Alaska Hiking at boulder camp.jpg

Alaska's Southcentral Region

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend


 


Discovery Voyages

Alaska's finest wilderness cruise- mu

The remarkable Southcentral region is the home of Anchorage, Alaska the state’s largest city, as well as the thriving Matanuska/Susitna Valley.  The “Mat/Su,” as it is known locally, is found north of Anchorage and hosts the communities of Palmer and Wasilla and much of Alaska’s agricultural activity.  Along with more than half of the state’s inhabitants, the Southcentral Region of Alaska includes the Kenai Peninsula, long known as "Alaska's adventure playground".  Dotting the coast of the Kenai Peninsula are colorful communities such as Whittier, Hope, Homer, Seldovia, and Seward.  With its well-maintained road system and plentiful recreation facilities, the Kenai is one of the most popular destinations in Alaska.

 

 

Among the public lands in this Alaska region are the Chugach National Forest, Chugach State Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai River Special Management Area, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

 

In many ways, the Southcentral region of Alaska is a microcosm of the entire state.  That is, many of this enormous state’s major ecosystems can be found in a relatively compact, accessible area.  For instance, the Kenai Peninsula area in Alaska is amazingly diverse but is only 200 highway miles from the restaurants and high-rise office buildings of downtown Anchorage.  With a relatively short drive, travelers can visit ice fields, rugged mountains, coastal fjords, sub-alpine forests, and broad alluvial plains.

 

The climate in this region is generally mild by Alaska standards, with temperatures ranging from highs in the low 80s during the summer to lows in the -40s during the more extreme winters.  Southcentral Alaska is also fairly dry by Alaska standards, with annual precipitation of only 24 inches in some parts of the Kenai Peninsula to 80 inches in the coastal town of Seward.  This mild temperature and precipitation range has been a large factor in the popularity of the region going back to the late 1800's.

 

 

Find your Alaska vacation in Alaska’s Southcentral Region this year:

 

ABEC's Alaska Adventures
P.O. Box 10791, Fairbanks, AK 99710

We have all levels of Alaska Brooks Range trips into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or Gates of the Arctic National Park. With over 25 years of experience our Alaskan Guides provide a safe and a fun, "once in a lifetime trip."  We have custom, base camp, backpack, and river trips into the vast wild Alaskan Wilderness. You can see pictures of these trips in our Gallery on line at www.abecalaska.com or call 907-457-8907.


 

 
AdventureSmith Explorations
PO Box 1696, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Your big ship cruise alternative! Cruise Alaska up close aboard a selection of over 25 small ships and yachts carrying 6-138 travelers. We are award winning Alaska travel experts specializing in travel by small ships, yachts and wilderness lodges away from tourist crowds. Speak with our professional crew who has lived, worked and traveled at length throughout Alaska. With over 50 years combined experience in Alaska travel we will answer your questions quickly and accurately. AdventureSmith Explorations is a company founded by guides and we believe that a professional, knowledgeable and personable guide is the key to a successful adventure travel and small ship cruise experience. We are committed to sustainable tourism and contributing positively to the individuals, communities and environments encountered by every AdventureSmith traveler. Call our experts today to plan your Alaska small ship cruise today. 

 
 


 

 


 

AK Adventures, Inc.
P.O. Box 2828, Homer, AK 99603

Discover the brown bears of Katmai. AK Adventures offers guided trips for bear viewing and wildlife photography into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Our trips give small groups of wildlife viewers a rare personal experience to observe and walk among these fascinating and majestic bears, while learning about them and their habitat.

 
Alaska Alpine Adventures
2133 Dahl Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503

Since 1998, Alaska Alpine Adventures has been leading guided Alaska backpacking, alaska hiking trips and adventure vacations throughout Alaska's spectacular national parks and wildlife refuges.  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in both 2008 & 2009, Alaska Alpine Adventures takes adventure seekers on multi-day and multi-sport Alaska hiking tours, rafting tripsAlaska backpacking trips, kayaking trips, and skiing vacations throughout the Last Frontier.  Guided Alaska tours include adventure trips to Lake Clark National Park, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park and beyond.  Our brand of sustainable travel has been recognized by Adventure Green Alaska - Alaska's highly regarded sustainable tourism certification program.  Take a trip with Alaska Alpine Adventures and experience the Alaska vacation of a lifetime!

