ShoreTrips says...

Often our meetings take place around mealtime, and eating is something that we try not to miss. So our guide picked the place and we dined early at a spot only residents would know. It was empty when we arrived, but packed by the time we left.

We left full of both food and information. We felt great, as we had another wonderful, responsive guide under our belts (which were a notch bigger than when we arrived!).

This tour adds one more dimension to the float trip. You begin with a scenic coastal drive to Dyea, the famous Gold Rush town. You'll have the chance to enjoy a search for bald eagles, as well as seals playing in the water, as your driver/guide initiates you in the lore of this area.

Before your float trip, you'll retrace the footsteps of the Gold Rush stampeders with a 2-mile, 1.5 hour hike on the lushly forested Chilkoot Trail. As no group is larger than 11 people, you'll enjoy individual attention from a guide who truly knows the area. This moderately-strenuous hike goes uphill and downhill, and over uneven terrain for about one mile. The last half of the hike is on mostly level ground. We'll take time to rest, talk, and take photos along the way.

After the one-way hike, you'll don a life jacket and rubber boots (and rain gear, if necessary) and board your raft for the float trip portion of this excursion, which requires absolutely no skill. Your relaxing 30-45-minute river float will be the perfect icing on a beautiful experience. Don't forget to have the guide take your picture with your camera! There will be light snacks as well as water/juice provided during the tour.

You can put yourself in the shoes of an explorer as you will feel the separation from society while traveling in this intimate valley.