Explore the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness in this active seven-day sea kayaking journey. John Muir visited this area in 1879 and wrote "the fjord is shut in by sublime Yosemite cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls, fringes of trees, and patches of flowers....gliding on and on, the scenery seemed at every turn to become more lavishly fruitful in forms, as well as more sublime in dimensions - snowy falls booming in splendid dress; colossal domes and battlements and sculptured arches of a fine neutral-gray tint, their bases laved by the blue fjord water..." Because this area is pure wilderness, you will see it just as John Muir saw it: an Alaska Yosemite, without crowds or gift shops! We will glide through narrow fjords with 3,000-foot high cliffs and cascading waterfalls flanked by lush virgin forests. Extreme tidal action provides mineral rich up-wellings that attract fish, marine mammals and sea birds. We paddle the iceberg-studded waters to the spectacular Dawes Glacier. We will take hikes, with no trails to restrain us. The wildness is so complete, at times we will feel like Muir - a true explorer. This can be a fairly strenuous trip, and although no previous kayaking experience is necessary, participants should be in good shape and be eager for an active vacation. Begins and ends in Juneau.
Slide show from guest John Wall
Liege luxury hotelsTrips are scheduled such that the first trip follows this itinerary and the second travels in reverse.
Day 1 - We board a charter boat for a scenic cruise down the Inside Passage to Endicott Arm Fjord. Watch for whales and other marine mammals, especially as we enter Endicott Arm, where an underwater glacier moraine creates nutrient-rich up-welling currents. We may see huge icebergs that have survived their journey all the way out from the Dawes Glacier at the head of the fjord. As we cruise up Endicott Arm, the scenery changes dramatically as we enter a vertical world of granite cliffs and glacier-carved cirques. The granite walls of the fjord tower over us, with waterfalls cascading down on either side. Upon nearing the head of the fjord, we offload our kayaks and begin paddling to our first campsite in the stunning wilderness.
Days 2-4 - We continue our exploration of this incredible landscape by sea kayak and on foot. We may hike up a newly-formed valley on the far side of the fjord, just recently uncovered by the receding North Dawes Glacier. We'll paddle through iceberg-laden waters, many of them dotted with seals hauled out for a rest, as we make our way to North Dawes Inlet.
Days 5-6 - We explore the wondrous Ford's Terror - a spectacular fjord accessible only through a narrow passage off Endicott Arm. Rushing tidal currents and whirlpools prevent us from entering when the tide flows in and out. We must wait for slack water to enter this paradise. (Seaman H.R. Ford didn't wait, back in 1889, and found himself terrorized by the rushing tidal waters!) Both brown and black bear can sometimes be seen roaming the narrow beaches and tide flats. Mountain goats have even been sighted on this rugged coastline.
Day 7 - After a final morning of paddling or hiking, floatplanes arrive inside Ford's Terror and take us on a truly spectacular return flight to Juneau in time to shower and gather for a no-host dinner at a local restaurant.
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