Alaska America’s Last Frontier · This morning we fly north to Barrow, the northerly-most point in Alaska on the edge of the cold, ice-dotted, waters of the Beaufort Sea. We are

Alaska – America’s Last Frontier

Naturetrek Tour Itinerary

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK

T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Outline itinerary

Day 1 Fly Anchorage and overnight.

Day 2/3 Seward and Kenai Fjords National

Park.

Day 4 Anchorage.

Day 5/6 Barrow.

Day 7 Anchorage.

Day 8/10 Denali National Park.

Day 11/12 Fairbanks.

Day 13 Depart Fairbanks.

Day 14 Arrive London.

Departs June.

Focus Birds, mammals, other wildlife and scenery.

Grading Grade A – Easy day walks only.

Dates and Prices Visit www.naturetrek.co.uk (tour code USA06).

Highlights:

Explore the landscapes of the USA’s 49th State

Mammals include Black & Grizzly Bears, Caribou,

Moose, Dall Sheep & Sea Otter

Take a boat trip into the Kenai Fjords National Park in

search of seabirds & cetaceans

Humpback Whale, Orca & Dall’s Porpoise

Tufted Puffins, plus Kittlitz’s & Ancient Murrelets

2-nights in Barrow on the shores of the Arctic Ocean

View the spectacular peak of ‘Denali’ (Mount

McKinley) assuming the weather is clear!

Led by an expert naturalist guide From top: Denali National Park, Grizzly Bear & Spectacled Eider.

Alaska – America’s Last Frontier Tour Itinerary

© Naturetrek November 15 1

Introduction

Alaska, the USA’s 49th state, is vast in every sense! By far and away the largest state of the Union it spans an

astonishing four time zones in astronomical terms (although human government has now rationalised these to

two), and contains the highest mountain in North America, some of the most remarkable climatic extremes, and

more private aircraft licences than anywhere else in the country! Best of all, its birdlife is both diverse and

approachable – from the huge seabird colonies on the coast, to its forest and tundra species further north – and it

offers a greater variety of large mammals than any other region of the Americas. These include Black, Grizzly and

Polar Bears, plus Grey Wolf, Moose, Dall Sheep and nearly a million Caribou! Alaska is also very rich in marine

mammals, with Sea Otter, Humpback Whale and the magnificent Orca amongst the many highlights.

This new tour explores some of Alaska’s finest wildlife reserves and landscapes, through a cross-section of the

states varied habitats. Our journey will take us from Alaska’s southern coastline to the shores of the Arctic Ocean,

through taiga forest and across open tundra, past snow-capped mountains and towering glaciers in search of the

wealth of birds, mammals and other natural history that calls this wild land home.

Itinerary

NB. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse

weather & other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the

course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather

conditions available.

Day 1 Anchorage

We depart from London’s Heathrow Airport mid-afternoon on our British Airways flight to Anchorage (changing

to an Alaskan Airlines aircraft in Seattle), the largest city in Alaska, arriving late evening. On arrival we will transfer

to the comfortable Lakefront Hotel for the first night of the tour.

Day 2 Seward

Following a leisurely breakfast, we will drive south along one of Alaska's most scenic roads to the little town of

Seward, the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. En route we will stop at the famous Potters Marsh, a

wonderful little wetland that teems with waterbirds. Here we can expect to find Red-necked Grebe, (wild) Canada

Denali National Park

Tour Itinerary Alaska – America’s Last Frontier


Geese, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Canvasback,

Arctic Tern, Violet-green and Tree Swallows, Belted Kingfisher, Song

Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird and the uncommon Rusty Blackbird.

We will also stop along the Turnagain Arm at Beluga Point to scan the

waters for its ghostly white namesake, the Beluga Whales. The

'Turnagain Arm' was named after a visit by Captain James Cook who

was so alarmed by a tidal bore he witnessed here that he turned his ships

around and fled. The surrounding hillsides are also home a healthy

population of Dall Sheep. Our journey takes us alongside the Alaska Railroad, through a dramatic landscape of

rainforest-clad mountains, the tops of which will still be capped in snow. We will stop frequently to admire the

grandeur of the views and explore the surrounding forests and mountain passes in search of birds such as

Goshawk, Spruce Grouse, Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Rufous Hummingbird (here

at the most northern part of its range, making it the northern-most hummer in the world!), Alder and Olive-sided

Flycatchers, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Steller’s Jay, Northwestern Crow and Northern Shrike. Mammals

to look out for include Black Bear, Moose and Mountain Goat. On arrival into Seward we will check in to the

comfortable Breeze Inn for the next 2-nights.

