheets in case you need to hand launder in a pinch.

Treating your clothing to better protect you from insects: It is possible to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. Another approach is to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection.

Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

Valuables: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Clothing and Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair. One of these might be rain pants you wear over long underwear or tights. Quick dry hiking pants work well if you plan to do hand laundry
  • Long-sleeved shirts/turtlenecks, 3-4 – think layering
  • T-shirts or equivalent, 1 (optional) for layering
  • Long underwear, 1 pair lightweight (silk or polypro is nice) or substitute thermals to keep you warm underneath while adding little weight
  • Medium to heavy jacket (windproof) for warmth and wind protection to layer under rain gear
  • Rain gear – a two-piece suit is preferred if you will be participating in hikes and walks. It is important that this be waterproof and breathable as you will most likely be active while wearing it (walking, hiking, getting in and out of the vans), as well as large enough to fit over other layers when on more sedentary activities (boat trips) as an additional layer. This doubles as wind gear so find a set that is comfortable.
  • Lightweight sweater or fleece shirt
  • Down or fleece vest (windproof, if possible, this is a great clothing item for this climate)
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes, dressier clothing if desired for time in town though everyone in AK dresses practically and most dress is casual)
  • Hat with broad brim for sun on dry days
  • Scarf or neck gaiter, warm and water-repellent gloves or mittens, warm hat for cold weather
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks – several warm pairs, and several pairs of a lightweight, in easy to wash-and-dry material
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Supportive hiking boots that can keep your feet dry. You may want to treat your boots with snow-seal or other similar product. Another good option is an LL Bean type boot with rubber bottoms and leather uppers
  • Comfortable shoes for evenings, travel days
  • Bandana (optional)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment and Miscellaneous

  • Photo identification (Real ID is required as of May 2025 for U.S. citizens on domestic flights who are not carrying a valid passport)
  • Airline tickets or E-ticket verification
  • Travel insurance info
  • Money & credit cards
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. When carrying a passport, a copy of the ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small backpack, daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear (this can double as your carry-on!). Consider waterproof if excessive rain is expected.
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars with safety strap (a shower cap is great to cover these when raining)
  • Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
  • Tablet/laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB stick, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Reusable water bottle to avoid the use of disposible plastics. If you prefer to drink filtered water, we encourage you to invest in a bottle filter (such as Lifestraw or GRAYL Ultrapress or SteriPen). A little research will be well worth the effort to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics in the case that purified water refills are not readily available.
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Travel Sewing Kit
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Toiletry articles
  • Washcloth (available some places and not at others)
  • Laundry soap (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Earplugs – in urban and even rural areas barking dogs and traffic noise can be annoying
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)
  • Gallon-size ziplock or other drybags for keeping things dry

Medical and First Aid Items

  • Health insurance
  • Vaccination records
  • Personal Rx medications (in their original labeled prescription packaging)
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts (with plenty of wetting and cleaning solution)
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Epi-pen if needed for allergic reactions (include prescription label)
  • Altitude illness meds (such as Diamox) if likely to be needed
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van, boats, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments, colds and stomach ailments, etc. (Imodium or Lomotil, antihistamine cream or tablets, eye drops, antibiotic ointment, Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters, etc.)
  • Foot powder, lotions, general “comfort” items
  • Hydrocortisone cream to ease itching from insect bites
  • Hand sanitizer and/or hygienic cleansing wipes

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Alaska; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Alaska; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

General Reading

The Alaska Almanac: Facts About Alaska

Interior and Northern Alaska: A Natural History

Alaska (Traveller’s Wildlife Guides)

The Great Alaska Nature Factbook: A Guide to the State's Remarkable Animals, Plants, and Natural Features. Susan Ewing

Alaska Wildlife: Through the Seasons

The Nature of Alaska: An Introduction to Familiar Plants and Animals and Natural Attractions

Field Guides

Guide to the Birds of Alaska

The Sibley Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

A Guide to Alaskan Seabirds

A Birder’s Guide to Alaska

The Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, & Alaska

Alaska Trees and Wildflowers: An Introduction to Familiar Plants (a Pocket Naturalist Guide)

Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers: Commonly Seen Along Highways and Byways

Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Arctic

Roadside Geology of Alaska

Natural History

Alaska Park Science: Scientific Studies on Climate Change in Alaska’s National Parks

Nature of Southeast Alaska: A Guide to Plants, Animals, and Habitats

Guardians of the Whales: The Quest to Study Whales

Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest

History & Culture

Looking for Alaska

Alaska’s History: The People, Land and Events of the North Country

Where the Sea Breaks Its Back: The Epic Story of Early Naturalist Georg Steller and the Russian Exploration of Alaska

Denali: A Literary Anthology

The Living Edens: Denali - Alaska's Great Wilderness

Klondike: The Last Great Gold Rush

Memoir/Non-Fiction

Travels in Alaska by John Muir

The Only Kayak: A Journey into the Heart of Alaska

The Blue Bear

Coming into the Country by John McPhee

Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings

Kayaking the Inside Passage: A Paddling Guide from Olympia, Washington to Muir Glacier, Alaska

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Visit Anchorage Site

Anchorage - Encyclopedic Overview

HomerAlaska.org

Homer - Encyclopedic Overview

City of Seward Website

Seward - Encyclopedic Overview

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Anchorage Audubon Society

Audubon Alaska

Alaska Birds Checklists

Alaska Birding Maps

Brown Bears

Musk Oxen

Bristle-thighed Curlew

Kenai Fjords - Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game

Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Guide - Alaska.org

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Kenai Fjords National Park

Denali National Park

Alaska Sealife Center

Alaska Conservation Foundation

The Nature Conservancy in Alaska

Alaska Wildlife Alliance

Geology & Geography

Geology of Alaska - AK Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys

Geology of Alaska - Encyclopedic Overview

Geologic Map of Alaska - USGS.gov

Geology of Denali National Park

Geography of Alaska - Encyclopedic Overview

History & Culture

Museums & Culture in Anchorage

Alaska Native Communities on Harriman’s Route – PBS

Native Federation – Alaska

Dena’ina People of Anchorage/Homer

History of Homer, AK

History of Seward, AK

Seward’s Native Tribe – Qutekcak

Adolf Murie – Historic Explorer of Alaska in early 1900’s

Cuisine in Alaska

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Visa ATM Locator

Mastercard ATM Locator

Date & Time

 


Photo credits: Banners: Scenic by Cindy Bartos; Harbor Seal by Greg Smith; Breaching Orca by Peg Abbott; Moose by Sandy Sorkin; Denali by Peg Abbott; Grizzlies by Greg Smith; Tufted Puffins by Peg Abbott; Red Fox by Bud Ferguson; Arctic Terns; Orca by Greg Smith; Willow Ptarmigan by Peg Abbott; Caribou by Peg Abbott; Dall Sheep by Greg Smith; Tundra Flower Photos by Greg Smith; Black-legged Kittiwakes by Greg Smith; Horned Puffins by Greg Smith; Red Fox by Greg Smith; Steller's Sea Lions by Peg Abbott; Grizzly Bear by Greg Smith; Train from Denali by Peg Abbott.

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