ALASKA'S CONSERVATION FRONTIER - TRIP ITINERARY A WWF Insider Journey through Alaska's Denali National Park, Kenai Coast and Bristol Bay with Dave ...
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WWF INSIDER JOURNEYS
ALASKA’S CONSERVATION FRONTIER
TRIP ITINERARY
A WWF Insider Journey through Alaska’s Denali National Park,
Kenai Coast and Bristol Bay with Dave Aplin
June 30–July 12, 2022
H ome to a stunning landscape of rugged coastal areas, mountains,
rivers, and lakes, Alaska boasts some of the greatest natural scenery
and wildlife on earth. Join Alaska resident and WWF expert, Dave Aplin,
as we discover WWF’s role in protecting the state’s spectacular national
parks, teeming wildlife areas, and rich Native Alaskan heritage. Fairbanks
Begin in remarkable Denali National Park, experience
Denali National Park
genuine wilderness in the Denali backcountry as we
overnight at one of the few lodges located deep within ALASKA
the park’s remote interior. On the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage
ride the Alaska Railroad through the great interior, KENAI
PENINSULA
and float the Placer River beneath the icy peaks of lask
a
King Salmon Gulf of A
the Chugach Range. Cruise to the face of a calving Katmai National Park
Kodiak
glacier, look for whales, otters and puffins on a
chartered cruise in Kenai Fjords, and overnight on
a private island.
We will then fly to King Salmon
in the heart of Bristol Bay. Along the way we
will stop to witness the grizzly bears of Brooks
Falls in Katmai National Park. Finishing in
King Salmon, we will learn about the region’s
bustling commercial fisheries and WWF’s
work with native communities.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE 13 Days
Day Date Location Accommodation
1 June 30 Fairbanks, Alaska Springhill Suites Fairbanks
2&3 July 1 & 2 Denali National Park—Kantishna Kantishna Roadhouse
4 July 3 Denali / Alaska Railroad Dome Car / Talkeetna Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
5 July 4 Talkeetna / Alyeska Hotel Alyeska
6 July 5 Spencer Glacier / Placer River Float Hotel Alyeska
7 July 6 Kenai Peninsula / Private Fox Island Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
8 July 7 Kenai Fjords National Park—Private Cruise Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
9 July 8 Seward / Anchorage Hilton Anchorage
10 & 11 July 9 & 10 King Salmon / Katmai National Park—Brooks Falls Brooks Lodge
12 July 11 Katmai / King Salmon / Anchorage Hilton Anchorage
13 July 12 Anchorage / Depart
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day 1, June 30: Fairbanks, Alaska
Our Alaska nature adventure begins in Fairbanks,
Alaska’s “Golden Heart City” and capital of the vast
interior, which retains its frontier flavor with pioneer
saloons, paddlewheelers and outlying mining camps.
Meet your Expedition Leader, Dave Aplin and fel-
low travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Overnight Springhill Suites Fairbanks (D)
Day 2 & 3, July 1 & 2: Denali National Park—Kantishna
Travel south through boreal forest and along the Nenana River to Denali National Park.
At 6 million acres—larger than the state of Massachusetts—Denali is one of the world’s great
wilderness preserves. The park’s namesake is the highest peak in North America, towering
20,310 feet over alpine tundra and taiga that provide habitat for wolves, grizzlies, moose,
caribou, and Dall sheep. Formerly known as Mt. McKinley, the mountain’s Athabascan
Native name—Denali—
means “The Great One.”
On our drive, which
takes us far deeper into
the park than most
visitors ever go, keep a
close eye out for wildlife.
It’s important to remem-
ber that the climate and
environment of Alaska’s
interior at this latitude
are harsh much of the
year, and it takes a vast
amount of habitat to
sustain animals. Wildlife
encounters thus tend
to be fleeting and often
at a distance, though
always thrilling. Once we reach our remote base 90 miles inside the park, we have time and
space to encounter genuine wilderness. Hiking, nature walks, mountain biking, fishing, and
optional flightseeing over the glaciers of Denali are available. At night, soak up the silence
of the wild on a scale few are ever privileged to experience.
Overnight Kantishna Roadhouse (B,L,D)
For reservations and additional information, please contact Court Whelan at Natural Habitat Adventures at 888-993-8687, (Int’l) 303-449-3711 or courtw@nathab.com
Day 4, July 3: Denali / Alaska Railroad
Dome Car / Talkeetna
Return to the park entrance by road this morning,
keeping an eye out for wildlife roaming the
open tundra and eagles overhead. At midday,
board an Alaska Railroad dome car for a classic
train journey through Alaska’s rugged interior.