Alaska Fjord Charters
Seward, Alaska

 Overnight in Kenai Fjords National Park:

Experience up-close the thunder of calving glaciers
Whales, Bears, Sea-lions, Porpoise, Sea-otters, Seals
Bald Eagles, Puffins, Kittiwakes, Muirs, Cormorants
Salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish…
Kayak among ice floes
Run rivers by skiff
Explore beaches
Climb a glacier
ON EVERY 3-DAY TRIP-more than you can imagine!
All up close from the comfort of a vessel built for exploring Alaska!
Alaska Heritage Tours
509 W. 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501

At Alaska Heritage Tours we strive to give you the best of Alaska, the way you want it. We offer pre-packaged Alaska vacations and tours or if you prefer, we are glad to provide assistance in booking the Alaska vacation you desire. We look forward to providing you the Alaska vacation experience you seek. Explore the best of Alaska's top destinations like Denali National Park or Kenai Fjords National Park. Or if an Alaska adventure is what you seek, we can provide you with guided sea kayaking tours, hikes to Exit Glacier and scenic flights over Mt.McKinley and Denali National Park

Alaska Outdoors
P.O. Box 875649 , Wasilla, AK 99687

Since 2001, Alaska Outdoors has showcased Alaska's National Parks and protected areas featuring small group camping and hiking tours throughout the state. Hike, raft, sea kayak, canoe, whale watching, glacier cruises, flightseeing and more. Tours range from 7 to 21 days and start at $995.

Alaska River Adventures
PO Box 725, Mile 48 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing AK 99572

For over 30 years, Alaska River Adventures has hired 'well seasoned' professionals to guide small groups to wild rivers across Alaska.

 

 

Rare permits in Wildlife Refuges and Parks let us show you places few others can -

  • Fishing and photo expeditions on Wilderness Rivers
  • Drift boat fishing on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers.
  • Rafting - from half day to multi day - mild to wild.
  • First class all-inclusive fishing lodge.

 

 
Alaska Rivers Company
P.O. Box 827 Cooper Landing, AK 99572

As one of the few Kenai River rafting outfitters with riverside facilities in Cooper Landing, (our launching point for rafting is right off the back porch of our office), we show you spectacular stretches of the uppe'r Kenai River like no one else. Enjoy the uniqueness of seeing Alaska, its abundant wildlife and the peace and quiet from the turquoise waters of the non-motorized portion of the Kenai River. At the end of your day, relax comfortably in one of our cozy and private cabins spread out over 5 acres that are located either on or near the water and away from the crowds. Once you spend a day on the water with us, whether you are fishing or rafting, you are guaranteed to leave with a wonderful Alaskan memory.

Alaska Sealife Center
P.O. Box 1329 Seward, AK 99664

The Sealife Center, Alaska's only Public Aquarium, is committed to understanding and maintaining the integrity the Marine Ecosystem in Alaska through education, conservation, research & rehabilitation.

Alaska Ultra Sport
PO Box 1125, Chickaloon AK 99674

Alaska Ultra Sport offers guided wilderness trips throughout Alaska. We are based out of Chickaloon, Alaska and have guided trips all over the state.This business has been owner-operated since 2001. If you book a trip with us you will be on a trip with Bill and Kathi Merchant.We offer guided multi day rafting, sea-kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking trips. We operate in many National Parks, State Parks,the  Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Katmai National Park and more.  We speak english, german and some french and italian. 2-6 people.

