Turquoise Kayak and Hike
Lake Clark National Park
![Destinations]()
Destinations
Anchorage, Turquoise Lake, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Destinations![Activity]()
Activity
Family, Nature & Wildlife, Active, Hiking & Trekking, Backpacking, Water Sports
Activity![Tour Type]()
Tour Type
Group tour
Tour Type![Physical Level]()
Physical Level
Strenuous
Physical Level![Season]()
Season
May - August
SeasonGood to know
- Operated by Alaska Alpine Adventures, the leading Alaska adventure travel specialists.
- Max 8 people with guest to guide ratio 1:4 for safety and risk management.
- All camping and safety equipment provided (satellite phone, maps, GPS, and medical kit).
- Fully qualified expert mountaineering guides.
- 24/7 support.
Guarded by 8,000’ peaks to the east, and endless tundra to the west, Turquoise Lake is nestled between Telaquana Lake and Twin Lakes, in the heart of Lake Clark National Park. This 7-day adventure gives anyone looking for an all-inclusive wilderness hiking experience the chance to thoroughly explore one of Alaska’s most amazing and beautiful watersheds; kayaking the turquoise waters, hiking to the edges of mighty glaciers, and exploring the hillsides searching for a glimpse of the many animals that call this place home. With kayaks based at Turquoise Lake you can hike both the east end and west end of the lake, with the option to do morning or evening paddles from camp.
Tour itinerary
What you'll see and do
Day 1
Arrival at Turquoise Lake
You’ll start the day with an orientation at our Anchorage facility before heading to Merrill Field for a stunning bush flight from Anchorage to Port Alsworth. Your guide will greet you when you land, and as you enjoy a delicious lunch along the shores of Lake Clark, you’ll discuss the adventure and wrap up the trip orientation. You'll then take a 40-minute float plane flight to the north of Port Alsworth, where you'll set up camp and enjoy your first evening meal with your group, followed by an optional evening paddle on the lake.
Day 2
Hike the "grand canyon" of Lake Clark National Park
After leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag, you’ll sip your preferred morning beverage as your guide prepares a sumptuous breakfast sure to fuel you for the day ahead. You'll then spend the day hiking the “grand canyon” of Lake Clark National Park. If weather and river conditions allow, the goal today will be the Turquoise Glacier, via a 6-mile hike up-valley. Otherwise, your guide will take you up one of the incredible side valleys that feed the Turquoise watershed.
Distance: 12 miles. Elevation gain: 1500'
Day 3
Day hike around Turquoise Lake
Today you’ll stretch your legs on another amazing hike, exploring another one of the mighty drainages that bring glacially churned waters to the head of the lake.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain: 1800'
Day 4
Kayaking Turquoise Lake
After a leisurely shore-side breakfast, you’ll break down camp, swap your trekking poles for paddles, and launch your inflatable sea kayak into the pristine waters of Turquoise Lake. As you paddle your way west to our next camp, located on a prominent spit of land on the southwest end of the lake, you’ll enjoy the scenery and try and spot some of the local wildlife.
Kayaking Distance: 5 miles
Day 5
Valley hiking and wildlife-spotting
Your final full-day in the wilderness includes hiking to one of the most unique locations in Lake Clark National Park. A few miles south of our camp, nestled deep in the mountains, is the mineral 'sheep lick' — a favourite haunt for the majestic Dall’s sheep. This valley has provided some memorable wildlife encounters over the years, so be on the lookout for caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, and wolverines as well.
Distance: 12 miles. Elevation gain: 2500'
Day 6
Port Alsworth
A breakfast of granola and hot drinks will allow a leisurely morning to break camp and enjoy your last bit of time in the wilderness. Perhaps a bit soon, the arrival of the float plane will return you to Port Alsworth, where you’ll check into the quaint cabins just steps from the beach. After hot showers and a celebratory dinner, you’ll tally up your wildlife sightings, and try to digest the peaceful days spent in total solitude.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain: 2700'
Day 7
Hike to Tanalian Falls
Upcoming departures
| Departing | Returning | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| More dates available | Enquire | ||
Good to know
- Operated by Alaska Alpine Adventures, the leading Alaska adventure travel specialists.
- Max 8 people with guest to guide ratio 1:4 for safety and risk management.
- All camping and safety equipment provided (satellite phone, maps, GPS, and medical kit).
- Fully qualified expert mountaineering guides.
- 24/7 support.
Tour inclusions
Get in touch now for more details
 |
Accommodation |
5 nights camping. All equipment provided: expedition quality tents, group tarps, all cooking equipment & eating utensils, basecamp privy with toilet supplies. You'll stay in a cabin for your final night. |
|
Guided excursions |
Professional guide service at a maximum 4:1 guest to guide ratio. |
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All meals |
All meals from lunch on day 1 through lunch on the final day of the itinerary. Breakfasts include steel cut oats, scrambles, homemade granola and cereal, locally roasted coffee, assorted tea and cocoa. Lunches could include an Italian club torta sandwich, asiago bagels and Alaska lox, a curried tuna pita, crackers with genoa salami with a roasted red pepper goat cheese spread. Snack mixes and energy bars available throughout the day. Dinners could include pasta carbonara, Alaska reindeer rotini, chicken and chipotle enchiladas, and more. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements catered for on request. |
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Ground transfers |
Ground Transportation to Merrill Field on day 1 |
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Internal flights |
Round trip bush and float plane flight transportation from Anchorage to Port Alsworth |
Reviews
What people are saying about Alaska Alpine Adventures
Marc Trundle
22/08/2019
The trip was extremely well organized, planned and trip logistics carried out without a hitch! Meals far exceeded my expectations and guides were outstanding in every way.
Pavla Fryer
22/08/2019
I enjoyed everything about this trip. I liked the welcome dinner, the B&B in Anchorage was beautiful, the flights to and out of Denali were amazing, the train was fun. And of course Denali itself was just stunningly beautiful....
Kirk Hofeling
22/08/2019
I had an outstanding experience. I will use Alaska Alpine Adventures for my vacation next year.
Days
7
From only
$3,550 pp
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