6 Day Homer Basecamp & Kachemak Bay
Season
Mid-May through mid-September
Transportation
Why This Trip?
Explore some of Alaska's most scenic roads as you work your way south from Anchorage to the quaint, artistic town of Homer. You'll see glaciers and wildlife along the way and have the opportunity for some iconic Alaskan activities like flightseeing and bear viewing!
Itinerary
Show Map
Welcome to Anchorage! Take today to explore Alaska's largest city. Walk or bike the dramatic, 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Go on a city tour via trolley or bike to get an overview, or join a brewery tour and sample some of the innovative suds being brewed here. Then get an in-depth picture of the city and state at the Anchorage Museum, or visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a dose of history and culture. Of course, you'll also want to experience the city's fantastic bars and restaurants.
Today you'll be doing some super-scenic driving. First, motor along the coastal route to Portage; it's about 90 minutes nonstop, but you'll want to take your time and look for wildlife like Dall sheep and beluga whales along Turnagain Arm. Once in Portage, stretch your legs a family-friendly hike to Byron Glacier. Or, take the one-hour boat cruise to get close to the glacier, or spend time at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. After that, it's time to make the almost four-hour drive to Homer. As you get closer to your destination, keep an eye out for volcanoes.
You'll have all day today to explore this town and try some of its many activities. Fishing here is both a business and a passion, thanks partly to the monster-size halibut in the nearby waters. Take a half- or full-day fishing charter to angle for them, or cast your line for salmon instead. You can also hop a scenic flight to Katmai or Lake Clark national parks, where you can experience the magic of seeing bears in their natural habitat. Love to hike? Katchemak Bay State Park has some of the state's best hiking, just a 20-minute water taxi ride away. Or take a 45-minute fast ferry to the remote and fascinating town of Seldovia.
Enjoy a second full day in Homer. Perhaps you'll take part in an activity you didn't do yesterday. You definitely want to explore the narrow Spit, which juts out in the bay. Watch for otters and eagles, go fishing and beachcombing, or just enjoy the gorgeous mountains and shimmering water. You can also check out a museum or browse the galleries of some of the artists who call this beautiful place home.
Highlights
Today you'll drive 2.5 hours to Cooper Landing. Spend the morning experiencing a relaxing rafting trip out on the turquoise Kenai River. Surrounded by lush forests with mountains climbing high in the distance, you'll float down the river, learning about the history of the area and looking out for wildlife. This is also a great place to go angling, so take advantage!
Today, you'll drive 2 hours back to Anchorage. If you have time, drop by the 200-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you'll get an up-close view of some of the state's unique creatures.