www.alaskaultrasport.com

 
Alaska Wildland Adventures
P.O. Box 389, Girdwood, AK 99587

Since 1977. Nationally recognized eco-tourism operator features an array of options including All-Inclusive Vacations, wilderness lodges, Sportfishing packages & rafting & fishing day trips; high-quality, small group guided trips allow guests to experience Alaska in the spirit of appreciation. Raft the turquoise Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, seeking out moose, salmon and eagles. Paddle a sea kayak amid glittering glacial ice at  Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and watch for calving glaciers and breaching whales along the dramatic seacoast. Explore Denali National Park and seek out Alaska’s big four: bears, caribou, moose and Dall sheep. In the evening, relax with the authentic Alaskan hospitality of  wilderness lodges and delicious meals. From a two-hour scenic float trip to a two-week all-inclusive vacation, Alaska Wildland Adventures’ range of wilderness adventures and charming accommodations promise a memorable experience in wild Alaska.

 

800.334.8730

www.alaskawildland.com/vwa

Alaskan Alpine Treks
Anchorage, Alaska

10 years guiding small, customized backpacking trips into remote Alaska, where our knowledge and experience allow us to provide clients with an unparalleled adventure. We offer guided backpacking, hiking, camping and nature photography trips in Alaska, specifically Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Katmai National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and more. Browse our website and find the trip that's right for you. 

 

We offer a diversity of adventures, from the perfect family basecamping vacation, to more adventurous and customized rugged backpacking trips for you and your group. Drop us an email or call Carl at 770 952 4549.

Alaskan Tour Guides
6830 Toller Court, Wasilla, Alaska 99654

Experience a sense of wonder and awe.  See Alaska's scenery and wildlife from unique perspectives and discover Alaska with Alaskans.  Alaskan Tour Guides, Inc. leads you on a journey that is fun, educational, safe and eco-minded. We take great care to include sights or adventures we feel are distinctive for visitors seeking a more personal connection with nature and wilderness.  Choose from a wide range of tours, varying in level of difficulty and inetrests.  We are able to provide custom tours for most group sizes.

Bay Excursions LLC
P.O. Box 3312, Homer, AK 99603

Custom sightseeing, birding, photography and wildlife viewing trips. Transportation to Kachemak Bay State Park for hiking, backpacking and kayaking. Wilderness cabin and kayak rentals.

 

 
Cascadia Adventure Education School
P.O. Box 240, 10 Abbey Road, Trout Lake, WA 98650

Cascadia Adventure Education School offers adventure education courses to youth in Alaska\'s most magnificent wilderness regions.

Chinook Tours
P.O. Box 111853. Anchorage, AK 99511

Booking agency, backpacking, guiding, hiking, kayaking and canoeing,lodging, organization, rafting and river trips, wildlife viewing, winter activities.

Copper River Country Nature Tours
HC 60 Box 336E, Copper Center, AK 99573

The Copper River Country Nature Tour provides visitors to the Copper Basin an opportunity to experience and learn about life and nature in the sub-arctic environment.  Walk through Boreal forest, at Wellwood Nature Center, that exemplifies the environment found within the Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve. Trained naturalists will guide you on your hike through the forest, exploring native vegetation, landscapes, and looking for signs of animals.   Learn about the animals and special plants that live along the trail.  You will tour through one of our planet’s most spectacular regions, with expert naturalist as your guide. 

 
Since 2001, WISE has provided science and environmental education to all age groups, resources for learning, and support for scientific research in Alaska’s Copper River Basin.  Proceeds from your tour are used to help fund WISE’s educational programs, including summer camps for children and outdoor nature programs for school groups.
 
Discovery Voyages
P.O. Box 688, Whittier, AK 99693

Alaska's finest wilderness cruise- multi-day voyages, naturalist guided, small groups, onboard cabins, shore hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing, custom voyages. Charter boats, bird watching, cruiseships and tourboats, fishing, hiking, natural and cultural history interpretation, photography. Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta.