Day 3 Seward

We will spend this morning and early afternoon cruising the waters of

the Kenai Fjords National Park, truly one of Alaska’s hidden treasures.

Our cruise will take us alongside magnificent glaciers and verdant

temperate rainforest, through pristine waters teaming with wildlife and

past some of most spectacular scenery Alaska has to offer. It will not

be long after we leave Seward marina that we will start to see some of

the many different species of auk that breed and fish in the area. These

should include Ancient, Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets, Horned and

Tufted Puffins and we will keep a sharp eye out for species like Cassin’s Auklet and Rhinoceros Auklet, two more

southern species that have only a limited distribution in south-western Alaska. Other birds to look out for include

Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters, Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants, American Black Oystercatcher and

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Tufted Puffin

Orca, Kenai Fjords National Park



Bald Eagle. The Kenai Fjords are also a wonderful place for marine

mammals and we need to keep our eyes peeled for Humpback

Whales, Orca (Killer Whale), Steller's Sea Lions and the endearing Sea

Otter, which are often present here in large numbers. A glance

landward may even reveal a Mountain Goat or Moose; a memorable

and diverse assemblage of wildlife!

Once back on dry land, we will spend the remaining hours of the day further exploring the forests and bays around

Seward before returning to the town for a second night.

Day 4 Anchorage

We will spend today exploring the extensive spruce forests that surround the Seward Peninsula. By walking a

variety of easy trails, including the Resurection Trail, we can expect to see many avian specialties of south-western

Alaska including Varied and Swainson's Thrushes, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Black-capped

and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Grey Jay, Pine Siskin, Pine Grosbeak, Orange-crowned, Townsend's, Yellow-

rumped and Wilson's Warblers, Northern Tree-toed and Downy Woodpeckers, Spruce Grouse and Alder

Flycatcher. Black Bears and Moose are also common in this area. In the afternoon we will visit the spectacular Exit

Glacier, before returning to Anchorage’s Lakefront Hotel late in the afternoon for a further 1 night in the city.

Day 5 - 6 Barrow

This morning we fly north to Barrow, the northerly-most point in Alaska on

the edge of the cold, ice-dotted, waters of the Beaufort Sea. We are now far

north of the Arctic Circle in a land of perpetual summer daylight and will spend

the next 2 days exploring the surrounding tundra and lakes in search of a wealth

of birdlife that breeds in these icy climes. These include Steller's, King and

Spectacled Eiders, Baird's, Pectoral and Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Sanderling,

Long-billed Dowitcher, Grey and Red-necked Phalaropes, Tundra Swan,

Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Snowy Owl, Long-tailed and

Pomarine Skuas, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting and Hoary Redpoll. Other

species, such as White-rumped, Buff-breasted and Western Sandpipers, Pacific Loon and White-billed Diver

(Yellow-billed Loon) are at the very edge of their breeding range and fluctuate in numbers from year to year.

It is worth noting that numbers of some of the above are tied in with Lemming populations

and fluctuate enormously from year to year. These small rodents known for their boom

and bust cycles are the main food source for many of the birds and animals that live in the

Arctic.

Our accommodation in Barrow, the Barrow Airport Inn, is simple but comfortable and

located close to the Inupiat Heritage Centre which offers visitors the opportunity to learn

about the local Inuit people as well as to purchase their traditional arts and crafts.

Sea Otter

Steller’s Eider

Arctic Fox



NB - You might also like to join an optional Tundra Buggy tour or scenic flight in search of the Polar Bears and

Arctic Foxes which are occasionally attracted to a nearby spit to feast on leftovers from the Inuit whale hunt (not

included in the tour price).

