A favorite recreational destination for local kayakers. Gold Creek nature tour gives you numerous opportunities for observing shorebirds, marine mammals, waterfalls and interstitial organisms. Hiking, beach-combing, berry picking and kayak fishing are all possible additional activities for the Day.
Your Itinerary:
Meet at 7a.m. at our office for pre-trip safety briefing, paddling lesson and equipment fitting. Launch from the small boat harbor across from our office. Paddle out into scenic Port Valdez across the mouth of Mineral Creek and the shoreline of Blueberry Hill. Spend the next 3 hours paddling the rugged coastline between Valdez and Gold Creek. See towering mountains with snow covered peaks, hanging glaciers and glacial valleys. Once arriving at Gold Creek, take time to beach comb and enjoy your lunch overlooking beautiful Port Valdez. We recommend this tour for fit paddlers with some paddling experience. After lunch, take an optional hike into the ancient rain forest and see waterfalls tumbling out of a steep basalt gorge. This is part of the popular Valdez to Shoup Glacier hiking trail built from Exxon Valdez Oil Spill restoration funds. An alternative to hiking is fishing for salmon either from shore or your kayak. From middle of July until September this is a great kayak fishing paddle. After enjoying the beach we go back to our kayaks, embark upon your return journey to Valdez. Possible wildlife encounters are: harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, marine birds and black bears.
We recommend: 2 sets warm clothing to bring with you. Be ready for rain or shine!
First Set:
- Base Layer or Undergarments: top and bottom layer, made preferably of wool, silk, capelin or polypropylene. They are excellent sources of warmth even when wet. This thin layer wicks moisture away from skin, keeping you warm and dry!
- Upper Body: midweight insulation layer of wool, capelin, or fleece.
- Lower Body: base layer should be sufficient under rain pants, however a pair of fleece, or nylon travel pants are always a good option. Leave those jeans at home!
- Feet: wool, smart wool, synthetic, or neoprene socks. We provide high top rubber boots for all participants, however, if you have your own, we suggest you bring them to insure proper fit and maximum comfort.
- Hands: wool, synthetic or neoprene gloves. Neoprene is always preferred in rainy conditions. "Pogies", which are coverall mittens that attach to the paddle, are also good.
- Head: 80% of your body heat escapes from your head. Be sure to bring adequate headwear. A wool or synthetic hat is recommended. A wide brimmed hat is also nice to protect you from the rain or sun.
- Rain Gear: There is no substitute for quality rain gear. We do provide basic rain gear if yours is inadequate.
Second Set:
This can be any additional clothes in case you get cold or wet. Also bring:
- Sack Lunch Water Bottle;
- Sun glasses (and holders such as croakies or chums) Sun screen;
- Insect repellent; Toilet paper;
Warning: Cotton is inappropriate for paddling. It holds water and will keep you cold! Optional: camera, film and binoculars (preferably water proof).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- No experience necessary;
- Moderately strenuous;
- Total tour time 6 hours;
- Minimum age 8.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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