Clients looking for a great escape to Alaska this summer for a mental and physical recharge after imposed social isolation — and who are still reluctant to cruise — might consider a small-group or independent tour instead.
Alaska has no shortage of isolated adventures, and many of these tours operate best as a single-person adventure or with groups from two to five people. Here are a few of my favorite options.
Into the Wild
In the Far North, there are numerous cabins and adventures based out of Bettles Lodge in Bettles, Alaska, where visitors can hike, float along remote rivers and bask in the warmth of the midnight sun. For an exceptional float trip, suggest clients start at Walker Lake and meander through the southern beauty of the Brooks mountain range.
Tour operator Arctic Wild offers a float trip that begins in Fairbanks, with a connecting flight to Bettles, followed by a float plane to Walker Lake. Once at Walker Lake, clients begin a weeklong leisurely trip rafting or kayaking down the Kobuk River, while taking breaks to explore vast gravel bars; photograph caribou, moose and other wildlife; and, of course, dabble in world-class fly-fishing. Even with little-to-no fishing experience, clients are almost guaranteed to catch fresh Arctic grayling, a must-try delicacy for visitors to Alaska.
For those looking for isolation combined with a bit of socialization, Camp Denali, located inside Denali National Park, offers an up-close-and-personal education on the wildlife, flora and geologic history of the area, as well as the best views of the majestic mountain. Here, guests stay in remote cabins far from the crowded main highway. Meals can be delivered to personal cabins to dine in solitude, or can be enjoyed at the main lodge, which also serves as a central location for group meals and special seminars led by experts. Clients can choose to venture forth on their own or join small groups on daily excursions to explore the park via van, on foot or by bicycle.
If clients crave another escape into the Alaskan wilderness, suggest they fly Alaska Airlines into Cordova and choose from one of a multitude of remote cabins and guided exploratory hikes in eastern Prince William Sound or the Gulf of Alaska.
Denali National Park has many options for visitors looking for solitude.
Credit: 2020 Christopher BatinTwo options include visiting a secluded lighthouse on Kayak Island or exploring the adjacent beaches where the first Russian explorers set foot on American soil. Steve Ranney, a local guide and the owner of Orca Adventure Lodge, offers a multiday adventure to explore the ghost town of Katalla, a once-thriving coastal city that was eventually decimated by fire and severe winter storms. The town site was abandoned in 1943, and old cabins, sections of railroad, boat-pier pilings and boardwalk remnants await those who search through the overgrowth. Guests stay in small cabins next to the town site.
Ketchikan Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Patti Mackey suggests that travel advisors consider offering clients remote day trips while overnighting in Ketchikan.
“We have many state parks and destinations — such as Lunch Creek, Ward Lake and Knudson Cove — that provide isolation,” Mackey said. “Some areas feature salmon streams and bear viewing, all within easy driving distance from town.”
The bureau can assist with planning an itinerary that includes renting a car and choosing the right vacation rental property in isolated spots outside Ketchikan. Air charter operators can transport visitors to cabins, such as those offered by the U.S. Forest Service.
Greg Dierick, owner of Tsiu River Lodge near Yakutat, says the 2020 season is still looking good for his camp, which will open to guests in late July.
“We’ve only had one small group cancel to date,” he said. “Our clients are anticipating making the trip this year, if conditions allow.”
The lodge will remain open into early October, a prime time for anyone who wants to enjoy the autumn colors and spectacular coastal scenery here. Access is via Yakutat Coastal Airlines, based out of Yakutat.
Alaska’s Current Status
Although some in Alaska’s travel industry remain optimistic about the state’s summer season, tourism officials are more focused on the present situation.
“While we are hopeful that we’ll be able to welcome travelers back to Alaska later this year, right now our priority is the health and safety of Alaskans and supporting Alaska travel businesses during this time,” said Sarah Leonard, president and CEO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. “We’re advocating for policies and legislation that will support the unique needs of Alaska’s tourism businesses; staying engaged with our membership and tourism partners across the state; and offering free webinars as resources.”
The Details
Arctic Wild
www.arcticwild.com
Bettles Lodge
www.bettleslodge.com
Camp Denali
www.campdenali.com
Ketchikan Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.visit-ketchikan.com
Orca Adventure Lodge
www.orcaadventurelodge.com
Tsiu River Lodge
www.tsiuriverlodge.com
