Available Mid May – Late September
On this beautiful day trip, we float the entire upper Kenai River down to the inflow at Skilak Lake. This is the most pristine and protected section of the entire river, with much of the 19 mile float being inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Take in the famous turquoise waters of the Kenai, the peaks of the Chugach Mountains on either side, see anglers fishing at the combat banks near the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers, and feel the excitement of Class II and III rapids as you navigate the Canyon.
Your guide will point out features like huge bald eagle nests perched on tall cottonwoods, dall sheep on the mountainsides, and backchannels braiding off the main channel. Keep a lookout for brown and black bears, moose, beavers, and plentiful waterfowl such as mergansers, loons, harlequin ducks and goldeneye. Enjoy your picnic lunch on the banks of Skilak Lake before a 2 mile hike on Hidden Creek Trail back to the shuttle vehicle. This hike has some gentle elevation gain and is considered easy-moderate.
The Kenai Peninsula is a hiker’s dream come true. Drifters Lodge is located in the heart of the Chugach Mountains and borders the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. There are a wide variety of hikes easily accessible from Drifters Lodge. Our local trails are the perfect way to enjoy photography, bird watching and incredible panoramic views. Trails range from easy forest walks to strenuous climbs up to mountain peaks.
Let us take you on an outing to Seward, the Mural Capital of Alaska. In this beautiful harbor town, you can find activities and shopping to suit any interest. Visit the Alaska Sea Life Center for an up close look at the marine wildlife which calls this area home. Ride out to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, where you can walk a short trail to view the glacier. Plan a horseback ride on the tidal beaches. Visit Seavey’s Dog Kennel for an insider’s look at a storied Ididarod family (and meet the puppies!). Zipline through temperate rainforest canopies. Shop for local art and goods in the quirky downtown. Seward overflows with Alaskan experiences!
Available Late May – September
This 6 hour cruise departs from Seward and sails out Resurrection Bay. Learn about the glacially sculpted landscapes, marine ecosystem, WWII outposts, and more. Spot whales, orca, otters, sea lions, and seals, and visit the puffin rookeries on your way to view a magnificent tidewater glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. At the glacier, you’ll stop and watch the glacier calve huge chunks of ice into the ocean. This is a relaxed trip on a large boat with warm indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks.
Available Late May – Early September
This is a 3 hour Backcountry ATV guided group tour that starts at the Bird Valley Trailhead between Anchorage and Girdwood. You’ll explore an exceptional geographic location in Chugach State Park where the Pacific Coastal Rainforest meets the Northern Boreal Forest. There are 2 steep sections of the trail accessed by foot, leading to the waterfall area. You may opt out of participating in the hike, where you can enjoy the overlooking alpine meadow scanning for wildlife instead.
Kenai Lake Kayaking
This is an easy 3 hour paddle on the striking turquoise waters of Kenai Lake, a huge body of water that feeds the Kenai River. Gaze up at the beautiful and rugged Chugach mountains surrounding Cooper Landing and spot dall sheep, bald eagles, and possibly bear and moose from the water. Take in the countless waterfalls cascading down the drainages of these huge peaks, and feel the awe of this Alaskan landscape.
Sea Kayaking
Choose from several ocean paddling adventures out of Seward. Trips vary in length and difficulty level, so there are options for both beginners and more experienced kayakers to explore the rich marine ecosystem of Resurrection Bay. We can discuss the options with you!
Drifters Lodge is a small, locally owned and operated fishing lodge with a long history of repeat guests and satisfied anglers. We have been in operation since 1998.
Drifters Lodge is permitted to operate on public lands under special use permits from the Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Alaska State Parks. Drifters Lodge is an equal opportunity provider.
© 2024 Drifters Lodge. All rights reserved.