The extended Alaska Program is a once-in-a-lifetime, three-week expedition through the wild and breathtaking landscapes of southeast Alaska. Alaska campers embark on an unforgettable journey filled with sea kayaking, backpacking, glacier climbing, and rafting—immersing themselves in the rugged beauty of “The Last Frontier.”
Each adventure is based out of Haines, Alaska, where expert guides from Alaska Mountain Guides accompany the group, ensuring safety and enriching every experience. After flying into Juneau and taking a scenic ferry to Haines, campers set up camp at CHAB base camp, sleeping in tents between their thrilling multi-day and day-long excursions. Every moment of this action-packed adventure offers new and exciting challenges.
Chuck Creek Trail: This adventure begins with a hike along the stunning Chuck Creek Trail, located about 60 miles from Haines. After crossing the border into Canada, the group will hike through breathtaking alpine landscapes with the majestic Samuel Glacier in the distance. The first five miles offer a gentle, scenic trek with opportunities for optional side hikes, providing a perfect introduction to the wilderness of southeast Alaska.
Sea Kayaking Expedition: For five days, campers will paddle along the pristine Pacific coast, framed by the towering Chilkat mountain range. Kayaking through serene fjords and coastal waters, campers will encounter awe-inspiring wildlife, from playful seals to majestic orcas, humpback whales, and eagles soaring overhead. They will paddle 3 to 6 hours each day, camping on the shores where incredible peach-hued sunsets light up the sky. One highlight of this trip is an inland hike to the awe-inspiring Davidson Glacier.
Mountaineering & Glacier Climbing: Campers will experience the thrill of glacier climbing on Flower Mountain. The first day involves a 7.5-mile backpack trek up to the tree line, where they will establish a base camp among the rolling hills. Over the next five days, campers will learn crucial mountaineering techniques in “snow school,” mastering the use of crampons, ice tools, and rope teams as they traverse snowy slopes and icy terrain. They’ll spend time ice climbing, rappelling off glacier ledges, exploring rugged rock formations, and even sliding down snowy hills for fun. The trip ends with a hike back down the 7.5-mile trail.
Day Trips & Wildlife Exploration: Between multi-day trips, campers will enjoy a variety of exciting day trips. One highlight is the Eagle Float, a wildlife tour down the scenic Chilkat River, offering prime opportunities for spotting eagles and learning about the local ecosystem. Campers may even have the chance to row the float themselves. Other days will be spent exploring downtown Haines, visiting museums, shopping at local businesses, and enjoying meals at cozy local cafes.
Immersing in Alaska’s Diverse Environments: Campers will experience the full range of Alaska’s wild landscapes, from snow-covered mountain ridges and granite rock formations to lush forests draped in moss and fungi. They’ll encounter a rich array of wildlife, including bears, moose, deer, foxes, bald eagles, and marine animals like seals and whales. Weather conditions can vary greatly—from cold, winter-like days on the mountains to warm, sunny days on the coast—adding to the adventure. Throughout the entire trip, campers will be guided by professional and highly trained staff from Alaska Mountain Guides, ensuring both safety and education during every leg of the journey. The Alaska Program offers an unmatched twenty-one-day experience that combines exploration, skill-building, and a deep connection to nature.
Flight arrangements are booked as a group ticket through a travel agent, with airfare costs ranging between $800 and $1,200 based on the previous year’s rates. This journey is truly an extraordinary blend of adventure, discovery, and teamwork in one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth. Please note that if you register AFTER Feb 1st, 2025, at 5 pm, the cost of the flight may be higher. We will add the actual cost of the individual flight that we book to our existing group booking to your family camp balance.
Please click here for the Extended Trip cancellation policy as it is a little different based on outfitter fees and flights.
