Wilderness Cruise on Alaska's Inside Passage: Juneau to Wrangell

The Trip

Welcome aboard as we explore the breathtaking beauty, natural history, and tribal heritage of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage between Juneau and Wrangell from a comfortable yacht. We journey south from Juneau to explore the icy fjords of Endicott Arm, where we will kayak among the icebergs. Continuing along, we go through Stevens Passage and enter Fredrick Sound, known as great feeding grounds for the humpback whale. We continue south and with luck observe bears fishing for salmon. 

This trip begins in the capitol of Alaska – Juneau, named in 1881 for the gold prospector Joe Juneau. Our first day in Juneau will include exploring some of Juneau’s rich area, followed by an orientation meeting.

We’ll board the yacht the next morning and spend 10 days sailing past snow-capped mountains rising majestically from the ocean. Accompanied by our naturalist, we’ll watch humpback whales, journey into fjords, kayak, view bears and other wildlife up close. Most of our voyage takes place in the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America and homeland of the Tlingit and Haida peoples. Each day, we'll go ashore to experience beautiful beaches and forests, tumbling waterfalls, alpine meadows, wetlands bursting with unusual plants, and shorelines filled with intertidal creatures. Evenings are spent anchored in remote coves, enjoying wholesome foods prepared by our on-board chef, relaxing in the yacht’s well-stocked library, and adding to our list of the birds, plants, animals, marine mammals we’ve observed each day. Our trip ends in Wrangell, located in central southeast Alaska. 

All Sierra Club domestic trips, in the past/present, have been/are conducted on originally Indigenous tribal lands. In Southeast Alaska, the history of the Tlingit people dates back more than 10,000 years. The Tlingit tribe has historically been linked with the Haida and Tsimshian tribes of Canada, with whom they traded for centuries. Tlingit blankets, baskets, and jewelry were known for extraordinary craftsmanship, while the Haida had sturdy cedar trees and canoes. European explorers brought trade goods, disease and, cultural destruction. Ultimately, the Native people lost their claim to their homelands. In 1971 President Nixon signed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the largest land claim settlement in U.S. history. This established indigenous claims to the land by transferring titles to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. The Tlingit region is controlled by the Sealaska Corporation, which operates the excellent Sealaska Heritage Museum in Juneau. Sierra Club Outings has made a commitment to acknowledge this past racism in our domestic trip brochures and continues to embrace the traditional Native values of honoring and protecting our Mother Earth.

Day 1: Our first day is spent in Juneau. Our visit to that area offers many options. We will select the best, depending on the interest of the people, as well as the weather, and avoiding any cruise-ship crowds that may be there. Details will provided closer to the trip departure. Later that evening, we'll gather for a no-host dinner and trip orientation meeting. Note: Lodging and meals for the first day of the trip and breakfast on the second day of the trip are not included in the trip price.

Days 2-10: Our cruise will begin the morning of day two, when we’ll gather at the marina, meet the crew, and board the Snow Goose, a 65-foot motorized yacht. We’ll be assigned cabins, have a safety talk, and then get underway. 

The adventure begins as we leave port. Our exact route over the days that follow depends on the weather, tides, wildlife sightings and interests of the group. Our experienced crew will share with us the best the Inside Passage has to offer. Over the following days we’ll explore the waters surrounding Admiralty Island with its substantial brown bear population and Fredrick Sound, summer home for numerous humpback whales. Ultimately we’ll pass through Wrangell narrows to explore areas further south.

Every day we’ll go ashore to explore. We’ll likely hike to Lake Eva on northern Baranoff island, and stop at Baranoff Hot Springs with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot pools plus a chance to stretch our legs with a hike to a lake above the picturesque falls. One day we may explore tidepools along the shore, and the next might involve a walk through a muskeg to learn about these unique wetlands including carnivorous sundew plants. These shore excursions provide an opportunity to get a close-up view of the abundant life along the shorelines, to hike deep into the forest to waterfalls, rivers, and beautiful old-growth tree stands, and to watch the salmon during their epic struggle to return to their natal stream to spawn. And wherever the salmon are running, there’s the chance to see both black and brown (coastal grizzly) bears fattening themselves up for the long winter ahead.

