Iceberg Lake Basepack

Most of the terrain here isn’t too terribly strenuous, particularly if you’re not carrying a full backpack.

There’ll be rocks galore, at times. We’ll be walking over them and that’s a little challenging at times. Hiking poles will help you.

No strenuous vertical gain/loss though.

Well, that’s a little bit dependent on the situation and the group itself. It can depend who’s already camped in an area, etc., as well.

Sometimes we camp within 1/2 mile of the strip, other times a mile or so. Our favorites sites are maybe 2-3 miles from the strip.

If you’re up for it, we can camp, hike, move camp, hike, and move camp back to the strip again. It’s very flexible.

We’ll be surrounded largely by glaciers and rocks and mountains and ice cold water. It’s relatively new landscape here, with only (relatively) recent glacial retreat.

That means it’s not rich, productive soil, so the food source for most wildlife is low. Animals like to be where they can easily access good food sources.

That said, we usually see grizzly bears somewhere in the area, and have seen wolverine as well. Arctic ground squirrels are common.

Ptarmigan (willow and white-tailed) are common as well.

Not bad at all. It’s colder country, with so much ice nearby and the bugs aren’t ever too bad here at all.

Oh yeah. Right here

Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a detailed Trip Information Packet with more than enough information on gear to keep you busy. Until then the above check list is a good outline of what you need.

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.

Very briefly

Day 1 – We pick you up and drive to McCarthy, overnight there, and fly in to the backcountry the next morning. … hike … 2nd Last day – We fly back to McCarthy, overnight there.

Last Day – We take you back to Anchorage and drop you at your hotel.

For a much more comprehensive outline and schedule of this, see this page

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.

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.

We have a comprehensive food form for you to complete and we’ll do our very best from there to put together a menu for the trip that you’ll enjoy.

We do our best to accommodate most dietary requirements, tastes and preferences.

Exact menu will be trip dependent. For a 12 day backpack and packraft you can expect a different constitution of food than you’ll see on a 5 day basecamp trip.

Another thing to remember is Expeditions Alaska isn’t a simple “production line” outfit. Guides all have their own systems and menus and favorites, so we don’t have a generic “here’s your trip menu” at all. Menus vary trip to trip.

What I can tell you is that we do the best backcountry food in Alaska. Bar none. You’ll enjoy good food. Really good food. Whether it’s a great pizza, a dish of Pad Thai or greek salad or a lentil soup, I assure you that you’ll appreciate your guides’ culinary expertise. Good food takes a bit extra effort, but can really help bring your trip experience up a notch. Or three.

This is a common question we get, and an important one. So important, it warrants its own page.

All your questions about our backcountry food answered right here.

Yes.

Most guides organize bear canisters into breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and refrigerated items. We’ll pre-pack everything, and provide you with a packed bear canister. We’ll then sort out whatever overflow food we have as well (we use bear-proof bags called Ursacks for that – superduper useful).

These all have different weights and depending on how much weight you want to carry, you can grab the bear canister that best matches the load you think is feasible.

No. Just fill out our food forms and we will take care of planning, buying, and packing the food. We will hand you a canister full of food at the start of your backcountry trip. This will be your group’s entire food split into packable portions.

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.

Would you like to?

Sure. Here’s the form we have guests complete for us when they ask us to do food. It’s a pretty detailed questionnaire. We’ll compile that and make our trip menus from there. Nobody goes hungry.

It’s helpful if you clean your own dishes. We will provide a kit to clean those dishes. Guides typically take care of pots/pans, but if you choose to help they will never forget you.

A little bit of helpfulness will bring you excellent karma.

Varies with trip length, of course. Expect between 8-12 pounds. Obviously, this weight goes down as the trip goes on.

I know you do. Food matters.

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

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.

All multi-day trips (backpacking, basecamping, packrafting, photo tours) out of McCarthy include transport to/from Anchorage/McCarthy, 2 nights accommodations in McCarthy, air taxi flights McCarthy/The Backcountry, group gear such as cook tents, fuel, BRFCs, bear spray, etc. Hiking poles are included if you don’t have your own.

