Expeditions Alaska Logo
Visit The Wild
TRIPS@EXPEDITIONSALASKA.COM | 770.952.4549
Expeditions Alaska Logo
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet Your Guides
    • Our Testimonials
    • Our Schedule
    • FAQs – Backcountry Trips
    • FAQs – Photo Tours
    • Resources
    • Why Choose Us
  • Locations
  • Activities
  • Popular Trips
  • Photo Tours
  • Photos
  • Stories
  • Contact
Explore Our Trips
Where We Go

A handful of corners of Alaska, and a couple beyond. The ones we've been going back to long enough to know.

  • Anchorage
  • ANWR
  • Denali
  • Fairbanks
  • Haines
  • Gates of the Arctic
  • Katmai
  • Lake Clark
  • Wrangell-St. Elias
Anchorage hiking trips Chugach State Park hiking.Where the trip starts. Coffee, then the Backcountry.
Section 1002, The coastal plain, Arctic National Wildlife RefugeCaribou country. Where We Go to Disappear.
Mt Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska.20,310 feet. The Famous one.
Fairbanks Activities Ice Carving Championships, Alaska.Aurora country. Where we go for a lightshow.
Haines, Alaska Chilkat River, Bald Eagle preserve, Alaska.Eagles by the thousand.
Gates of the Arctic National Park backpacking trips, Brooks Range, Alaska.The Brooks Range. Boots only.
brown bear fishing for salmon in Katmai National Park, AlaskaBears, bears, and more bears.
Lake Clark National Park Backpacking and camping and hiking tours.Lakes, volcanoes, bears.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park backpacking trips Alaska Mt. Sanford sunrise.Our backyard. Biggest one in the Country.
What We Do

However you want to meet Alaska, we've got a trip for you.

  • Backpacking
  • Basecamping
  • Basepacking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Packrafting
  • Rafting
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Photo Trips
Awesome Alaska backpacking trips, Seven Pass Route, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.The slow way in.
Alaska camping trips basecamping and hiking trips Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.Pitched somewhere good.
Alaska hiking trip with view of Mt. Sanford, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.A Bit of Backpacking. A Bit of Basecamping.
Guided Alaska snowshoeing trip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.Winter trips, our way.
Alaska Packrafting trips - Packrafting Alatna River, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska.The river is your trail.
Rafting Trip in Alaska down Canning River, ANWR, AlaskaArctic Therapy. 10 days on the water.
Alaska Sea Kayaking trip Sea Kayaking Trip Icy Bay, Alaska.Glaciers from sea level.
polar bear cubs sleeping with their mother. ANWR, Alaska.Pixels and patience.
Featured Trips

The definitive Alaska expeditions. These are the trips our guests return for year after year; and the first to reach capacity.

  • Arrigetch Peaks
  • Canning River Rafting
  • Icy Bay Sea Kayaking
  • Above the Circle
  • Adventures in Oz
  • Decadent Denali
  • Noatak River
  • Paradise Ridge
  • Seven Pass Route
  • The Southern Traverse
  • The Northern Traverse
  • The Goat Trail
  • Turquoise Twins
  • 50 Shades of Blue
Arrigetch Peaks backpacking trip sunrise Arrigetch Peaks, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska.Backpacking the Brooks Range's cathedral.
Canning River Rafting trip in ANWR, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska rafting tours.Float the Arctic Refuge
Sea Kayaking Icy Bay, Mt. St. Elias, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.Kayak among the icebergs.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Backpacking trip Alaska.ANWR on Foot.
Alaska Backpacking and hiking trip Hidden Creek Wrangell St. Elias National Park Wrangell Mountains.Backpacking the Wrangells.
Denali National Park backpacking trip, Mount Denali, AlaskaBackpacking beneath a 20 000 Mountain.
Alaska Noatak River Packrafting trip, Gates of the Arctic National Park.Float thru time in Gates of the Arctic.
Christie kicking it by Mount Wrangell, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.A Week in the Wrangells.
Chugach Mountains and campsite on Seven Pass Route backpacking trip, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.Classic Alaska Backpacking.
Bremner mines tuba lakes backpacking trip A lake a reflection of the Chugach Mountains between Bremner Mines and Tebay Lakes en route on the Southern Traverse backpacking trip. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.South side, end to end.
Stop for lunch in Magic Valley. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska.A long route through the Arctic.
Chitistone Canyon, Goat Trail, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.Backpacking where the Mountains Goats walk.
Turquoise Lake to Twin Lake backpacking trip, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
Eastern Chugach Mountains Alaska
Photography Tours

It’s about being in the right place before the light hits. Built around what photographers actually need.