Day 7 Anchorage

After spending a final morning enjoying the arctic birdlife of Barrow we will return to the airport for the short

flight back to Anchorage. Depending on our arrival time (flight timings between Barrow and Anchorage are very

weather dependent) we may have the time to take a walk along the waterfront or visit nearby Spenard Lake. At

low tide, the mudflats here attract various wading birds including Lesser Yellowlegs, Whimbrel and Semi-palmated

Plovers, whilst the freshwater ponds hold Red-necked Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Arctic Tern

and various ducks. Musk Rats can also be seen on occasion, especially in the evening. We will overnight in

Anchorage at the same hotel we stayed in previously.

Day 8 Denali National Park

We will spend today driving north to Denali National Park, wildlife

watching as we go. There are plenty of places to stop enroute including

numerous small lakes and marshes home to an abundance of ducks and

other waterbirds including Bufflehead, Red-throated Diver, Whistling and

Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Crane. Moose are also plentiful along the

highway, many of which will have young (mostly twins) and Caribou and

Black Bears are also often seen. As we approached Denali National Park,

and given clear weather, we should have great views of Denali itself (formerly Mount McKinley) which, at 6,194

metres, is the highest mountain in North America. There are many higher mountains in the world, but few so

impressive, since Denali rises from a base only 350 metres high. Being at such a high latitude, Denali has the widest

snow band in the world, rarely spanning less than 4,270 metres of altitude, it is truly an impressive sight and sure

to be one of the highlights of the tour.

We will be based for the next 3 nights in the Nordhaven Hotel around 10 miles from the park entrance. We aim

to arrive at our accommodation around mid-afternoon and so should have a few hours to head out to explore the

northern edge of the park, perhaps walking the Stampede Trail or exploring the mixed forests around the park

entrance and visitor centre. Here we can search for such species as Grey Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-

crowned Sparrow, White-winged Crossbill, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.


Today we will board one of Denali’s special buses to explore the national park. The bus will take us all the way to

Eielson, some 66 miles from the park entrance, passing a wealth of spectacular scenery enroute and a few famous

landmarks such as Polychrome and Sable Passes. Before boarding the bus, however, we will spend a little time

exploring the visitor centre, an essential introduction to the park, its landscapes and wildlife which includes a large

model of the region which your guide will interpret. Denali not only protects one of North America’s most

Boreal Chickadee



spectacular landscapes – the vastness and grandeur of the scenery here is

breathtaking – but is one of the best places on then continent to view large mammals.

Species to look out for include Grizzly Bear, Red Fox, Beaver, Porcupine, Dall

Sheep, Caribou, and Moose. Sadly, Wolf populations have declined somewhat and,

although we do have a chance of finding this elusive canine, they have become more

difficult to locate in recent years. Smaller mammals are abundant, however, and

include Hoary Marmot, the delightful Collared Pika, Snowshoe Hare, Red Squirrel

and Arctic Ground Squirrel. For the very fortunate there is even a remote chance of

Wolverine or Lynx! Wild flowers are profuse and spectacular. They include species

rare in Britain, such as Mountain Avens and Scotch Asphodel, plus ones unknown

here such as Shooting Star, Spider Plant and Dwarf Rhododendron.

Birds are also well represented and by making frequent stops along the way we hope to see White-tailed and Willow

Ptarmigans, Gyrfalcon, Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Merlin, Great Northern Diver

(Common Loon), Buff-bellied Pipit, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s

Goldeneye, Long-tailed Skua, Cliff Swallow, Grey Jay, Varied Thrush, American Robin, Lincoln’s and American

Tree Sparrows, White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows, Boreal Chickadee and Yellow-rumped Warbler.


This morning we will retrace our steps for a few miles before heading east along the

Denali Highway, one of the most scenically spectacular roads in the State! Whilst it

is forbidden to take private vehicles into Denali National Park, no such restrictions

apply to the Denali Highway and as such we have more flexibility to drive where we

want and stop where and when we wish. As we make our way east we will stop

frequently to check the many roadside pools and small lakes for breeding Surf, Black

and White-winged Scoters, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Little Stint, Bonaparte's

Gull, Black-necked Grebe and Upland Sandpiper, while the surrounding scrub holds

Grey-cheeked Thrush, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers and Sharp-shinned Hawk.