We include a satellite phone for emergencies and one backup emergency contact device, such as PLB or Garmin InReach. First aid kits, map and compass included. All guides are Wilderness First Responder Certified.

Storage of your overnight travel gear is limited but available (keep it small).

Outfitting of equipment such as tents is available. Expeditions Alaska can either fully outfit your trip (all food, tents, etc) or adjust things a la carte if needed.

Guide gratuities are not included but most appreciated.

We do NOT cover the cost of your travel meals, such as meals along the road to/from McCarthy, or in McCarthy pre/post your backpacking trip.

Trip insurance is not included. I strongly urge you to purchase it on your own. Our recommendation is Travelex.

For a full outline of What’s included/not included, please see this page.

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.

We strongly suggest you purchase Trip Insurance.

Peace of mind can be invaluable. The types of trips we run can incur a wide variety of unexpected and unpredictable hurdles that can lead to changes and even cancellations in your trip. It can be simple mundane things sometimes. We’ve sadly seen folks miss a trip simply because their luggage was lost en route. Illness, injury, weather, life, etc all get in the way of our vacations.

Trip Insurers are setup to deal with these moments.

1. Unexpected Illness or Injury
   • Covers emergency medical and dental expenses during your trip.
   • Includes 24/7 global assistance, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

2. Lost Passports or Valuables

1. • Assistance in reporting and replacing lost documents, prescriptions, or passports.
   • Support for emergency cash transfers and recovering expenses.

3. Trip Cancellations

1. • Reimbursement for canceled trips due to accidents, illness, job loss, or family emergencies.

4. Travel Delays

1. • Coverage for additional expenses if delayed by adverse weather or missed connections.

5. Lost or Delayed Baggage

1. • Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, including essential items and clothing.

6. 24/7 Support

1. • Around-the-clock assistance for emergencies, from finding clinics to prescription replacements.

7. Customizable Coverage

1. • Tailored plans with options for adventure activities, rental car damage, pet care, extra medical, or high-value item coverage.

Summary: Trip insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind against unexpected medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, and lost items while offering 24/7 global support and customizable plans.

As with any insurance, the devil, and sometimes the blessing, is in the details. So read over any policy details carefully. Be sure you understand what you’re buying and what you’re not buying.

Here are a few things you want to be clear with, and a few suggestions to help you with your purchase.

1. Emergency Medical Coverage
   • High Medical Expense Limits: Ensure the policy covers substantial medical costs, as evacuations and remote care can be expensive.
   • Emergency Medical Evacuation: Look for coverage (if appropriate) that includes helicopter or airlift transport to the nearest suitable medical facility.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

1. • Covers cancellations due to illness, injury, severe weather, or other unexpected events.
   • Includes reimbursement for prepaid trip costs if plans are interrupted.

3. Search and Rescue Coverage

1. • Verify the policy includes search and rescue services in remote or wilderness areas.
   • Confirm whether the coverage extends to non-medical emergencies like getting lost or stranded.

4. Adventure Activity Coverage

1. • Ensure activities like hiking, kayaking, or mountaineering are covered.
   • Some policies exclude “high-risk” activities, so verify your specific itinerary is included.

5. Baggage and Equipment Protection

1. • Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed gear, including specialized outdoor equipment like tents, hiking gear, or cameras.
   • Check for coverage limits that align with the value of your gear.

6. Travel Delay Coverage

1. • Reimbursement for accommodations and meals if weather or logistical issues delay or cut short your itinerary.
   • Missed connection coverage if delays disrupt air travel to remote destinations.

7. Medical Repatriation

1. • Includes coverage to return you home if a serious medical issue arises during the trip.

8. 24/7 Assistance

1. • Access to a 24/7 hotline for emergencies, including medical, logistical, and legal assistance.
   • Look for policies with robust global assistance services experienced in remote locations.

9. Flexible Policy Terms

1. • Policies that allow upgrades or adjustments for changes in your travel plans or activities.

10. Pre-Existing Conditions

• Coverage that includes pre-existing medical conditions if purchased within the insurer’s specified timeframe.

Pro Tip: Share your trip details (destination, activities, and risks) with your insurer to ensure the policy meets the unique demands of a remote Alaska backcountry adventure.