  • Alaska Landscapes
  • Aurora Borealis
  • Bald Eagles
  • Brown Bears of Summer
  • Fat Bears in the Fall
  • Humpback Whales
  • Brown Bear & Coastal Wildlife
  • Grizzlies in the Mist
  • Northern Lights
  • Patagonia Pumas
  • Polar Bears
Alaska landscape photo tours Skolai Pass, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AlaskaBackpack or Basepack & photograph Wrangell-St. Elias.
How to photograph northern lights ebook by Carl DonohueBase in Fairbanks. Photograph the Aurora.
bald eagle photography workshopBald Eagles, Haines, Alaska. November.
Male brown bear chasing salmon Katmai Park, Alaska.Backcountry camping for a week with the Brown Bears of Katmai
Alaska grizzly bears photo tours 2 young grizzly bears fighting in a salmon stream. (Ursus arctos) Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska.Brooks River Bears at their Fattest. Camping in September.
Humpback Whale breaching.Daily outings for a week of bubble-net feeding action. Sitka, Alaska.
Alaska bear photo tours Alaska's coastal brown bear, Katmai National Park.Chartered boat for a week. Brown Bears and more.
Brown bear chasing Chum salmon, Katmai National Park, Alaska.Camping on the KatmaI Coast. A week of bear photography.
Alaska northern lights photo tour Wiseman Alaska.Travel to the Arctic & Photography the northern lights in the Fall.
Patagonia Puma Photography tour mother and cub puma.Walk with Pumas. Torres del Paine. Chile.
Alaska Adventure Travel Tours Photo Tours Kayak, backpacking trips polar bear.The Arctic. Land of the Giants.
Photo Galleries

Thirty years of moments captured in the field. See the terrain, the wildlife, and the reality of life on the trail.

  • ANWR
  • Denali
  • Eye of the Beholder
  • Gates of the Arctic
  • Katmai
  • Wildlife
  • Wrangell-St. Elias
  • Alaska Landscapes
  • Bald Eagles
  • Grizzly Bears
  • Guests Gallery
  • Northern Lights
  • Polar Bears
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Photos, ANWR, Coastal Plain, Alaska.
Mt McKinley or Mt Denali, Denali National Park.
Black bear in the forest.
Photo of the Maidens at sunrise in Arrigetch Peaks, Endicott Mountains, Brooks Range, Gates of the Arctic, Alaska.
Katmai National Park photo Harbor seal Alaska.
Humpback whale breaching.
Kennicott Glacier photo in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
Gates of the Arctic National Park photos Aristech Peaks sunrise, Alaska.
Bald eagle fishing Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Grizzlies photo tours Alaska bear chasing salmon Katmai National Park, Alaska.
Expeditions Alaska yoga Retreat to Nizina Glacier, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Aurora and reflections, Alaska.
Alaska Polar bear Photos.
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet Your Guides
    • Our Testimonials
    • Our Schedule
    • FAQs – Backcountry Trips
    • FAQs – Photo Tours
    • Resources
    • Why Choose Us
  • Locations
    • Anchorage
    • ANWR
    • Denali
    • Fairbanks
    • Haines
    • Gates of the Arctic
    • Katmai
    • Lake Clark
    • Wrangell-St. Elias
  • Activities
    • Backpacking
    • Basecamping
    • Basepacking
    • Snowshoeing
    • Packrafting
    • Rafting
    • Sea Kayaking
    • Photo Trips
  • Popular Trips
    • Arrigetch Peaks
    • Canning River Rafting
    • Icy Bay Sea Kayaking
    • Above the Circle
    • Adventures in Oz
    • Decadent Denali
    • Noatak River
    • Paradise Ridge
    • Seven Pass Route
    • The Southern Traverse
    • The Northern Traverse
    • The Goat Trail
    • Turquoise Twins
    • 50 Shades of Blue
  • Photo Tours
    • Alaska Landscapes
    • Aurora Borealis
    • Bald Eagles
    • Brown Bears of Summer
    • Fat Bears in the Fall
    • Humpback Whales
    • Brown Bear & Coastal Wildlife
    • Grizzlies in the Mist
    • Northern Lights
    • Patagonia Pumas
    • Polar Bears
  • Photos
    • ANWR
    • Denali
    • Eye of the Beholder
    • Gates of the Arctic
    • Katmai
    • Wildlife
    • Wrangell-St. Elias
    • Alaska Landscapes
    • Bald Eagles
    • Grizzly Bears
    • Guests Gallery
    • Northern Lights
    • Polar Bears
  • Stories
  • Contact
  • Explore Our Trips

Backpacking

Backpacking and Camping in the Chugach Mountains.
Camping in the Chugach. What a backpacking trip!

