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Build Your Ultimate Alaska Fishing Adventure
At Drifter’s Lodge, we understand that every angler has unique preferences. That’s why we offer a wide range of package activity substitutions to customize your Alaska Fishing Package. Whether you’d like to explore the stunning scenery of the Kenai Peninsula with a hike, whitewater rafting, or simply relax and enjoy the charm of Cooper Landing, Alaska, we have options to make your trip truly unforgettable. Browse our suggested activities below and contact us to create your perfect itinerary.
Available Mid May – Late September
Our short scenic floats on the Upper Kenai River cover 7-12 river miles with mountain peaks on either side and some mild Class I and II rapids. Keep your eyes open for wildlife at the riverbank, mountainsides and sky. We typically spot many eagles and eagle nests, dall sheep, waterfowl including mergansers, goldeneye, and harlequin ducks, and wading birds. Lucky rafters might see brown or black bears, moose, or beaver. This is a great excursion to add onto your arrival day if you have extra time, as we run a 6pm float daily.
On this beautiful day trip, we float the entire upper Kenai River down to the inflow at Skilak Lake. This is the most pristine and protected section of the entire river, with much of the 19 mile float being inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Take in the famous turquoise waters of the Kenai, the peaks of the Chugach Mountains on either side, see anglers fishing at the combat banks near the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers, and feel the excitement of Class II and III rapids as you navigate the Canyon.
Your guide will point out features like huge bald eagle nests perched on tall cottonwoods, dall sheep on the mountainsides, and backchannels braiding off the main channel. Keep a lookout for brown and black bears, moose, beavers, and plentiful waterfowl such as mergansers, loons, harlequin ducks and goldeneye. Enjoy your picnic lunch on the banks of Skilak Lake before a 2 mile hike on Hidden Creek Trail back to the shuttle vehicle. This hike has some gentle elevation gain and is considered easy-moderate.
The Kenai Peninsula is a hiker’s dream come true. Drifters Lodge is located in the heart of the Chugach Mountains and borders the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. There are a wide variety of hikes easily accessible from Drifters Lodge. Our local trails are the perfect way to enjoy photography, bird watching and incredible panoramic views. Trails range from easy forest walks to strenuous climbs up to mountain peaks.
Let us take you on an outing to Seward, the Mural Capital of Alaska. In this beautiful harbor town, you can find activities and shopping to suit any interest. Visit the Alaska Sea Life Center for an up close look at the marine wildlife which calls this area home. Ride out to the Exit Glacier Visitor Center, where you can walk a short trail to view the glacier. Plan a horseback ride on the tidal beaches. Visit Seavey’s Dog Kennel for an insider’s look at a storied Iditarod family (and meet the puppies!). Zipline through temperate rainforest canopies. Shop for local art and goods in the quirky downtown. Seward overflows with Alaskan experiences!
Available Late May – September
Let us take you on an outing to the charming town of Girdwood, a ski town by winter and an adventurer’s paradise by summer. We’ll visit your chosen points of interest. Crow Creek Mine gives you a taste of gold rush history with historical displays and the chance to pan for gold in an active claim. There are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails to get off the beaten path. And if you are more inclined for a relaxing day, we can build this outing around a visit to the world-class Alyeska Nordic Spa. There you can enjoy a spectacular series of hydrotherapy pools and saunas situated among old growth trees. A stop at one of the local restaurants rounds out your day before heading back to the lodge.
Sixmile Creek holds Class III, IV and V whitewater for thrill-seekers in a tucked-away location near the small town of Hope. The trip begins with a swim test in the river so you can practice swimming across the current and following whistle commands to the opposite bank. There you will load up in your rafts and begin navigating the first of three rapid filled canyons. Lush temperate rainforest surrounds you on this heart pumping float through some crazy Alaskan waters!
This 6 hour cruise departs from Seward and sails out Resurrection Bay. Learn about the glacially sculpted landscapes, marine ecosystem, WWII outposts, and more. Spot whales, orca, otters, sea lions, and seals, and visit the puffin rookeries on your way to view a magnificent tidewater glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. At the glacier, you’ll stop and watch the glacier calve huge chunks of ice into the ocean. This is a relaxed trip on a large boat with warm indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks.
Available Late May – Early September
This is a 3 hour Backcountry ATV guided group tour that starts at the Bird Valley Trailhead between Anchorage and Girdwood. You’ll explore an exceptional geographic location in Chugach State Park where the Pacific Coastal Rainforest meets the Northern Boreal Forest. There are 2 steep sections of the trail accessed by foot, leading to the waterfall area. You may opt out of participating in the hike, where you can enjoy the overlooking alpine meadow scanning for wildlife instead.
This glacier jet ski tour takes you into the wilds of Prince William Sound and Blackstone Bay near Whittier. This is an amazing adventurous trip for those wanting a more hands on experience with glacier viewing. You cover 60 miles of water while your guide points out glaciers, waterfalls, and some history of the area. It’s very common to see wildlife out on the water including seals, otters, puffins and so much more. Your guide will outfit you in premium dry-suits before you get out on the water, as well as a short jet ski lesson from the guides. This trip is 4.5 hrs long.
Feel the exhilaration of flight in a small float plane as you navigate the rugged landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula. Choose between a 30 or 60 minute flight and see mountain peaks, valleys, crystal alpine lakes, the Harding Icefield, and the tidewater glaciers of the Kenai Fjords National Park. The bird’s eye view will stick with you forever and put your Alaska visit into a whole new perspective!
Leave the world behind as you board a helicopter to rise 3,200 feet above sea level to the Punch Bowl Glacier, where a dog team awaits. The team will take you on a short sled ride, and you will feel the wind in your face and the power of these incredible animals, all while surrounded by the blinding snow field and snow-capped peaks. The trip lasts about 2 hours, so there is plenty of time in the day to explore Girdwood while you are in the area.
Explore parts of Seward only accessible on horseback. This 2 hour ride brings you up close to the shores of Resurrection Bay and parts of the old town of Seward that were destroyed in the earthquake of 1964. The bird life is a highlight of this trip, since this is where forest meets ocean.
Available Late May – Early September
This is an easy 3 hour paddle on the striking turquoise waters of Kenai Lake, a huge body of water that feeds the Kenai River. Gaze up at the beautiful and rugged Chugach mountains surrounding Cooper Landing and spot dall sheep, bald eagles, and possibly bear and moose from the water. Take in the countless waterfalls cascading down the drainages of these huge peaks, and feel the awe of this Alaskan landscape.
Choose from several ocean trips paddling adventures out of Seward. Trips vary in length and difficulty level, so there are options for both beginners and more experienced kayakers to explore the rich marine ecosystem of Resurrection Bay. We can discuss the options with you!
Whether you’re drawn to the idea of fishing the Kenai River or eager to mix in scenic hikes and whitewater rafting, our versatile package activity substitutions and fishing packages ensure your Alaskan adventure is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of. Let Drifter’s Lodge bring your vision to life—reach out today to start customizing your perfect itinerary and experience the very best of Cooper Landing, Alaska.