This is also one of the best areas to look for Northern Hawk Owl, although we will

probably have to check a few thousand tree-tops if we are going to strike lucky! This

is also a wonderful area for mammals and during the day we will be on the lookout for Grizzly Bear, Beaver,

Porcupine, Caribou and Moose, all of which are quite common. After a full day enjoying the scenery and wildlife

of the Denali Highway we will return to our hotel for a final night.

Dall Sheep

Hawk Owl

Denali Highway



Day 11 Fairbanks

This morning we will head north to the city of Fairbanks, stopping frequently along the way to admire the scenery

or enjoy the wealth of animal and birdlife we are sure to encounter along the way.

On arrival in Fairbanks we will visit its famous Natural Museum. The museum’s research collections – numbering

1.4 million artifacts and specimens – represent millions of years of biological diversity and thousands of years of

Alaska’s cultural traditions, and serves as a valuable resource for research on climate change, genetics, contaminants

and other issues facing Alaska and the circumpolar north. We will also visit a reserve on the outskirts of the city.

The Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge covers nearly 2,000 acres. It is home to a wide variety of breeding

birds ranging from the diminutive Hammond’s Flycatcher to the stately Sandhill Crane. Mammals include

Woodchucks, the smaller cousin of the Hoary Marmot, plus Beaver, Muskrat, American Mink, Porcupine, Coyote

and Snowshoe Hare. An evening walk may even produce a glimpse of a Northern Flying Squirrel! We have 2 nights

in Fairbanks based in the Best Western Chena River hotel.

Day 12 Fairbanks

This morning we will drive north along the Dalton Highway in search

of a variety of breeding waders and other species with a more

northerly distribution. If the conditions are on our side and we reach

the right habitat, we will also explore the mixed spruce and birch forest

for the rare Siberian Tit.

Later in the afternoon we will find ourselves in a completely different

habitat as we search the abandoned fields for a further suite of species

including Sharp-tailed Grouse, Mountain Bluebird, Upland Sandpiper, American Kestrel and Red-tailed (Harlan's)

Hawk. Every 4 or 5 years the Snowshoe Hare population ‘booms’, and if we time it right - and enjoy a great deal

of good fortune - we do have a chance of finding the rare Canadian Lynx in one of its last strongholds! After a

full day exploring the various habitats around Fairbanks we will return to the city for our final night in Alaska.

Day 13 Depart Fairbanks

This morning we must make our way to Fairbanks’ small airport in time for our 0630 hours flight to Seattle from

where we connect with a British Airways flight back to London’s Heathrow Airport.

Day 14 Arrive London

We are due to arrive back into London's Heathrow Airport around midday.

Mountain Bluebird



Grading

Grade A. This is an easy tour suitable for anyone of an average fitness. Walks will be mostly over easy terrain and

taken at a slow pace, although some of the paths can be rough and hilly in places and it may be necessary to go

‘off-road’ from time to time.

Weather

Weather in Alaska various from north to south and east to west due to the large size of the state. Anchorage enjoys

a lot of sunny weather in June, although being near the coast rainy days are not infrequent. Days will feel mild with

temperatures up to 17°C, while nights can be cool, with temperatures down to 8°C. Seward has very similar

weather, although does experience a greater number of overcast and wetter days. It can be windy at times too.

Barrow is located on the shores of the Arctic Ocean and experiences a more polar climate with day time

temperatures rarely getting above 5°C and night time temperatures dipping below freezing point. It will be light

for 24 hours of the day in June, however, and so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the local wildlife. Fairbanks,

and Denali, in comparison can feel almost tropical, with an average day time temperature in June of 22°C! The

weather throughout Alaska often changes very quickly, however, so you should pack for all eventualities and ensure

you have some particularly warm clothing for Barrow and the boat trip out of Seward.

Food & accommodation included in the price

We will be staying in a variety of comfortable motels, guesthouses and hotels during the course of this holiday. All

rooms have private facilities and a limited number of single rooms can be arranged for the supplement price

outlined on our website. Breakfasts and lunches are included in the tour cost, dinners are excluded. When staying

at some of the ‘remoter’ venues meals will need to be taken in the hotel’s restaurant, if other options are available

your leader will be able to offer advice.