Explore the heart of Alaska on foot with our collection of backpacking stories, guides, and field notes. This tag gathers posts covering everything from multi-day wilderness expeditions to gear insights, packing tips, and real experiences from the trail. From the tundra routes of the Arctic to the rugged ridgelines of Wrangell–St. Elias and Denali National Parks. These articles offer a closer look at what backpacking in true wilderness is all about.

You’ll find practical advice learned the hard way, reflections from weeks spent in remote terrain, and trip reports that give an honest feel for life on the trail. Whether you’re planning your first Alaska backpacking trip or returning for your tenth, this page serves as a resource for inspiration, preparation, and a deeper understanding of expedition travel.


Backpacker with Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2 tent, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2 DP Review

I’ve used all three versions of the Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2 extensively in Alaska. The new DP model adds dry-pitch capability, sheds a little weight, and gains floor space. It’s not perfect – the asymmetrical setup is fiddly and the price is steep – but it’s still my favorite backpacking tent.

Read More
Alaska video sea kayaking icy Bay.

2013 – All For Glory: the Official trailer

Hey Folks, A fun little trailer for the annual “Year in Review” video, due for release sometime soon. Enjoy! Cheers Carl

Read More
Bremner Mines Tebay Lakes Backpacking trip sunrise Chugach Mountains Wrangell - St Elias National Park, Alaska.

Backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias: The Southern Traverse Trip Reports

A highlight of the season was our first Southern Traverse Backpacking Trip. Stunning wildflowers in the Klu River valley, scenic passes like Harry’s Gulch, and dramatic terrain made for an unforgettable 10-day adventure. Challenging yet rewarding, this route promises to become a classic for backcountry hikers and photographers alike.

Read More
Backpacking trip Seven Pass camera review Alaska.

Nikon Coolpix L22 – Backpacking Photography Gear

Hey Folks, Just editing some of my files from this past summer, and I ran across this picture from our August Iceberg to Bremner Mines trek in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. I shot this photo with my little Nikon pocket camera, a Nikon Coolpix L22. I started carrying a point and shoot (P&S) this summer, […]

Read More
Hiking boots photos backpacking trips Alaska.

Get Your Boots On

Choosing hiking boots for Alaska? Leather vs. synthetic, waterproofing, ankle support, and fit—here’s what actually matters when you’re carrying 60+ lbs over scree, talus, and tundra.

Read More
Alaska backpacking trips Malaspina Glacier campsite, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska

Malaspina Glacier Traverse: Trip of the Year

12 days on the southern edge of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. We traversed the largest piedmont glacier in North America, dropped to the beach, and walked the Lost Coast.

From ice and crevasses to campfires in t-shirts. This was our trip of the year.

Read More
Gates of the Arctic National park hiking trips The Maidens, Arrigetch Peaks.

Complete Backpacking Guide Gates Of The Arctic National Park

A guide to hiking and backpacking in Gates of it Arctic national Park & Preserve, Alaska. Discuss Logistics, route choices, and safety and preparation.

Read More
Alaska backpacking trips Seven Pass Backpacking trip, hiker in Chugach Mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Why Hiking Poles Are Essential for Alaska Backpacking

After two decades guiding Alaska backpacking trips, I can’t recommend hiking poles enough. Research shows they significantly reduce muscle soreness and injury risk while improving stability on Alaska’s challenging off-trail terrain—from boulder fields to river crossings. Here’s why poles are essential gear for Alaska backcountry travel.

Read More
Navigation Alaska topographic map Google Earth.

Google Earth; the NEW navigation?

Topo maps aren’t always the best tool. On a recent trip to the Malaspina Glacier, the landscape had changed so much that satellite imagery from Google Earth proved more useful than outdated topos. Tools are contextual.

Sometimes the new stuff works better.

Read More
Hiking trip The Lost Coast Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Backpacking Wrangell-St. Elias’ coastline

a month long backpack along the coastline of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Read More
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
Expeditions Alaska Logo
Meet The Crew
You're in good hands with Expeditions Alaska. Say hello to your guides.
Expeditions Alaska owner, photography and backpacking guide Carl Donohue Expeditions Alaska packrafting and backpacking guide Rachel Taylor Expeditions Alaska backpacking guide Trevor Boley Expeditions Alaska backpacking and packrafting guide Rhane Pfeiffer
Quick Links
  • About Alaska
  • Choosing Your Trek
  • Info Articles
  • Our World
  • EXP AK Application Page
  • Guides Lounge
  • Customer Login
Free Alaska Trip Guide
One PDF. Every expedition.
See where we can take you.

Get The Guide

Anchorage, AK 99508
Email us
+1 770 952 4549
On Social