Alaska Camping Trips

As a general rule, these camping trips are not roadside camping trips. We fly in to some pretty remote wilderness areas and camp and hike or packraft, etc.

Backpacking trips involve packing up camp every day (or so) and moving, hauling all your gear on your back. It’s challenging but rewarding.

Camping trips mean we’ll set up a base somewhere fun and hike during the day with just a small day pack for snacks, a jacket, etc. It can still be a challenge, depending how hard you want to hike.

Absolutely. Every trip on this page can be modified. The locations, duration, and activities are all adjustable.

Some common requests we get:
Extending a shorter basecamp into a full week. Adding a packrafting day to a hiking-focused basecamp. Combining a basecamp with a section of a backpacking route, so you get a few easy days and a few harder ones. Building a family trip around a specific age range or ability level. Visiting a location that isn’t on our scheduled calendar.

We run custom camping trips throughout the summer in Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark, Gates of the Arctic, Denali, and the Chugach Mountains. Pricing depends on location, group size, duration, and logistics, so it varies quite a bit from trip to trip.

The best way to start is a conversation. Call or email and we’ll figure out what makes sense for your group.

Quite a bit.

Both trips involve a bush plane drop-off and pickup in the wilderness, but the similarity ends there. On a basecamp trip, we set up our camp right where the plane lands. Maybe a few hundred yards or 1/2 mile at most. This allows for a more elaborate kitchen and bulkier gear, because we don’t have to move it. We’re a lot less mobile.

On a basepacking trip, the landing strip is just the starting point. We shoulder our backpacks and hike several miles away from the strip to establish a camp in a more remote area. You have to be able to haul your gear, tent, and food to reach these spots. It takes more work than a standard basecamp, but it gets us into locations that are a little removed from the landing strip or lake (if land on floats). Once we’ve established our base, we spend our time on day hikes to explore the surrounding peaks and glaciers before eventually moving to a second location, or backpacking back out to the plane.

A basepacking trip requires more physical effort than a standard basecamp and different equipment. We can basecamp with a duffel bag. Even, possibly, a cooler. But basepacking we need to be mobile. Once the camp is established, the focus of both trips is the same: day hikes to explore the surrounding peaks, ridges, and glaciers.

Absolutely. Many clients travel solo and join group trips. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers.

You sure can.

Fully outfitting your trip is a small additional fee. The exact amount will depend on your trip length, as well as what stuff you need.

For single individual items, contact me and we’ll see what you need and work that out.

A tent (1, 2 or 3 person) is $50.00 per person for the trip. If you just want us to handle food and you have all your own gear (tent, etc) we can do that as well.

Longer trips (5+ days) the food costs go up. But most basecamps are not longer.

We do NOT provide sleeping bags or sleeping pads or backpacks (except for the scheduled photo tours we include sleeping pad). If you’re doing a basepack, you’ll need your own (or rented) backpack. We do NOT rent backpacks, sleeping bags or sleeping pads, but we can point you toward some places that do.

That is trip dependent.

For backpacking trips, a fully outfitted option includes your tent (one or two person tent), all your kitchenware, food and cooking by Expeditions Alaska. A typical trip, up to 12 days long, costs an additional $450.00 per person for the fully outfitted option ($350 for 4 day trips or shorter).

Available “á la carte” options are (per person)

Tent $50.00/tent
Food/cooking $325.00 (up to 4 day trip duration)
Food/cooking $425 (any trip 5 days or longer)

For personal items such as a backpack, or sleeping pad, talk to me prior to your trip and we’ll see if we can possibly arrange something. If you need a pack I recommend you rent a backpack from a reputable local outfitter. They can find and fit a pack to you rather than “making do” with one of mine that may or may not be a good fit for you.

Items such as BRFC, bear spray, fuel, hiking poles are included gratis with Expeditions Alaska trips. See What’s Included? for more info.

