Highlights: Mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, sea-kayking
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Distance: Biking: 65+ miles
Hiking: 15+ miles
Difficulty: Biginner + endurance
Dates: 2008 July 27- Aug 1, Aug 10-15
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - White Water Rafting, Sixmile Creek
Set in the Chugach National forest near Hope Alaska, Sixmile Creek is a run for whitewater enthusiasts desiring the highest difficulty level in a guided whitewater trip. Dropping over 50 feet per mile as it flows out of the Chugach Mountains, Sixmile Creek has cut its way through three separate canyons offering Class IV and Class V whitewater. Rising over 500 feet in places, these towering canyon walls are draped in a lush carpet of old growth rain-forest with cascading waterfalls pouring in from the ides. Crystal clear water with healthy salmon runs make this a river runner's dream.
Day 2 - Crescent Lake
Distance: 17 miles
Gain: 1000 feet
Riding time: 3-5 hours
We will cycle steadily up a winding trail and through a valley to Crescent Lake, eventually looping back down on the same trail. The path will lead us through birch and aspen woods along a sparkling creek. Ascending a ridge, we will cross over the creek at mile 3.5, just beyond a major avalanche chute. At this point, the trail lies in the shadow of Right Mountain with views across the valley to Wrong Mountain-both peaks standing over 5,000 feet. The crescent-shaped lake will unexpectedly appear as we cycle back across the creek, where we will lunch along the shores of the lake. Bring your fishing gear: Crescent Lake is brimming with world-class grayling.
As we wind our way back, we will cruise through the valley. Descending the ridge, the outstanding trail conditions make for an exhilarating ride back to the trailhead. We will shuttle to base-camp for dinner, showers, and relaxation.
Day 3 - Russian Lakes
Distance: 23 miles
Gain: 950 feet
Riding time: 5-7 hours
The Upper Russian River trail-a section of the original Resurrection trail-is a great day: 23 miles of single-track. The trail skirts the Harding Ice Field before dropping into the Russian River Valley. We will traverse a sub-alpine forest and fields of wildflowers, stopping for a leisurely lunch at mile twelve along the banks of the picturesque Upper Russian Lake.
We will continue our descent into the Russian River Valley, an area that was decimated by a wildfire in 1969. Here we will encounter the natural and extraordinary process of reforestation: a majesty of new growth interspersed with scarred forest remains. At mile twenty, we will briefly visit the Russian River Falls. Here, viewing decks allow an incredible view of sockeye salmon successfully ascending a series of forty-foot falls on their way to their instinctive spawning grounds.
Day 4 - Excursion of your choice
We will start our day early and travel to the nearby coastal town of Seward here you'll have your choice of 3 premiere day trips: The Kenai Fjords Cruise, Kenai Fjords sea-kayaking, or, stay on solid ground and visit the Seward Marine Sea-life Center. For the strong riders who would prefer to ride this day, depending on weather and trail conditions, there are many riding options we can suggest.
The first two popular tours offer the maximum opportunity for seeing whales, sea lions, otters, and colorful seabirds playing and feeding. In addition you can experience the splendor of a massive tidewater glacier calving to the sea and the stunning beauty of the glacially carved cliffs.
After your day tour we will have the afternoon to explore this charming town. Your guides will point out attractions including the Alaska Sea Life Center and Mount Marathon, location of Seward's famous Fourth of July mountain race. Dinner this evening will be on your own. Your guides will assist and point out the more popular eateries in Seward.
Day 5 Lost Lake – Primrose Hike
Distance: 15 miles
Gain: 2000 feet
Hiking time: 6 hours
The Lost Lake Trail is a beauty, with great views of the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay, wildflower meadows, subalpine groves of mountain hemlock, and salmonberries and blueberries for the picking. Lost Lake is an alpine lake two miles long, set at the edge of a huge expanse of alpine country.
Day 6 - Johnson Pass
Distance: 20 miles
Gain: 1500 feet
Riding time: 4-7 hours
Ask any mountain biker in Alaska: this demanding single-track ride is a favorite. The memorable trail passes through parts of the original Iditarod Trail, built during Alaska's historic gold rush era.
Our ride begins along the shores of Upper Trail Lake then parallels Johnson Creek. At mile seven we will cross the creek and continue to Johnson Lake, a sub-alpine and partially forested area that abounds in wildlife viewing opportunities. We will lunch here before continuing up to the summit of Johnson Pass at mile 13.
A quick descent takes us to the alpine beauty of pristine Bench Lake. Brace yourself for a roller-coaster ride as we sprint through mountain meadows and lush forests crossing over several creeks. At mile 19 we will take a break to admire the splendor of a beautiful waterfall cascading over tall cliffs. From there we will finish the day on a level course. The shuttle van will be waiting at the trailhead to take us back along the scenic Seward highway to Anchorage.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes: transfers, park fees and admissions, all meals, lodging and bike rental.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Alaska
Bicycle Touring
Multi-activity
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