Our route through the Alaska Range climbs
above tree line over Broad Pass, then descends
to follow the Susitna River to the historic village
of Talkeetna, where we disembark for the night.
The rustic town, founded a century ago as the
district headquarters for the new railroad, sits at
the confluence of three rivers and enjoys a striking panorama of Denali and adjacent
peaks. An outdoor recreation mecca, Talkeetna’s economy today thrives on rafting,
flightseeing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing and hunting, and it is also the
main base for climbing expeditions on Denali. Enjoy dinner at the lodge this evening
with a panorama of the Alaska Range on display through the picture windows, including
Denali itself, weather permitting.
Overnight Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5, July 4: Talkeetna / Alyeska
Discover the quaint and quirky town of Talkeetna this morning, whose “downtown” dating
to the early 1900s has been designated a National Historic Site. Continue south by road,
traveling through forested terrain thick with poplar, willow, and spruce, eventually reaching
the coast along Cook Inlet. Pass-
ing through Anchorage, we follow
Turnagain Arm to Girdwood
and Alyeska Resort. Alyeska is
Alaska’s premier ski area, where
a host of summer activities is
also available. Set in a lush glacial
valley in the Chugach Range
southeast of Anchorage, Alyeska
offers nature and luxury in tan-
dem. Explore the northernmost
temperate rain forest in North
America surrounding our deluxe
accommodations at the Hotel Alyeska, or choose an optional tram ride to the alpine summit
with vistas of the ice-clad peaks and glacial-fed inlet far below.
Overnight Hotel Alyeska (B,L,D)
For reservations and additional information, please contact Court Whelan at Natural Habitat Adventures at 888-993-8687, (Int’l) 303-449-3711 or courtw@nathab.com
Day 6, July 5: Spencer Glacier / Placer River Float Today we board the Alaska Railroad once more, riding the train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop to enter a lush tract of remote roadless wilderness. Created in partnership with the Chugach National Forest, this rail spur expands access to some of Southcentral Alaska’s most beautiful coastal moun- tain terrain, with views of valley glaciers, waterfalls, deep canyons and dense deciduous forest on either side. Disembark to explore the glittering tableau of iceberg-choked Spencer Lake, then board sturdy rafts for a gentle float trip down the Placer River, turbid with glacial silt, before returning to Girdwood late this afternoon. Dinner is not included this evening, in order to give you a chance to sample your choice of restaurants in the Alyeska/Girdwood area. Overnight Hotel Alyeska (B,L) Day 7, July 6: Kenai Peninsula / Private Fox Island This morning, revel in more dramatic scenery as we drive south to the Kenai Peninsula, crossing Moose Pass en route to the fishing town and port of Seward. The road corridor we follow winds through the Kenai Mountains–Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area, a designation that recognizes the area’s unique cultural, geographic, and historical features. Once we reach Seward’s small boat harbor, look for sea otters that are frequently seen bob- bing among the yachts and docks. Here, we board a boat for the voyage to Fox Island, a lushly forested private island in Resurrection Bay on the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park. Our isolated location, fronting a wild pebble beach backdropped by steep, forested mountains, reveals the pristine side of Alaska most visitors miss. The Kenai Fjords region is famed for its sea kayaking–an optional paddling excursion late this afternoon is likely to reveal some of the area’s prolific marine life. Overnight Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8, July 7: Kenai Fjords National Park—Private Cruise
Iconic images of Alaska are on display today from our private chartered boat as we cruise
through a realm where vestiges of the Ice Age still linger. Our small vessel allows us to ap-
proach wildlife at close range, and Kenai Fjords National Park provides excellent opportunities
for viewing humpback and orca whales, porpoises, sea
otters, and bobbing puffins. Weave among islands and
rocky cliffs where seabirds nest, and look for bald eagles in
thetreetops above. Glaciers pour from the jagged mountain
heights into the sea, and we may observe icebergs calving
with a thunderous crash from a glacier’s towering blue face.
Following our all-day outing, our boat returns us to our
secluded lodge on Fox Island for another night of peace
and solitude in the wilderness.
Overnight Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 9, July 8: Seward / Anchorage
After a last morning on serene Fox Island, board our private boat for the return journey up
Resurrection Bay to Seward, where we’ll have lunch and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Primarily dedicated to marine research and education, the renowned center also features a
public aquarium and is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility
in the state. From Seward, we retrace our route northward, with the mountain ranges of the
Kenai Peninsula rising one after another, sourcing some of Alaska’s richest salmon rivers.
We reach Anchorage by late afternoon, home to
WWF-US’ Arctic Program office. During dinner
more staff from WWF’s local office will join the
group and engage in conversations about WWF’s
work to address the challenges of climate change,
mining, shipping, overfishing, and oil and gas de-
velopment in Alaska and elsewhere in the Arctic.