As we traverse the south end of Admiralty Island, we’ll stop at the Brothers Islands and use our sea kayaks to explore a colony of sea lions. We’ll have a chance to go ashore and explore the emerald green rainforest on one of these magical islands. East of Admiralty Island we’ll take time to explore one of the deep glacier-cut fjords, possibly the Tracy Arm or the Endicott Arm. These fjords present one of the most stunning glacial landscapes in Southeast Alaska: sheer granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and thundering ice calving from towering glaciers. Within the fjords it is common to see seals resting on the many ice floes, as they are a relatively safe spot to avoid the threat of marauding orcas.

In Fredrik Sound, within the heart of the inside passage, the water teems with small fish and plankton that attract a large variety of marine mammals, including humpback whales. This area is considered the best in all of southeast Alaska to observe whales, sea otters, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, Arctic terns, and other interesting seabirds. We’ll have the flexibility to turn off the engine and drift in silence when we encounter the whales, and with panoramic views through large windows on 3 sides, our boat provides stunning views we can spend time floating in silence, watching and listening to the sights and sounds of the creatures that ply these waters all summer long. 

Every night we'll stop in a new and secluded anchorage, and depending on when we arrive, there will often be time before dinner to take a quick shore trip, kayak, or simply read and relax in your favorite deck chair. 

During the trip our expert naturalist will help you learn about the local ecology and the native cultures through hands-on learning, discussions on board, and the use of the natural history library on board the boat.

Day 11: Our trip ends with our arrival in Wrangell, where you have the option to tour the Tlingit Chief Shakes “Grizzly Bear House," visit a Native Arts museum, or get acquainted with Alaskan small-town life.

Guests will disembark between 11:00 a.m. and 12 noon, in time to catch an afternoon flight. 

Our daily itinerary will be flexible, based on group interests, weather conditions, and, of course, wildlife sightings. Occasionally, changes may occur either in advance of or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every attempt to visit all the highlights listed here; however, if weather, equipment, or any other condition causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety of the group is our number one concern. While wildlife in the Alaska islands is abundant, we cannot guarantee that you will see all the species described above.

Please note that the trip price does not include gratuities for the crew. Gratuities are entirely voluntary and solely at your discretion, but they are customary. The crew of the Snow Goose work hard day and night to make this trip as memorable and fulfilling for you as possible. If you agree they worked hard and contributed significantly to the success and enjoyment of your outing, you may want to express your appreciation with a tip. A guideline of 8-10% of the trip price or about $525-725 (or more) per guest is appropriate. The group gratuity is divided evenly between the captain, first mate, chef, and naturalist. Your Sierra Club trip leader does not share any portion of the gratuity; leaders are unpaid volunteers and cannot accept them.

Getting There

You will need to make your transportation arrangements to arrive in Juneau and depart from Wrangell. Alaska Airlines serves both cities. Please talk with your leader prior to making travel arrangements and plan to arrive in plenty of time to meet with the group the morning of the first day of the trip. Be aware that bad weather can cause flights to be delayed or cancelled so plan your arrival 1-2 days prior to the trip start. It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel and evacuation insurance for this trip. There’s a lot to see and do in Southeast Alaska, and this trip can serve as the centerpiece for an extended trip.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Our home will be a 65-foot-long yacht called the Snow Goose. Built in 1973 as a private yacht, this U.S. Coast Guard-certified passenger vessel boasts a motorized inflatable raft (Zodiac) for shore excursions, and double sea kayaks to allow all passengers to quietly explore islands and shorelines. The knowledgeable crew consists of a captain, a professional cook, an experienced deckhand and a naturalist onboard with expertise in marine biology, ornithology, and anthropology.

The yacht sleeps 12 passengers in six private, fully heated cabins, and it has three toilets and two hot showers. The main deck features an airy salon, a library, a galley, and a dining area. Large windows permit unobstructed views out all sides, and access to the outside is easy. The upper bridge deck provides a good vantage point for spotting whales and onshore wildlife. It has comfortable seating for passengers who wish to learn about navigation.

The small vessel allows access to shoreline areas inaccessible to larger ships. Even when traveling from one place to another, we’ll be pausing to observe marine life and making one to three stops each day to go ashore and explore.