If you’d like, Expeditions Alaska can handle your backcountry food for the trip. Cost depends on trip length, but it’s typically $325 for a 2-4 day trip, and $425 for a trip 5 days or longer (backcountry days).

We will organize and pack the food, handle all backcountry prep, as well as pots and pans, the stove/s, fuel and your mess kit. Assistance for cleanup and dishes is always appreciated, but not requisite.

NB: this means, if we’re doing food for your trip, you must arrive with requisite space in your backpack for your share of the food. This typically means a BV500, sized 8.7 in. diameter. (22.1cm) x 12.7 in. (32.3cm) height. There’ll also be your mess kit (cup, bowl, cutlery, etc) and maybe some additional group gear, whether it’s a fuel bottle, stove or pan or skillet. In general your guide will carry the bulk of this stuff, but we certainly can’t and don’t intend to carry all of it. So don’t arrive with a backpack packed full, no space left in it, if we’re doing your food for you. Your food goes in your pack.

More info linked on the page below.

All your questions about our backcountry food answered right here.

This depends on the guide and their preferences, but our staple dishes include (but aren’t limited to)

• backcountry pizza,
• backcountry baking (fresh bread, garlic bread, cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies),
• fresh backcountry salads with fresh greens if available (arctic dock, mountain bluebell, wild berries),
• fresh fish if available (arctic char and grayling),
• curries,
• pancakes,
• hash-browns, and
• burritos.

Something you’d like to have? Let us know. Mike baked a birthday cake for a guest last summer.

Absolutely.

Many of our guides are or have been vegetarian or have dietary needs of their own.

Our food forms are comprehensive and cover any of your meal preferences.

If you are a picky eater, we want to serve you what you want. Don’t be shy. Be as precise in your meal forms as you desire.

McCarthy, AK is such a cool place. You’ll love it.

Typically we’ll stay across the river from the small town of McCarthy in a small cabin or lodge. The lodge backs against Kennicott Glacier. The awesome Stairway Icefall sits just beyond. A 7000′ vertical wall of ice.

So beyond the astonishing mountain views, McCarthy is a small rustic town in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Originally a feeder town to the nearby Kennicott Copper Mines, McCarthy is now the hub of the park.

It’s a short 1/2 mile walk into town from Nik’s Lodge (Kennicott Glacier Cabins). We walk because the public bridge across the Kennicott River is a small bridge for foot traffic only. The vehicle will stay on the lodge side of the river.

A 10 minute walk will pretty much cover the entire town. There are a couple of small air taxi services, a hotel and hostel, a bar/restaurant, a souvenir store and another newer eatery/bar called the Potato. Good food, fun folks, and a wonderful charming environment.

A 5 mile jaunt up the road from McCarthy is Kennicott (there is a shuttle service available and included to get us up and back; or walk the wagon trail). In Kennicott you’re free to wander the town and look at the historic mill building (schedules private tours available), poke your head in the door of the various establishments (guide services, restaurant/lodge, stores, the National Park Service Visitor Center, etc).

Just remember a lot of the buildings ARE private residences so don’t intrude.

A couple of hiking trails out of Kennicott can take you out to the Kennicott Glacier or up to the old mines (Bonanza, Jumbo and Erie).

An afternoon in Kennicott is a ton of fun and a great way to wind down after your backcountry expedition.

We require a conversation before confirming any backcountry trip.

You should as well.

Alaska wilderness travel isn’t like booking a hotel. The terrain is demanding, the conditions are unpredictable, and there’s no bailout option once you’re flown in. We need to understand your experience level, fitness, and what you’re hoping to get from the trip. You need to understand what you’re actually signing up for.

This isn’t gatekeeping. It’s matching. We want to put you on a trip where you’ll thrive, not survive. Some folks are ready for the Seven Pass Route. Others should start with a basecamp trip or something more moderate. A ten-minute conversation helps us figure that out.

Nobody benefits when someone gets in over their head. Not you, not the other clients, not us.

Call or email. We’ll find the right fit.

Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

We can take online payments, either ACH or Credit Cards. Credit Card merchants charge a 2.9% processing fee which is passed on to you if you choose to pay with a card. We can also take Zelle payments, or a check or international wire.

1. Credit Card – 2.9% fee
2. ACH – No fees
3. Zelle – No fees
4. Check – No fees
5. Wire – No fees

Some trips will have a slightly different process, but that’s the gist of it for most of them. See our Cancellation Policy & Terms post for more info.

Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

If the client cancels on a trip paid in full, 80% of the price can be deferred and applied to another trip that is scheduled to occur within the next 12 months, provided that all three of the following occurs: 

i) Expeditions Alaska, LLC is able to fill the cancelled spot,
ii) Expeditions Alaska LLC is able to fill the the trip that the client cancelled on, and
iii) 30 days (or more) notice is given.

If a client cancels a trip and Expeditions Alaska is not able to completely fill that trip, regardless of the number of original participants in that trip, Expeditions Alaska will not defer or refund any portion of the cancelling client’s payment. 

Expeditions Alaska, LLC cannot guarantee that a spot will be available on a scheduled trip in the next 12 months.  If no spot is available and you cannot use your deposit in those 12 months, the deposit is forfeited and non-refundable. 

If cancellation is within 30 days of the trip, only 50% of the fee can be carried over to a future trip. The remainder is forfeited and non-refundable.

No refunds, credit, or other reimbursements are given for cancellations within 14 days of the trip departure. 

Expeditions Alaska, LLC reserves the right to cancel and/or modify the itinerary of a trip for any reason. If Expeditions Alaska cancels a trip you will be refunded your payment in full, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska, LLC made to organize the trip.  If Expeditions Alaska cancels changes the date of a trip and you can no longer attend, you will be refunded your payment, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska, LLC made to organize the trip. 

If weather or other factors delay or impede your trip, there will be no refund of fees. Expeditions Alaska, LLC is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the client as a result of the cancellation, delay, or modification of a trip.

Additional costs incurred through weather delays and itinerary changes are the responsibility of the client.

Additional costs incurred by the client, such as changes to flights or additional costs, etc, are the sole responsibility of the client.

We’re excited to be part of your upcoming expedition. Your reservation reflects a commitment to an awe-inspiring Alaskan adventure. Our dedication to you includes careful planning, experienced curation, and a shared passion for adventure. It’s a commitment to the essence of Alaska.

In the spirit of consistency and transparency, we want to address our no-refund policy for trip deposits. While we understand unforeseen circumstances may arise, our consistent policies ensure fairness to all adventurers. This commitment allows us to maintain trip quality, prioritize safety, and provide the best experience for every participant.

With limited availability due to Alaska’s changing seasons, once you commit to a trip, we commit to it.

Understanding life’s unpredictability, we strongly recommend considering Trip Insurance. This additional layer safeguards your investment, offering peace of mind for the excitement and wonder in the Alaskan wilderness.

Your trust means a lot; our dedication to your adventure is unwavering. Let’s explore Alaska’s backcountry together.

Thank you for choosing us for this journey.

Thank you.

People often ask “There is a trip cancellation/trip interruption coverage through my credit card. Generally, do you recommend a third party insurance on top of this coverage?”

Insurance purchase is (obviously) at the discretion of the trip guest.

I don’t have a lot of experience with it myself, but as a general rule, the people who’ve purchased 3rd party Trip Insurance seem to be happy with it.

If your card covers things, and you’re comfortable with that, then that’s obviously fine.

I’d recommend going over their policy closely and gauging exactly what they do and do not cover, and comparing that against a 3rd party policy. Speak to an agent and discuss the differences with them, and weight the pros and cons as works best for you.

Regardless, we strongly recommend trip insurance. A lot can happen between now and your trip.

I know you do. I do as well.

I recommend starting with the General Trip FAQ page

More questions? Email me or call me  and we’ll go through them.

Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a comprehensive trip information packet that covers just about everything and more you might imagine about your trip.