Overnight Hotel Anchorage (B,L,D)
Day 10 & 11, July 9 & 10: King Salmon /
Katmai National Park—Brooks Falls
This morning fly southwest to King Salmon, a remote fishing town where WWF’s work
focuses on fisheries and conservation of the Bristol Bay ecosystem. Learn from Dave Aplin
about WWF’s decades of work alongside Native communities in this region. The bay
creates more than 12,000 jobs for fishers and processors and supports 31 Alaska Native
Villages. It is also vital habitat for nearly two dozen types of marine mammals, including
the endangered North Pacific right whales, Steller sea lions, Pacific walrus, and sea lions.
For reservations and additional information, please contact Court Whelan at Natural Habitat Adventures at 888-993-8687, (Int’l) 303-449-3711 or courtw@nathab.com
By floatplane we fly to Katmai National Park and world-renowned Brooks Falls, one of the
best places to view giant Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat. Katmai is home to
the world’s largest of these enormous coastal grizzlies, with some 2,200 individuals inside
the park. As many bear populations around the world decline, Katmai’s 4 million acres of
wilderness provides some of the last pristine habitat for these magnificent carnivores.
Within Katmai’s protected bounds, scientists
study bears in their natural environs, visitors
have unparalleled viewing opportunities, and
the bears live largely undisturbed. Nurturing
this delicate relationship between people
and bears is the key to Katmai’s success,
making it the world’s preeminent place to
observe brown bears in the wild. From the
safety of platforms built over Brooks Falls,
we get a close look at one of the world’s most
iconic wildlife spectacles, which few visitors
to Alaska have the privilege to witness: at
close range, watch bears stand in the rushing whitewater, jaws gaping, trying to catch the
salmon that leap up the falls once spawning season starts. During each full day with the
bears, we break to have lunch at world-famous Brooks Lodge, an easy walk from the falls.
Overnight Brooks Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 12, July 11: Katmai / King Salmon / Anchorage
After a last round of bear viewing in Katmai, fly back to King Salmon, then on to Anchorage,
where our Expedition Leader hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate our Alaskan adventures.
Overnight Hilton Anchorage (B,L,D)
For reservations and additional information, please contact Court Whelan at Natural Habitat Adventures at 888-993-8687, (Int’l) 303-449-3711 or courtw@nathab.com
Day 13, July 12: Anchorage / Depart
Our Alaska wildlife safari comes to a close today as we transfer to the airport for
homeward flights, or ongoing travel for those who have booked extensions.
(B)
Please note: The itinerary provided is meant as a guideline and is subject to change
without notice. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to deviate from our regular
itinerary for reasons beyond our control. In these instances, we will provide the best
available alternative.
Meet Our Expert
Dave Aplin, Senior Program Officer, WWF Arctic Program
Based out of Homer, Alaska, Dave Aplin is Senior Program Officer
for WWF’s Arctic Program. For nearly a decade, he has developed a
special relationship with Bristol Bay as he has fought to protect the
region from numerous threats. Dave also collaborates with his Arctic
teammates on Arctic oil development, trans-Arctic shipping, and com-
mercial fishing issues. He holds a BS and MS from the University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
What To Expect
This trip requires a moderate level of activity. The activities on our Alaska wildlife
adventure are diverse, requiring general mobility and fitness. The longest required walk
is one mile one-way over a relatively flat wooden boardwalk to reach the Brooks Falls
viewing platform from the main lodge in Katmai National Park, where we observe the
brown bears. Trail surfaces for our various walks vary from pavement to uneven natural
terrain. While all travelers must be able to walk at least two miles without assistance,
some longer hikes are available for those who desire. Travelers may have the opportunity
to participate in optional kayaking on Fox Island, weather permitting. Though no prior
kayaking experience is required, general fitness and mobility, including the ability to get
into and out of a kayak, are essential. We stress that travelers are not required to partic-
ipate in every activity, but all participants must be generally physically fit and have the
ability to walk two miles unassisted.
Accommodations
Springhill Suites Fairbanks
Located on the banks of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks, the
hotel features large studio-suite rooms and a host of amenities including
a fitness center, heated indoor pool, and whirlpool spa.
Kantishna Roadhouse
Located deep within Denali National Park and totally removed from crowds,
this historic creekside lodge dates to the early 20th-century Gold Rush era
and is surrounded by raw wilderness.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
In the adventure-focused hamlet of Talkeetna, long the historic starting
point for Denali mountaineering expeditions, this luxurious respite
features massive timbers, stonework, and big mountain views.
