HIKING IN ALASKA
Venture out on a guided odyssey through the enchanting Alaskan wilderness. Our expert guides lead you on invigorating hiking adventures, revealing the untouched beauty of Alaska’s towering peaks.
HIKING
Grewingk Glacier
(5-9 miles) 4-6 hrs
Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
Hike through the dense mountain forest of Kachemak Bay State Park to a pristine, ice-blue glacial lake. The adventure begins from the Odyssey Lodge beach, as one of our experienced captains and personable guides escort you on a 20-minute boat ride to explore this remote park. Immerse yourself in the wilderness as you hike upward, but steadily, through cottonwoods and Sitka spruce. Then emerge through the tree line to the beach of a pristine lake with beautiful views of Grewingk Glacier, and the unique opportunity to see the glacier calve and deposit icebergs in the water. Sit down for lunch, walk the shore, give your feet an ice bath, or just sit and listen as the glacier grackles.
This hike has several routes over various trails, as well as multiple access points. So, test your strength and take a ride on a hand tram over the glacial river. Find your favorite picture-perfect backdrop in this captivating landscape for posting on the gram. The choice is yours. This relatively easy hike is a great way to experience one of Alaska’s majesties before it’s gone.
Poots Peak
(8.6) 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous/ Hard
Located just up the channel from Odyssey Lodge sits Poots Peak. A boat will take you on the first leg of the journey to the harbor town of Halibut Cove. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for whales, otters, seals and other Kachemak Bay marine life. From the Halibut Cove ranger station, you will embark on a two-mile hike to China Poot Lake. Be on the lookout for bears, and don’t hesitate to be noisy. This is a heavily wooded trail where a bit of bushwalking may be required.
Depending on the season and water levels, high boots and/or hip waders may be handed out for stream crossings. From China Poot Lake, you will make your way up Poots Peak, gaining 2,000 feet of elevation over two miles. Along the way you will stop for lunch at a scenic overlook, giving guests the opportunity to forage for wild berries and learn about local fauna from one of our knowledgeable guides. This is a strenuous hike, so those who join us should be in good shape. That said, this is the perfect day out for true adventurers looking for a trek with sparse trail traffic.
Grace Ridge
(8.4 miles) 6-8 hrs
Difficulty: Strenuous/ Hard
Are you dreaming of taking an incredibly scenic hike with an opportunity to see bears in their native habitat? Look no further, this trip has you covered. Your day starts with a 10-minute boat ride from Odyssey Lodge to Sadie Cove. From the northern trailhead, you will make your way through the mountain forests toward Grace Ridge. Over 3,353 feet of elevation gain, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of Kachemak Bay and neighboring Sadie Peak. This trail can be muddy and steep at times, so proper hiking shoes and poles may be required. You will be crossing terrain where black bears often forage for wild berries and other native plants, so come with your best “Hey, bear!” voices. They like to be warned and prefer to stay a healthy distance from humans. With any luck at all, you will spot them scattered across the opposing range where they are frequently seen.
Red Mountain Chromium Mine
(11-19 miles) 8-10 hrs
Difficulty: Strenuous/ Hard
Set off on an all-day adventure to an abandoned chromite mine used predominantly during World War II. Originally discovered by prospectors around 1910, this mine produced a material used to harden and protect steel — particularly important in the making of hulls for warships. Your trip begins on a boat from Odyssey Lodge across Kachemak Bay to the town of Selsoviet. There, a vehicle will take you on a short drive to the trailhead — and old tractor road. You will follow the road through the forest and over streams as you ascend the mountain, passing evidence of mining history. Upon arrival at Red Mountain, you will have lunch, followed by time to explore the area. Check out abandoned mine shafts and old relics left behind. Breathtaking views of the mountain valley below make for exceptional landscape photography. Eagles are frequent companions on this trip, and sometimes bears and even mountain goats share the route. We also offer a shortened version of this tour — driving the first and last four miles of the road, cutting off eight total hiking miles.