Earth Bed and Breakfast & Tours
1001 W 12th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

Earth B&B is THE home away from home for mountain climbers, fishermen, photographers and other adventurers from across the globe. Our comfortable and roomy Anchorage Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located close to downtown walking distance to the city's finest shopping, dining, entertainment and outdoor recreation. Our private accommodations are a perfect alternative to busy hotel lodging. You'll know you are in the right place from the minute you walk through our door.

Exposure Alaska
200 W. 34th Ave. #82, Achorage, AK 99503

Get out of the van and experience Alaska with our adventures.  Kayak, climb, hike, look for wildlife in Denali and more.  

 

Our Alaska Tours offer you the opportunity to get away from the crowds to the real Alaska. 

 

And you'll enjoy the smallest group size in the business with no more than 6 guests on our scheduled trips.  Get ready to Expose Yourself to Alaska.  

 

Since 1999.  Alaskan owned and operated.  

 
Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
33881 Sterling Highway, Sterling, AK 99672

Great Alaska Adventure Lodge.   Since 1981 travelers have enjoyed our ground breaking  blend of exciting Alaska sport fishing and adventure travel from  our riverfront lodge on the Kenai River.  Our guests choose from a wide range of itineraries that include world class sport fishing, private fly-in bear viewing, remote sea kayaking, hiking, day cruising, Denali Touring and much, much more. Customized family, group and corporate adventures are our specialty.  Our all- inclusive trips include pickups in Anchorage and range from 2-10 days.

 

Whether your Alaska dream entails double digit Rainbows on your fly rod,  viewing wild bears in their native habitat, rafting the Kenai Canyon, hiking the Chugach Forest or catching your first King Salmon (or better yet, all of the above!) Great Alaska Adventure Lodge is just the place to see those dreams come true.  Come relish the Great Alaska experience with your family or group this summer.

Honey Charters
200 W. 34th Avenue, #991, Anchorage, AK 99503

Premier transportation company for kayakers and campers and sightseeing in Prince William Sound departing Whittier. U.S.C.G. inspected vessels to carry more than six persons. We promote Leave No Trace camping.

Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge
P.O. Box 956. Homer, AK 99603

Achingly beautiful ocean and mountain setting. Charming private cabins and accommodations with full bath, decks with view, and lovely furnishings. Expert, experienced naturalist staff for hiking, kayaking, birding, fishing, and marine mammal viewing.


 

 
Kayak Adventures Worldwide
P.O. Box 2249 - 328 3rd Ave. Seward, AK 99664

We are a small, personal shop that concentrates solely on sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords, with emphasis on environmentally friendly practices and local education. Our professional guides/naturalists are extensively trained, and small groups enhance your intimate experience with the magical surroundings and wildlife.  We offer a wide range of trips:  from 1/2-day trips to multi-day excursions, so we're sure we'll have something that will be just right for you.  No experience is necessary - all you need is a desire to paddle and the enthusiasm to learn and explore!   Check out our photos, descriptions, and pricing at www.KayakAK.com.

 

We also run Bear Paw Lodge, in Seward... our own cozy, welcoming log home that we rent out to travelers.  This is the true Alaskan experience - hand crafted beauty with all the comforts of home!    www.SewardBearPawLodge.com

 

We worked with Travel Channel in 2003 & Discovery Channel in 2008 to produce informational documentaries about the local area and overall climate change.

Kennicott River Lodge and Hostel
P.O. Box 391, Glennallen, AK 99588

Kennicott River Lodge and Hostel is located at Milepost 59 McCarthy Road. Right infront of the Kennicott Glacier and surrounded by the most beautifull National Park in Alaska . The Wrangell St. Elais. Out our front door the wilderness begains and during the day all your hear is the river flowing out of the Glacier for we run on solar power!

