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Kenai Backcountry Lodge Package

A rustic and cozy lodge experience in the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

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Tour Overview

Enjoy authentic Alaskan wilderness when you stay at Kenai Backcountry Lodge on glacier-carved Skilak Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The lodge is only accessible by boat, offering you the space to unwind far from busy tourist areas. With its peaceful lake-side setting, surrounded by a million acres of designated wilderness, Kenai Backcountry Lodge offers boundless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the 1930s, this sustainable, eco-friendly lodge mixes rustic charm with modern comforts. A wood stove is still used to heat the main lodge and sauna, but a hydroelectric system on a nearby creek provides the electricity that runs the kitchen and laundry facilities. Activities from the lodge include exploring the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge by foot, raft, or boat, kayaking on the lake, and hiking up to the alpine tundra of the surrounding mountains. The setting at Skilak Lake is quiet, peaceful, and simply spectacular.

What's Included
  • 1-night at Kenai Riverside Lodge
  • 2-night at Kenai Backcountry Lodge
  • Meals: two lunches, three dinners, three breakfasts
  • Full-day rafting tour on the Kenai River into Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
  • Transfer to/from Anchorage
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Optional fishing trip on day 2, enroute to Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Fishing license is not included.

 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Anchorage to Kenai Riverside Lodge

Depart Anchorage this afternoon on a scheduled van transfer and travel south along the Sterling Highway to Cooper Landing in the Kenai Peninsula. Upon arrival in Cooper Landing settle into your cabin at Kenai Riverside Lodge. The rest of the afternoon/evening at your leisure. In the evening you enjoy a gourmet dinner at the lodge and receive an orientation about the activities in the upcoming days. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge.

Day 2
Kenai Riverside Lodge to Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Today suit up for a full-day rafting adventure on the turquoise waters of the Kenai River. Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at the river’s pace en route to Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Start with a scenic float and keep a keen eye for wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then raft the moderate class II+ rapids through Kenai Canyon. End your adventure with scenic exploration along the pristine glacier-carved lakeshore. Upon arrival to Kenai Backcountry Lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner; settle into your private guest accommodations, complete with down comforters and propane heat and light. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge

Do you want to try out some fishing? This is your chance! Instead of doing the full-day rafting tour, you can opt for a full day of fly-fishing trip enroute to Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (Select the fishing trip when you make your lodge booking, additional charge applies.) Depending on the time of year, you may fish for in-season salmon, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Kenai Backcountry Lodge maintains permits to operate in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge including the famed Kenai River Canyon, known for its exceptional beauty and trout fishery.

Day 3
Kenai Backcountry Lodge

After a savory hot breakfast, choose your pace for the day. Join a guided hike and venture through evergreen forest as you journey to breathtaking alpine tundra. Discover by small boat what wonders lie beyond the next cove. Relax in a cozy wood-fired sauna and if you’re feeling daring skip down to the lake for a quick dip! Paddle a sea kayak on a brilliant turquoise glacial lake. Search for moose, bears, caribou or the local bird life that call this area home and capture that memorable photograph. Enjoy the magic of this peaceful wilderness setting and when you’re ready to wind down after “your” perfect day, enjoy appetizers on the lake shore, prelude to a delicious dinner served with gourmet flair. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge.

Day 4
Kenai Backcountry Lodge to Anchorage

After breakfast, bid farewell to your new friends at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Boat transfer across the lake and then enjoy comfortable transportation back to Anchorage. Arrival in Anchorage around noon.

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

Children must be at least 7 years to participate in this tour.

Rates are based on standard cabins at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. Lakeside cabin might be available at Kenai Backcountry Lodge at additional cost – please contact us for availability and rates.

You have to option to book a fly-fishing trip enroute to Kenai Backcountry Lodge on day 2 (additional charge of $334 per person applies - please select during the booking process).

Special Cancellation Policy:
Up to 121 days prior to lodge stay: $300 per person cancelation fee
120-91 days prior to lodge stay: $600 per person cancelation fee
90-46 days prior to lodge stay: 60% cancelation fee
45 to 0 days prior to lodge stay: 100% cancelation fee

 

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