Safety & Wildlife

A backpacking guide, bear spray and a wolverine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Essential safety information for Alaska backcountry travel. Learn about bear encounters, wildlife behavior, river crossings, weather considerations, and how to stay safe in remote wilderness.

Safety in Alaska’s wilderness requires knowledge and preparation. Learn from experienced guides about bear encounters, wildlife behavior, river crossings, and the judgment calls that keep you safe in remote terrain.

Camped on Malaspina Glacier looking at Mt. St. Elias, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Glacier Hiking for Backpacking Trips in Alaska

We run backpacking trips. Lots of them. We spend a lot of time on ice. A LOT of time. Over the years, collectively, the guides at Expeditions Alaska have clocked hundreds of miles walking, camping, relaxing, and exploring, on ice. It’s such a big part of what we do, glacier travel is an integral part […]

Female brown bear chasing salmon in the shallows of Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

Bear Claws; black, polar and grizzly bear claws

Bear claws reveal how each species makes its living. Black bear claws are curved climbing hooks. Polar bear claws are surprisingly short, built for gripping seals on ice. Grizzly claws are massive digging tools, stretching up to 4.5 inches. Coastal brown bears have the longest claws of all, reaching 6 inches.

Backpacking in Gates of the Arctic National Park.

Weather in Alaska

One of the most common questions we get, every trip, every year, every month, is “What to pack?”

We provide all guests with a ton of info on packing. People often look for a shortcut and then want to “hope for the best”. “Will I be OK with … ” is usually really a question of “I don’t want to bring xyzzy”.

Polar bear photo weight of a polar bear, Alaska.

How big is a polar bear?

Large adult male polar bears can weigh over 1400lbs. Seriously? How big? We’ve all heard polar bears are the largest terrestrial carnivore, right? We’ll side-step the rather silly idea of labelling Ursus maritimus (Sea bear), a marine mammal, as a “land-based carnivore” for the moment. Instead consider the point behind it. Polar bears are the […]

Nissan Frontier pickup truck on McCarthy Road in harsh winter conditions, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Alaska Winter Driving and Travel Information for Photographers

Heading to Alaska to photograph the northern lights? Learn what gear you actually need for winter driving from 25 years of guiding experience. Getting stuck is common; be prepared.

Canning River trips ANWR Arctic National Wildlife Refuge red foxes Alaska.

Red Foxes, Coastal Plain, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) kits, or young, playing and play-fighting, sunset, on the coastal plain, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, Alaska.

Many Rivers to Cross; Expert Guide to Safe Alaska River Crossings

Backcountry river crossings; hiking and backpacking treks in Alaska involve river crossings, and these tips can help the hiker safely ford the cold and fast rivers of the Alaska wilderness.

Backpacking Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

First Aid in the Backcountry

Essential backcountry first aid tips for wilderness travelers: stabilizing spine injuries, keeping patients warm and dry, and understanding basic versus advanced wilderness first aid. Learn practical strategies and course recommendations to stay prepared for common and critical situations in remote outdoor environments.

Alaska brown bear charging, Katmai National Park, Alaska.

Bear Spray Effectiveness – How Effective is Bear Spray?

Bear spray is highly effective for deterring aggressive bears, safer than firearms, and essential for Alaska wilderness travel. This post covers research findings, real-world effectiveness, legal considerations, and practical tips for carrying and using bear spray safely, ensuring hikers and backpackers can enjoy bear country responsibly.

Backpacking Malaspina Glacier Wrangell -St.Elias National Park, Alaska

Kennicott Glacier, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Solo winter hike on Kennicott Glacier’s west side reveals striking blue ice. Practical guidance on glacier travel safety, crampon selection, crevasse awareness, and the light physics behind deep blue glacial ice near McCarthy, Alaska.

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