 
Kodiak Treks
11754 S. Russian Cr. Rd., Kodiak, AK 99615

www.kodiaktreks.com

 
     Small-group (max 6 guests) bear viewing/hiking adventures in the spectacular Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Kodiak Treks provides an education-based approach to observing bears with a minimal-impact philosophy.
     Comfortable accommodations at the Aleut Island lodge and our out-camp provide the group's base. From there, we travel by boat and afoot to explore bear density areas with great respect for bears' need for minimal human disturbance--truly a delicate balance.
Projects and Achievements
  • Promoting respect for Alaska's wildlife and remote lands through educational outreach and volunteer efforts in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust, the Kodiak Unified Bear Subcommittee (KUBS), and other local, state, and international organizations.
  • Gold-level certified for responsible practices from Adventure Green Alaska, Alaska's first and only sustainable tourism certification program.
     Join us for a unique wildlife-viewing experience on stunning Kodiak Island!

 

 
Koksetna Wilderness Lodge
1425 5th St, Colusa CA 95932

Koksetna Wilderness Lodge is located in Lake Clark National Park.  There are two lakeside log cabins for full service lodging or cabin rentals.  Lake Clark is fly in only and the lodge provides a peaceful, isolated setting for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hydrocycling and hiking.   $2175/person provides for full service lodging/activities for 6 days/5 nights.  Cabin rentals start at $200/night for the first two people.  Boat/motor rentals are available.  Call us at (907) 781-2227 from June through mid-August or at (800) 391-8651 from mid-August through May. 

Lazy Otter Charters, Inc.
P.O. Box 747, Whittier, AK 99693

Lazy Otter Charters, Inc.

Offering safe, reliable trasport services into Prince William Sound from Whittier, Alaska. 

  • Custom Sightseeing
  • Water Taxi for Kayak and camper drop-off
  • Photography and filming support
  • Kayak rentals
  •  

Our vessels are designed for speed and beach landings for ease of loading.  Qauaq Chief is a 40 foot, 22 passenger landing craft

Explorer is a 30 foot, 6 passenger vessel.

 

 

 

 

NOVA River Runners
PO Box 1129, Chickaloon AK 99674

Since 1975. Scenic and whitewater river rafting trips from class I to V, glacier hikes and ice climbing instruction on the Matanuska Glacier. Day trips near Anchorage and multi-dat trips statewide. www.nova-alaska.com

 
Orca Island Cabins
P.O. Box 1815, Seward, Alaska 99664

Orca Island Cabins, owned and operated by long-time Alaskans Dennis and Susan Swiderski, offers comfortable and stylish overnight accommations (yurts) on a private island in scenic Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay, 9 miles SE of Seward, Alaska. View wildlife from your private deck; kayak; explore tide-pools and a nearby salmon stream and waterfall; fish from the island or its dock; or just sit back and relax.

Prince William Sound Eco-Charters
P.O. Box 735,Whittier, AK 99693

Prince William Sound Eco-Charters was first established in 2000 by a seasoned captain, familiar with the Sound and the winds and seas that affect it. Whether your interests lie in fishing, sightseeing, transportation to cabins or other destinations around the Sound, or even photography, please give us a chance to meet your needs.

Rust's Flying Service
PO Box 190867, Anchorage, AK 99519

<type or paste your 75-word company description HERE>

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge
In Kachemak Bay State Park P.O. Box 2265, Homer, AK 99603

ADVENTURERS & ROMANTICS! Leave the crowds and enjoy a full-service, true Wilderness Lodge. Located inside Kachemak Bay State Park, we are a short boat ride from Seldovia, Halibut Cove, or Homer. On-site weddings & honeymoons. Adventures of land, sea, and air. Parties of 6 or more have the entire lodge to themselves. Book early for this option. Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is full-service wilderness lodge and adventure destination inside Kachemak Bay State Park.

