Insider's Alaska with George Williams College

Insider’s Alaska with George Williams College

J U N E 1 - J U N E 1 0 , 2 0 17

Meet Fellow Alumnus, Kirk Join George Williams College for an extraordinary journey highlighting Alaska by land and sea. This customized tour has been handcrafted by George Williams alumnus, Kirk Hoessle, the CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) of Alaska Wildland Adventures, the leader in small group, big adventure travel in Alaska since 1977!

This special journey offers a deep connection with the natural world through fully guided raft, canoe, kayak and hike forays on the Kenai Peninsula. Learn about Alaska’s native salmon populations while navigating the turquoise waters of the Kenai River by raft; hike an alpine trail, and at the top, explore the bouncy tundra underfoot; and kayak amid icy blue bergs while scanning for inquisitive sea otters and seals.

We’ll also explore the famed Alaska Range—featuring Denali, North America’s highest peak—with opportunities to view iconic land mammals, like grizzlies, moose, caribou and more. Pan for gold in Moose Creek, pedal a mountain bike and take in the splendid scenery on guided hikes in the Kantishna Hills.

Alaska Wildland Adventures has included some surprise outings and other special touches to this itinerary. Don’t miss out! With space for just 16 travelers or less, this trip is sure to sell out fast!

Kirk Hoessle. President and CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) of Alaska Wildland adventures, holds a degree in General Studies with a focus on Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation from George Williams College, graduating in 1977.

Before embarking upon a 35-plus year career in Alaska adventure travel, he served as an outdoor education Site Supervisor, YCC Camp Director, and Managing Director of an interpretive design firm.

And then, the spell of the Alaska wilderness got the best of him.

Kirk is deeply connected to his company and balances work with family life, rafting, sea kayaking, paddle boarding, cross country and telemark skiing, wilderness exploration, competitive volleyball, running, and world travel. He looks forward to meeting you during select parts of the trip!

Insider’s Alaska

Join us and explore some of our favorite places in the Last Frontier.

Day 1, June 1 Anchorage/Cooper Landing Welcome to the 49th State! Start your trip in Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Meet your group and Trip Leader this morning to embark on a guided hike on the stunning Kenai Peninsula. Enjoy a group dinner and orientation.

Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (L, D) Days 2 and 3, June 2 and June 3 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Gear up for a full-day guided rafting adventure on the Kenai River. Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge while your raft guide offers natural history interpretation and stories behind the sights. Scan for eagles and birds, salmon and trout swimming in the turquoise water and possibly moose or bears on the banks of the Kenai River.

Your home for the next two nights is Kenai Backcountry Lodge, nestled on the shores of the glacially-carved Skilak Lake. Day 3’s array of activity options include: an amazing hike through three different ecosystems or a motorized skiff tour around Skilak Lake, making short stops to hike to scenic vistas for photo opportunities. Evening kayak paddles on the lake will be available, weather permitting.

Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D) Days 4 and 5, June 4 and June 5 Kenai Fjords National Park From the seacoast town of Seward, board a small ship bound for Kenai Fjords National Park—a half-day marine wildlife cruise allows us ample time to explore the rugged coastlines. Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at our exclusive lodge destination: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, the lodge offers stunning glacier and mountain views, plus guided canoeing, kayaking, hiking and more.

Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 6, June 6 Kenai Fjords National Park / Seward A return wildlife cruise will bring us to Seward, where we’ll spend the night near the massive Exit Glacier.

Overnight at Sewaqrd Windsong Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 7, June 7 Seward to Talkeetna Embark on a scenic drive north to Talkeetna, the gateway of Denali National Park. Experience the local flavor of a small mountain town. Optional flightseeing tours available.

Overnight Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. (B, L, D) Days 8 and 9, June 8 and 9 Denali National Park Travel deep into Denali National Park on a narrated Denali wildlife drive; only a small percentage of Denali’s annual visitors will gain access to the Kantishna Hills region—our destination for the next two nights. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident and migratory birds, and – if weather permits – gaze upon the splendor of Denali! By day, hike, bike or gold pan, and by night, enjoy evening lectures on Alaskan natural and native history.

Overnight Denali Backcountry Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 10, June 10 Denali to Anchorage Travel in comfort back to Anchorage aboard the historic Alaska Railroad! Catch red-eye flights home or opt to spend another night in Anchorage on your own. (B)

The Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Insider’s Alaska Important Details This trip is designed for travelers in average physical condition. You should feel comfortable trail walking for 3 - 4 hours with short breaks.

The most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude!

We stay in authentic Alaskan lodging to enhance the Alaska experience. There are two beds in each room or cabin, most times with en suite bathroom.

At Kenai Backcountry Lodge, guests use a modern central bathhouse with private showers and restroom areas.

You only need to bring your personal gear and clothing. We’ll send you a complete packing list of recommended clothing after you sign up.

©2015 Alaska Wildland Adventures

Superior This program has earned a Superior ranking.