Gallenson – Tutka Bay

Gallenson – Tutka Bay

DATES

August 11, 2024 - August 16, 2024

REGION

Southern Alaska

TRIP COST

$$

calendar

DATES

August 11, 2024 - August 16, 2024
region

REGION

Southern Alaska
price

TRIP COST

$$

Ready for full days of adventure and evenings filled with good food and wine? Tutka Bay Lodge offers access to some of Alaska’s best places along with comfortable lodging and outstanding meals. It is basically paradise.

TRIP DETAILS

Nestled on the rocky coast and tucked neatly into the lush forest is a lodge like no other. Tutka Bay Lodge focuses on local foods expertly prepared and on imaginative outings expertly guided. The combination of a tranquil setting, exhilarating adventures and outstanding food are sure to make this a week never to be forgotten.

You know you are going someplace special as soon as the float plane heads south from Anchorage; forests, tide flats and ice fields stretch as far as the eye can see. And once the plane is tied to Tutka’s dock the busy world feels far away, replaced by true Alaskan hospitality and a relaxed pace. Owned and operated by celebrated local chefs, Tutka is famous for locally sourced ingredients crafted into truly Alaskan meals and for the staf’fs commitment to each guests visit.

As nice as the cozy cabins, wood-fired sauna, hot tub, and decadent meals are, the wild landscapes of coastal Alaska are even better. Between hiking, foraging, wildlife viewing, and kayaking you could spend the whole week right near the lodge. But with glaciers, rivers, and the renowned Katmai National Park all within striking distance, you’ll want to venture beyond Tutka Bay to enjoy the big, wild, rugged landscape and its wildlife.

Included in your stay are three excursions. One via helicopter to a nearby glacier for a hike on the ancient ice. One by plane to spend an afternoon amongst the bears of the Katmai Coast, and a final excursion by boat to fish and/ or search for wildlife. (We can adjust the destinations and activities to suit your interests as the trip dates get closer.) Each of the excursions is tailored to suit your interests and abilities and each is unique and thrilling. The diversity of landscapes and wildlife near to Tutka Bay are astounding.

Last updated: January 9, 2024

Itinerary

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

August 10

Arrive in Anchorage at your leisure and make your way to your lodging. If time permits, make sure to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. (Lodging, meals, transport and activities on your own.) The Copper Whale is a good choice Hotel Captain Cook is good too. Both are downtown.

August 11

At about 8 am a van from the flight service will meet you at your lodging and drive you to the float plane airport, where you meet your chartered plane for the flight down the length of the Kenai Peninsula to Tutka Bay Lodge. Once you settle into your cabin and meet your hosts the wilderness of sea and forest awaits. (L,D)

August 12

The Lodge’s helicopter will take you on an adventure never to be forgotten either up to the glacier or to a remote stream to go fishing, and return you for a dinner almost equal to the surroundings. (B,L,D)

August 13

After breakfast, boat across Kachemak Bay to the town of Homer and squeeze into a small plane for a trip to Katmai National Park, easily the best place in the world to see brown bears. A highlight of any trip to Alaska! (B,L,D)

August 14

From the lodge’s dock you’ll board a weather worthy boat for a trip onto the north Pacific. You can troll for salmon, and jig for halibut. Or devote the day to watching wildlife. Sea-birds cover cliff faces, otters teach their young to eat shellfish, and orcas cut the waves. (B,L,D)

August 15

A day for spontaneous adventures. Hike / Cultural Tour / Packraft / Snorkel / Paddle/ Relax or if the weather prevented an activity previously, this is a chance to try again. (B,L,D)

August 16

After breakfast and packing, head to the dock to meet the float-plane for the ride back to Anchorage. It is hard to say goodbye. Weather permitting expect to be back in Anchorage by mid-afternoon. (B)

(A late flight home is possible this evening, though a night in Anchorage is less hurried.)

Michael listened to our descriptions of what we wanted in a trip and investigated the possibility of making that sort of trip happen. Unlike some other guide services, he was attuned to what we were saying and did not outright say he could not accommodate us because Arctic Wild only provided trips like X, Y, or Z. In my opinion, the major difference between Arctic Wild and the 4 other guide services I talked to was that Michael tried to design a trip meeting our trip objectives and wishes.

- Rochelle , Missouri, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

5 nights at Tutka Bay Lodge including 3 excursions.

Chartered floatplane from Anchorage to the Lodge on Aug 11 and return on Aug 16. See www.withinthewild.com for more details.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging, meals, transportation, or activities in Anchorage

Gratuities for guides and staff, activities and amenities not included in lodge package. See www.withinthewild.com for more details.

WEATHER & BUGS

Weather is Alaska is wildly variable and it is best to prepare for everything. Rain is assured but heat is also likely. Bring plenty of layers, waterproof hiking boots, and good raingear regardless of the forecast. Luggage restrictions apply on small planes so pack carefully.

RECOMMENDED READING

Winterlake Lodge Cookbook, Kristen Dixon

Kachemak Bay Years, Else Pedersen

Grizzly MazeNick Jans

"The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect."
"I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. See you next year!"
"Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive."
"That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time"
"Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!"
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Eileen - Canning River