Hotel Alyeska
Designed to integrate Alaska Native heritage with modern luxury, this
chateau-style hotel in a lush valley near the historic mining town of
Girdwood features elegant decor, gourmet dining, and mountain access.
Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
Accessed via a scenic boat ride on Resurrection Bay, this remote outpost
on private Fox Island offers total tranquility in eight waterfront log cabins
surrounded by Kenai Fjords National Park.
Hilton Anchorage
The Hilton enjoys a prime location in the heart of downtown Anchorage,
with views of Ship Creek, Cook Inlet and the Chugach Range, and within
easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions including the Anchorage
Museum and Public Lands Information Center.
Brooks Lodge
This rustic lodge—16 basic cabins that were originally a fishing camp—
puts you in close proximity to viewing platforms overlooking the giant
Alaskan brown bears’ feeding frenzy at Brooks Falls.
About WWF Insider Journeys
This trip is an invitation-only conservation travel program for our closest supporters, along with friends
and family, to see firsthand the positive impact World Wildlife Fund is making. These custom-designed
journeys are led by WWF experts and offer exclusive opportunities to discover the wildlife and ecosys-
tems we protect; meet community members whose lives are being improved because of our work,
and immerse yourself in the worlds of our field staff and partners on the ground. Come explore the
best of the natural world and see how together we are making a difference for our planet.
About Our Travel Partner
This journey is being arranged by Natural Habitat Adventures of
Boulder, Colorado. For more than a decade, WWF has partnered
with Nat Hab to take travelers to view nature’s greatest sights.
WWF selected Natural Habitat as its partner because of its
long-standing commitment to conservation and the exceptional
quality of its adventures.
Reservation Information & Trip Details
For reservations and additional information, please contact Court Whelan at Natural Habitat
Adventures at 888-993-8687, (Int’l) 303-449-3711 or courtw@nathab.com.
DATES: June 30 – July 12, 2022
GROUP SIZE: Limited to 12 guests
LAND COST: $13,995 per person, double occupancy (+internal air)
Internal Air Fee: $1295 per person (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Single supplement: $2395
DEPOSIT: $500 per person (nonrefundable)
INCLUDED: Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab’s professional Expedition
Leader(s), travel costs for your WWF Expert, local guides and lodge staff, all meals from dinner on
Day 1 through breakfast on final day (except dinner on Day 5), most gratuities, airport transfers on
Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
Internal air cost includes: Scheduled flights from Anchorage to King Salmon and float plane flights from
King Salmon to Brooks Falls (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
NOT INCLUDED: Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages,
some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phonecalls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance. PAYMENTS: A deposit of $500 confirms your space. Payments are accepted by credit card or by check made out to Natural Habitat. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Cancellations must be received in writing at Natural Habitat Adven- tures by US mail, email or fax. At the time Natural Habitat Adventures receives your written cancella- tion, the following per person penalties apply: On or before 120 days before the trip: Full refund minus $500 deposit. On or before 60 days before the trip: Forfeit 50% of tour cost. After 60 days before the trip: No refund. INSURANCE: Since the areas we travel to on this trip are remote and wild (that’s why we go there!), we require medical evacuation insurance for our guests’ safety. If you decline the medical evacuation insurance coverage offered by Natural Habitat, we request that you send us documentation of the independent coverage you have selected. We will add the cost of a medical evacuation policy to your tour invoice until you provide our office with proof of coverage including your insurance company’s name, contact number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that our policy exists exclusively in the interest of our guests’ safety. To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations and delays and lost luggage. Please contact our office if you would like more infor- mation about the medical evacuation and comprehensive travel insurance policies we offer by calling 800-543-8917. GETTING THERE & GETTING HOME: This adventure begins in Fairbanks and ends in Anchorage. Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska by 3:30 pm on Day 1 of the program in order to attend a 6 pm orientation followed by a 7 pm welcome dinner. You are free to depart Anchorage any time on the final day. We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights’ accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online. While adventures are designed specifically for WWF’s closest supporters and enhanced with WWF Experts, exclusive site visits, and enriched content, a minimum number of guests is required to run each trip. To avoid canceling, WWF and Nat Hab may fill unsold spots with WWF and non-WWF members. © 2021 World Wildlife Fund Photo credits: Cover © mtnmichelle / iStockphoto; p1 © Court Whalen; p2 top © Brad Josephs / Nat Hab; p2 bottom © John Baston / Nat Hab; p3 top © Court Whalen; p3 bottom © Hotel Alyeska; p4 top and bottm © Court Whalen; p5 top © Court Whelan; p5 bottom © Michel Roggo / WWF; p7 top © Ryan Peterson; p7 bottom John Baston / Nat Hab; p8 © Paul Colangelo / WWF-US.
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