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USA & Domestic

USA : Alaska Backcountry

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Where To?

Alaska Backcountry

EXPLORE

Float planes, backcountry campsites, glacial lakes and the rare opportunity to spot grizzly bears in the wild

BLAZE

Your own trails, literally, amidst the salmon-filled rivers of Alaska’s wildest corners, accompanied by expert local guides

ELEVATE

Backpack in style on a fully supported hike with most gear provided, led by experienced local guides and a camp cook

Why Alaska

It’s as far, as deep and as untouched you can go in the USA—a backcountry paradise far beyond any road. Travel by bush plane and float plane, over moraines and soaring mountains, to blaze your own trails along streams filled with salmon, as eagles soar above in in the remotest corners of Katmai and Lake Clark national parks.

Moments That Matter

You're in the Alaska even Alaskans dream of. Here, you trek through the state’s most epic national parks and spend nights removed from the world, in a world all its own. It’s only you and eagles, caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. You’ll leave transformed, having learned the difference between wild and Alaska wild.

Your Private Experience

Who It’s For

Our Alaska takes you to the most remote part of the 49th state, built for those who seek the thrill of being way, way off the grid. If you want to immerse yourself in wilderness, this trip is for you.

When to Travel

The season runs May through August, with peak salmon runs (and wildlife viewing) in mid-July and August.

Make It Yours

Fishing or tracking, wildlife viewing or climbing—or a healthy mix of everything? We’ll adjust our Alaska itinerary to suit the backcountry experience of your dreams.

Day by Day

We’ll cover all internal float-plane transfers and accommodations, while you’re responsible for your personal gear from our provided list. Here’s how we roll in Alaska’s backcountry:

Day 1

The adventure begins! Meet in Anchorage for a gear check, then head out on a gorgeous plane ride down to the wild and remote Katmai National Park—over 4 million acres of spruce forests, rushing rivers and wild mountains. Set up camp on Iron Springs Lake, and take a short day hike to get acquainted with your new backcountry home.

  • Private airport transfers
  • Private bush flight from Anchorage to Port Alsworth
  • Float plane to Katmai National Park
  • Day Hike near Iron Springs Lake

Days 2 - 3

Head out onto the tundra, watching for herds of caribou, eagles soaring, and maybe even grizzly bears over three days of pristine backcountry hiking. We rise early for hot breakfasts, then hike past spring-fed lakes and creeks, our route rises in broad tundra surrounded by spectacular peaks. Each day plan on 6 to 7 miles of hiking, with elevation gains of 500 to 1,500 feet.

  • Hike through untouched wilderness
  • Sleep in expedition-quality tents (provided)
  • Award-winning camp meals prepared by your camp cook

Day 4

The goal today is Spectacle Lake and the headwaters of Moraine Creek. This is true bear country with each river, stream and sandy inlet pulsing with salmon making their last upstream push to nest and lay eggs. Set up camp and head out on an afternoon hike (daypacks only) in search of wildlife and, of course, grizzly bears. When you return it’s time to relax, and maybe even fish for a few trout.

  • Day hike up Moraine Creek
  • Grizzly bear viewing

Day 5

Grab your daypacks for a full-day ramble along Funnel Creek to its confluence with Moraine Creek. Up on the ridge, look for grizzly bears, both lone males and mothers with spring cubs, roaming the creek and fishing for salmon. Go slow and appreciate every moment in Katmai’s bear country, before looping back to camp. Tonight you’ll take in the twinkling stars in a place very, very few people have ever seen. This is truly special.

  • Day hike up Funnel Creek
  • Grizzly bear viewing

Day 6

Rise for breakfast, then hear something surprising: your personal float plane, descending to transport you back to Farm Lodge’s lakeside cabins at Port Alsworth, on the namesake lake of Lake Clark National Park. Hit the showers then have time to explore, hike or paddle on the lake before gathering for a celebratory dinner of home-cooked Alaskan fare.

  • Private float plane to Port Alsworth
  • Paddle or hike around Lake Clark
  • Cabin lodging and celebration dinner

Where We Sleep

Our Alaska is backcountry camping on mountain-rimmed tundra and lakeside beaches, plus a grand finale of luxurious cabins at an all-timer location.

Backcountry Camping

Location location location. We pitch tents by pristine streams and glacial lake beaches backed by rugged peaks in Alaska’s true wilderness. We eat well under the stars, too, with locally sourced ingredients cooked in our camp-kitchen.

Mountain Lodges

Days of hiking is rewarded by a lodge wedged between mirrored lake waters and towering peaks at Lake Clark National Park. Breathe in the wildflowers and listen out for wildlife from a country-style lodge with unforgettable, home-cooked feasts.

People Love Modern Adventure’s Alaska

“
The backpacking was amazing, each campsite was stunning. Watching grizzlies up-close is an experience I'll never forget.
Kelly G.
“
Rustic luxe. How can you top that?
Debra B.
“
Every person involved with leading and guiding was top notch—friendly, knowledgeable, fun, kind—it doesn’t get better.
Elizabeth Z.

FAQs

  1. How many people is this itinerary suitable for?

    Our private itineraries are ideal for groups as small as six, or as large as you desire—you and friends, families and multi-generational groups.

  2. What makes a MO/AD experience different?

    Our level of curation and care. We handle everything, overseeing your experience from beginning to end, with the highest levels of ownership and responsibility. We also support you each step of the way, with comprehensive trip materials and itineraries, detailed day-by-day options, insider destination info, gear recommendations, and 24/7 dedicated support.

  3. How far in advance should I plan my trip?

    Preferably three to six months in advance. Alaska’s summer season is short, and demand for permits and float planes and accommodations are high. Advance reservations are important to secure the best locations and accommodations possible.

  4. What is typically included?

    We curate your Modern Adventure to ensure the experiences are authentic and immersive, and included in your trip price. This includes all accommodations, most gear (expedition-quality tents, all cooking gear),  local transport and internal flights, airport transfers, local guides and cultural experts, and all meals.

  5. How much will it cost?

    Private Modern Adventures typically cost $750 to $1,500 per person, per day, and vary by time of year, the number of people in your group, and types of activities (private local guides, private transfers) you prefer. 

  6. What's not included?

    MO/AD Private Departures do not include roundtrip airfare to/from your destination, travel insurance, transportation to your trip’s starting point, lodge incidentals (including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs), and any activities or meals not included in your confirmed MO/AD itinerary.

  7. What deposits are required?

    After learning more about you, your interests and preferred style of travel, as well as your preferred travel dates, we will present you with a detailed itinerary including activities, internal flights, transport and accommodations. In order to check and confirm availability for your group, there is a $750 non-refundable deposit due. This will be applied to your final trip cost. 

    Your trip is guaranteed—and your dates secured—with a 25% non-refundable deposit. Many of our local partners, including our hotel and resort partners, require advance deposits to secure the best accommodations. The balance of your trip is due 30 days prior to travel.