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Paddling Sitka’s Otter Coast: The Chichagof Wilderness

June 26, 2022 - July 5, 2022

| $2895
sea-otter

Trip Overview

Start:
June 26, 2022
End:
July 5, 2022
Cost:
$2895
Trip Categories:
, , ,

Location

Chichagof Wilderness
Sitka, United States + Google Map

This remote kayak expedition originates in Sitka which is served by several flights a day from Seattle, so it is both easy and relatively inexpensive to fly to. Weeklong remote kayak trips to this part of Alaska are very uncommon and feature some remote and beautiful country. During our exploratory trip last year, we saw exactly 2 people and zero other kayaks for the first 6 days. Campsites with fresh water were pretty easy to find and quite pleasant along with some terrific wildlife viewing. Paddle with hundreds of sea otters, sea birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales and on land you’ll find numerous Sitka blacktail deer and talkative Ravens. This area is also home to large numbers of bald eagles and wild grizzly bears. Bears along this remote part of Alaska aren’t very interested in humans and always retreated into the dense forest whenever we encountered them. Last year we encountered a NatGeo trip on our return to Sitka that were doing a kayak trip as well…with about 60 others at three times what this trip will cost you.

If your interests include navigation in areas where tidal currents rule your day and days are punctuated by fresh caught fish and huckleberry desserts, then read further. To give the best shot at a beautiful wilderness experience, we are starting out with a boat shuttle to get us deep into the backcountry and away from fishing boat and cruise ship traffic on day 1. We’re going to try to include a hot springs stop along the way and leave some time for foraging, photos, some fishing and perhaps a layover day. The weather in early July can actually be quite pleasant…not necessarily the “liquid sunshine” that SE Alaska is known for.

We start by hand picking a group of 4-6 paddlers and outfit them with excellent expedition kayaks that we’ll be bringing out ourselves. NDK, Wilderness, Seaward and Werner are all names we are proud to represent. Next we provision with fresh and real food, bombproof tents and full-on safety gear. Michael, an ACA certified Instructor Trainer, will be primary guide on this trip. You can even be assessed for your L-3 and 4 skills at the end of this trip if you wish.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Sitka. Meet up for dinner and overnight (lodging included).

Day 2

Orientation Day: provision, pack, prepare, plan> Overnight in Sitka or boat shuttle out depending on our weather window.

Days 3 – 8

From our drop off point up near White Sulphur hot springs, we’ll invest our time in exploring some nooks and crannies, tide races, river mouths (fishing for salmon anyone?), mussel beds, island hopping hot spring baths, foraging for wild huckleberries, salmonberries and enjoying fresh rockfish for dinner, paddling wide open spaces and narrow channels. Expect to share this experience with humpback whales, sea otters, brown bears, sea lions, eagles, ospreys, seals, mink and a variety of other wild creatures that call this remote wilderness home.

Day 9

Return on the afternoon of July 8 to de-rig and transfer to lodging for a hot shower and a fine dinner out at our favorite restaurant in Sitka and perhaps a spruce IPA at Baranof Brewing. Lodging in Sitka included.

Day 10

Flights home or transfer to your own extended adventure!

Dates for 2022

June 14 – 23
Note: This trip is FULL

June 26 – July 5

Cost

$2895 / person double occupancy.

Cost includes: arrival night and post trip lodging, kayaks, boat shuttles, permits, guide, safety and group gear, camping gear and the best backcountry food in the business. Not included: airfares, guide gratuities.

What to Bring

Packing List

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Registration

NOTE: If a booking date shows on the calendar below, there is space available but always feel free to call or email with specific questions. If the trip is full and you’d like to be waitlisted, give us a call.

Reservations are held with a $500 deposit. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees; However, your initial payment will be a $500 deposit (assuming you book 60+ days prior to the course).

The remaining amount due will be automatically charged to your credit card 60 days before the trip.

NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month! You may need to choose the fare you want and then zero out the fare that the system initially chooses. Let us know if you have any difficulty.


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Location

Chichagof Wilderness
Sitka, United States + Google Map
Uncommon Adventures