 
Seaman's Adventures
1435 Bay Avenue, Homer, AK 99603

Seaman’s Adventures offer wildlife tours, natural and cultural history tours, guided hiking, and Alaska halibut and salmon fishing in the incredibly productive and diverse Kachemak Bay and lower Cook Inlet area.  Available in spring through fall, our adventures allow the visitor to experience and learn about a diversity of marine mammals, marine and terrestrial birds, Alaska coastal foresst, andthe  fascinating geology and cultural history of the Bay.  Kachemak Bay State Park offers some of the best hiking opportunities in Alaska, whether you hike through a coastal forest or climb to alpine tundra.  Kachemak Bay and Lower Cook Inlet offers some the best halibut and salmon fishing in Alaska!  Our specialty is small groups from two to four people, and families and children are welcome and encouraged.  Join our expert naturalist and fishing guide and experience Kachemak Bay at its best.  To top off your trip, enjoy the best cabin rentals or B&B in Homer.   

Sheep Mountain Lodge
17701 W. Glenn Highway, Sutton, AK 99674

Beautiful log lodge in the mountains. Comfortable guest cabins with private bathrooms and spectacular views. Delicious homemade meals and fresh-baked desserts. Local activities include glacier hiking flightseeing, guided hiking, river rafting and wildlife viewing.  Located along the National Scenic Byway - the Glenn Highway at milepost 113.5.  Join us for relaxing day in the mountains.  Hot tub and  wood-fired sauna await.

Sound Eco Adventures
P.O. Box 707, Whittier, AK 99693

Biologist-guided whale-watching, wildlife, glacier and nature photography tours for up to 6 aboard heated, beachable, 30' cruiser in Prince William Sound, departing Whittier.  Individual attention and uncrowded photo ops assured. 2010 is our 22nd yr. Visit us online at <A HREF="http://www.soundecoadventure.com/">Sound Eco Adventures</A>, call Toll-Free at 888-471-2312, or email us at sea@alaska.net.

 
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
P.O. Box 3332, Seward, AK 99664

Since 1996 our professional guides/naturalists have been introducing paddlers to the wonders of coastal Alaska. We offer kayaking from three locations in the Seward area – Lowell Point, Fox Island and Kenai Fjords. We have the right trip for you whether an introductory paddle or a multi-day kayak/camping adventure. We feature small groups, great food and excellent guides. Come explore our home with us and take away an experience of a lifetime..  www.sunnycove.com

Too-loo-uk River Guides
P.O. Box 106, Denali Park, AK 99755

Extended wilderness raft trips to Alaska's Arctic; Brooks Range, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic NP, NPR-A 

 as well as trips in Wrangell-st Elias and the Chugach Mountains.  We've been guiding in Alaska's backcountry and on Alaska's remote rivers for over 20 years.  We are Alaska owned and operated and specialize in small groups and personal service. 

Wellwood Center B&B
HC60 Box 227, Mile 5.75 Edgerton Hwy., Copper Center AK 99573

Wellwood Center Bed and Breakfast offers upscale lodging only steps away from wild Alaska. Both people-friendly and earth-friendly, Wellwood is a perfect place to stay for a night, a few days, or a month, as you explore all parts of Copper River Country. Our nature preserve invites you with stream-side trails, interpretive programs, and stunning views. Let Wellwood welcome you to this land of unique intrigue and adventure! 

 

 

Wilderness Birding Adventures
5515 Wild Mountain Road. Eagle River, AK 99577

Wilderness Birding Adventures is dedicated to exploring, conserving and sharing Alaska’s rich natural world with those who like to add a splash of adventure and spontaneity (balanced with careful planning and safety) to their vacation in the Great Land. Since 1986, we have been offering our guests the best in Alaska birding, rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing trips from birding tours in the Pribilofs, Gambell and Nome, to wilderness expeditions like paddling the Kongakut and Canning rivers in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, photographing Spectacled Eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta – to name just a few of the possibilities!

Wise Guide Outfitters
P.O. Box 852, Cooper Landing, AK 99572

Alaska sport fishing at it's finest. Professionally guided fishing trips on Alaska's premier rivers and streams. Fly fishing, spin fishing and bait fishing on Alaska's world class Kenai River. Drift boat fishing and wade fishing for 4 species of trophy salmon, trophy rainbow trout and trophy char.

 

Share this