Trip Difficulty

This will be a leisurely trip. Hikes will be optional and generally easy, covering moderate terrain. There may be some optional longer, more strenuous hikes. Also optional, kayaking is generally available every evening in addition to daytime excursions, which allows closer views of wildlife and rugged shoreline. Insects should not be a significant problem, although mosquito repellent will be useful on some hikes. You must be able to descend a short ladder to board an inflatable launch (Zodiac boat) for shore excursions. Climbing into and out of kayaks from the swim step on the Snow Goose requires care and a large step and can be very challenging. The minimum age for the trip is 16 years.

Sierra Club outings in Alaska and Arctic Canada are special experiences in true wilderness, but they also carry an element of risk. Trip locales are often remote and away from the amenities of civilization, including sophisticated medical care and immediate evacuation possibilities. The boat uses a ship-to-shore radio, and at times will be in cell phone range, but even with this technology, communication with the outside world can be difficult and emergency assistance can be days away. Weather in Alaska is unpredictable, and inclement weather can be severe. Among other hazards are cold river and stream crossings, tidal activity, calving glaciers, the psychological effects of remoteness, and the presence of large wild animals. You’re in good hands, though, so don’t worry; you will be with guides who have traveled extensively in the Last Frontier, and they’ll provide all the guidance you need.

We use professional outfitters and guides for our trips. The industry practice is that our outfitters require participants to sign a waiver similar to the Sierra Club waiver you will be asked to sign. Your trip leader will provide you with the details for your trip.

Equipment and Clothing

Interests may vary from one person to another, so the equipment list may vary a bit, too. You'll certainly want to bring layered clothing with excellent rain gear (our activities do not stop because of rain) and knee-length rubber boots (in order to get to shore from the kayaks and “skiff," we will need to step in calf-deep water), a camera, and binoculars. 

Daytime temperatures usually range from 55-85 degrees. Although we should have some days with sunshine, we must also be prepared for rain and gusty winds. We will be traveling in a temperate rain forest, and that means rain is most likely. On the boat, there is occasionally a cold wind blowing off the glaciers.

Photographers of all skill levels will have ample opportunities to take pictures of wildlife and scenery. For most photographers, a point-and-shoot camera -- preferably with a zoom lens -- works quite well. You may want to consider bringing a second camera that is water resistant to bring on the kayaks or on shore if it is raining (again, we still hike and kayak in the rain...this is Alaska after all). Those who are particularly interested in bird-watching will have a treat in store, so good binoculars are essential. Even if you are not a birder, good binoculars are a must! We view many species from the boat (bears, mountain goats, whales and more), and everyone appreciates having their own set of binoculars to get a better look. Although this is not a fishing trip, there may be some limited opportunities to fish. An Alaska fishing license is required and may be purchased before the trip. Please coordinate with the leader.

You will receive a detailed clothing and equipment list specific to this trip from the leader after signing up. 

References

• Heacox, Kim, John Muir and the Ice That Started a Fire: How a Visionary and the Glaciers of Alaska Changed America. This is a fascinating biography of John Muir, the 'father of America's environmental movement.' The author uses Muir's many trips to Alaska, exploring and studying the glaciers, to form the framework for his life story.
• Muir, John, Travels in Alaska. Discover Alaska through the eyes of the Sierra Club's founder.
• McPhee, John, Coming into the Country. Alaska is far more complex geographically, culturally, ecologically, and politically than most Americans appreciate, and few writers are as capable of capturing this complexity as McPhee, who describes his travels through much of the state.

Conservation

Drawing upon the knowledge of our crew and your trip leader, we will discuss several environmental issues for Southeast Alaska. The Tongass National Forest encompasses our planet’s largest remaining temperate rainforest, but human impacts increasingly affect this area. The forest has 19 designated federal wilderness areas, but it is also home to over 75,000 people who depend on the land and sea for their livelihoods. Forest Service management of the Tongass has been a source of controversy for over a century. Despite President Clinton’s Roadless Rule and the Tongass Timber Reform Act, some of the Tongass’ old growth is still slated for clear cutting. We’ll take time during our trip to discuss how mining, road-building, and especially clear-cutting continue to erode the wilderness character of the Tongass and threaten its wildlife and unique plant communities. We’ll also discuss the impacts of global climate change on the region.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.