We would recommend that you allow approximately £250 £300 per person to cover the cost of the evening meals.

Please note that the accommodation outlined above may - very occasionally - need to be amended. Replacement

hotels will always be of the same standard as the ones outlined in the itinerary and will in no way affect your

holiday. Should we have to implement any changes to the above we will notify you as soon as possible.

Tour focus

This is a general natural history holiday focusing on the birds, mammals, other wildlife and spectacular landscapes

of Alaska.

Extra expenses

Please note that we do not include the following in the cost of your holiday; evening meals, drinks, tips to local

guides, locally payable airport taxes, US electronic visa waiver fees (ESTA) and all items of a personal nature such

as souvenirs, telephone calls, laundry etc.



How to book your place

In order to book a place on this holiday, you will need to read the Naturetrek terms and conditions in the back of

our brochure or on our website, and then book either online at www.naturetrek.co.uk, by calling us on 01962

733051, or by completing and returning the booking form in the brochure together with a deposit of 20% of the

holiday cost. If you do not have a copy of this brochure, please call us on 01962 733051.

Extensions

There are plenty of extension options available for those wishing to spend more time exploring this vast state.

Ideas include breeding waders and shaggy Musk Oxen in Nome, Grizzly Bears in Lake Clark and Katmai National

Parks and wildlife cruises around the sheltered waters of Prince William Sound.

Further details of some of these are outlined below, but for further details and prices please contact the Naturetrek

office on 01962 733051 or email [email protected].

Nome

This 4-night extension can be tagged onto the end of your holiday and is guided by the Naturetrek tour leader.

The price of this extension will vary depending on how many people take part.

Day 13 Fly Nome

We take an early flight this morning from Fairbanks to the community of Nome in the far west of the state,

following a change of aircraft in Anchorage. After settling into our hotel we will spend the afternoon starting our

exploration of the surrounding tundra and shoreline.

Day 14 - 15 Nome

We now have 2 full days to enjoy the arctic birdlife and other wildlife of Nome and its sourroundings, some of

which are restricted to this western-most extremity of the state. Species to look out for include Emporer Goose,

Gyr Falcon, Red-necked Stint, Slaty-backed Gull, Aleutian Tern, Sandhill Crane, Bluethroat, Golden-crowned

Sparrow and large numbers of ducks and other waterbirds. Nome is also the best place to look for the highly

endangered Bristle-thighted Curlew and we will make a special effort to see this elusive species. Shaggy Musk Oxen

and plenty of Caribou are also to be found around the town.

Day 16 Anchorage

After some final birding around Nome we will take a flight back to Anchorage and transfer to a comfortable hotel

for the night. The afternoon is then free to birdwatch nearby or explore the city itself.



Day 17 Depart Anchorage

This morning we must make our way back to Anchorage Airport in time for our late morning flight to Seattle from

where we connect with a British Airways flight back to London’s Heathrow Airport.

Day 18 Arrive London

We are due to arrive back into London's Heathrow Airport around midday.

Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks (Grizzly Bears)

Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks are situated in the southwest of Alaska, on the northern edge of the 800

kilometre long Alaska Peninsula. Katmai is approximately the size of Wales, while Lake Clark is marginally smaller.

Both protect over 16,000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, active volcanoes and some of the best scenery

in the state and are only accessible by boat or plane. They are also home to healthy populations of Grizzly Bears,

indeed Katmai National Park protects the world’s largest population of Grizzlies! In June the bears are usually out

on the sandy foreshore digging for clams and feeding on the new growth of sedge in the river valleys. Later in July

the first of the salmon runs start and the bears move to the spawning streams and switch their attention to fishing.

Both months offer excellent bear viewing, however, and there are a variety of tours available out of Anchorage

and Homer (both day trips and multi-day tours) that offer some wonderfully close encounters with these

magnificent predators to a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and pristine wilderness. Please telephone or email

the Naturetrek office for further details and prices.

Photographs used under licence from Shutterstock

Katmai National Park

Documents

Alaska America’s Last Frontier · This morning we fly north to Barrow, the northerly-most point in Alaska on the edge of the cold, ice-dotted, waters of the Beaufort Sea. We are