Glacier Bay National Park is world-famous for good reason: its massive glaciers, abundant wildlife, and rugged mountain scenery have lured visitors ever since George Vancouver first surveyed the bay in 1793.  Spirit Walker’s six-day expedition takes you to places that only a handful of visitors to Southeast Alaska’s iconic destination ever see.

Open to kayakers of all skill levels, our Glacier Bay East Arm Expedition is the perfect way to experience this fascinating and rapidly-changing ecosystem. You’ll paddle and hike to quiet beaches and secluded coves. Watch for signs of brown bear. Spot harbor seals as they haul out on floating icebergs. Photograph an array of shorebirds and marine life. Back in camp, savor a delicious meal and appreciate the beauty of sunset as a hush comes over the landscape.

Our trip begins with a boat ride to Muir Point, named for the 19th century naturalist John Muir, who studied the bay’s glaciers and was enchanted by the region’s stark beauty. We’ll immediately set out to paddling, making our way up Muir Inlet past rocky beaches and stunning mountain scenery.

This is a young landscape, recently exposed by retreating glaciers: new forests of alder and willow, as well as meadows of wildflowers reclaim the scoured landscape. Our East Arm trips are scheduled in early summer when you excellent opportunities to see brown bear, moose, and mountain goats as they forage on tender green shoots. As we paddle, we’ll keep our eyes open for harbor seals, porpoise, and an occasional orca or humpback whale feeding in the pristine waters.

As we make our way deeper into the park, the McBride Glacier beckons. From a safe distance, we’ll have a front-row seat to take in the sights and sounds of this extraordinary natural wonder. Hear and feel the thunderous crash of ice blocks calving into the bay. Listen to the bubbling of icebergs as they slowly melt. From kayaks and on foot, you’ll have two full days to discover the wonders of the McBride and Riggs Glaciers.

Our experienced guides, in addition to cooking superb meals and leading you to places off the beaten track, provide you with fascinating stories of the history and ecology of this rugged landscape. Spirit Walker’s Glacier Bay expedition is a truly unique way to immerse yourself in southeast Alaska’s premier national park. Far from the crowds, you’ll experience the solitude found in paddling a kayak, hiking forest trails, and emerging from your tent each morning to the peaceful quiet of wilderness awaking.

Contact Spirit Walker for trip itineraries!