Reviews of Expeditions Alaska. (Travel Agency) in Anchorage (Alaska).
Expeditions Alaska
3305 Cassius Ct, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
Description
Information of Expeditions Alaska, Travel Agency in Anchorage (Alaska)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended
Map
Open hours of Expeditions Alaska
Sunday
11 am–3 pm
Monday
9 am–5 pm
Tuesday
9 am–5 pm
Wednesday
9 am–5 pm
Thursday
9 am–5 pm
Friday
9 am–5 pm
Saturday
11 am–3 pm
Reviews of Expeditions Alaska
Tony T
My wife and I had an absolutely incredible trip on the 5-day backpacking "Land of Oz" expedition, guided by Trevor. Gorgeous 360 views the entire trip, lots of varied and challenging terrain, and a great group of people. We could not have asked for a better guide. Trevor was warm and friendly, and extremely knowledgeable on how to traverse the terrain, navigate wildlife, arrange gear, and graciously managed the different experience-levels and strengths of our group. We also chose the option to have Expeditions Alaska provide food for us, and it was perhaps one of the best decisions of my life. Trevor cooked us everything from curry, to blueberry pancakes, to brownies, and hand-made pizza! It was all delicious, we definitely did not expect to eat so well on our trip. I would confidently recommend this trip to folks who are adventurous and looking for a challenge.
Craig Day
This is an excellent opportunity to get countless prime photos of brown bears. I say countless, however, I actually took about 15,000 photos, even while shooting pretty conservatively. After months of editing, I have hundreds of high-quality photos, with about 50 worthy of large format prints (which is really high for me). The Brown Bears of Summer tour was an excellent fit for me because it was all about the bears. The priority was clearly time in the field, and we always had the opportunity to take photos from ideal perspectives and vantage points. I never want to pay for luxury accommodations, and I truly appreciate that Carl and his team aren’t trying to upcharge by adding unnecessary bells and whistles. The camping accommodations are great; very comfortable and perfect for those that are focused on spending time with the bears. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to get out there and have a remarkable experience in sharing some sacred space with truly awesome animals who are thriving in their natural habitat. Let me emphasize that you will no doubt be sharing space. Furthermore, with Carl, you get an excellent guide with a remarkable amount of experience in the field as a photographer, who knows how to provide so many amazing opportunities to get your dream shots. The price is very reasonable too. Worth. Every. Penny.
P.S. ask him about the band Poison.
Allan Long
Grizzlies in the Fall 2002 - Phenomenal experience by a first rate, professional and classy guide. Looking forward to my next trip with Carl and Expeditions Alaska summer of 2023. Loved the small group, great service, excellent food, (thanks Christie), definitely recommend Carl and Expeditions Alaska if you are looking for a way to experience Alaska and what she has to offer.
Eric E
Wow, what a trip! Fat Bears in the Fall led by Carl absolutely delivered and exceeded any expectation that I had. If I would have left with only the photos I got on day 1, it would have been worth the trip! Carl was an excellent guide and host all the way through the entire experience. The food prepared by Christie made me feel like I was glamping; She really went above and beyond. This tour would be good for any skill level of photographer. Carl is always there for assistance and guidance, but doesn't impede on anybody's creative process. He has built a great company and I hope to go on one of his trips again. Keep on Rockin in the free world my friend!
#seeyouathevisitorcenter
Jen Troyer
The bald eagle tour in Haines Alaska was an incredible experience. Carl was a wonderful guide, had knowledge of the eagles, the town and photography. We had a fun little group, arriving as strangers and we left as friends. I will be looking forward to future tours with Expeditions Alaska and highly recommend them.
moris senegor
This trip delivered exactly what I hoped for, an amazing opportunity to photograph bald eagles in a nature setting. I was concerned about the remote location and travel arrangements, especially the ferry from Juneau to Haines, but it all worked out well.
The Aspen Suites hotel in Haines was awesome. I was surprised to find such space & comfort and the ability to prepare and store my own food in this otherwise very small, remote town.
Our trip leader Carl was reliable, knowledgeable and responsive to our needs and requests. He had a quirky, humorous, friendly demeanor that added to the trip.
The interactions with other photographers at the shoot site was another unexpected bonus. A very friendly attitude prevailed with much courtesy toward each other as we shared limited space to shoot from.
I strongly recommend this trip to any photographer who desires an out-of-the-box experience from what they have in their home ground.
Dallas Stevens
We did a 4 night camping trip to the Skolai Pass area of Wrangel-St. Elias National Park. Expeditions Alaska took care of everything for us: charter flights in and out of the pass, lodging in McCarthy on the bookend nights of our trip into the pass, and tents and food during our trip. We only had to bring our backpacks and camping gear which made packing much easier. Our Guide Jared proved to be a excellent backcountry cook; I never would have expected cinnamon rolls or pizza from a small camp stove. All in all it turned out to be a memorable trip to a beautiful location we never would have visited otherwise.
Travis Dobson
Expeditions Alaska put together an incredible, life list trip into Gates of the Arctic for 4 friends and myself. Their ability to navigate the logistics involved in securing the bush planes was invaluable. The company was also incredibly helpful heading into the trip with constant communication about current weather conditions and relevant suggestions regarding gear that we should bring. I used to think that I could put together this type of trip on my own but I now understand that hiring a company and guide is absolutely worth it. A special shout out to our guide Trevor Boley who not only did a great job leading in the bush, but also performed double duty as a gourmet backcountry chef at the end of every day! If you are wondering about whether or not it is worth it to have Expeditions Alaska take care of planning and packing your food, the answer is a resounding YES! Not only was it easier and vastly more satisfying, but it also created a much better hang and connection within our group.
Chelsea Howell
Carl is nothing short of an absolute professional. We recently returned home from his grizzlies in the fall trip. The trip was one of the most magical experiences of my entire life, you really can’t beat walking 50 yards away from grizzly bears.
The food prepared by Christie was fantastic. We never had a bad meal or dessert.
10/10 recommend working with this company! I hope to go on another trip in the future.
Amy Spurling
Amazing trip on the Land of Oz "trail". Our guide, Trevor, was incredible. He expertly navigated the terrain as well as the group. His incredible intuition meant that he knew exactly what each person needed on the trek to have an enjoyable time. Those who purchased the extra food package had quite a treat as well as he made them brownies, cornbread, pizza, chili, etc for dinner. Incredible. Overall, I'd recommend this trip for those looking for adventure, but remember, it's Alaska so don't expect a walk in the park!
Amanda Thayer
Just returned from a 7 day, 6 night backcountry trip in Wrangell-St. Elias NP. Our guide, Mike, was top notch. Great guide, great person. The food, prep, company, hike, and sights were all incredible.
Very positive first backcountry trip and can't wait to do it again.
Chao Feng
Carl is very professional and friendly and patient. I had a great experience with him in the BROWN BEARS OF SUMMER 2022. The prior trip communication materials are very detailed and thorough. The backcountry camping system is 1st class. I also enjoyed the food variety and preparation very much, big thanks to Christie, Carl's assistant. I highly recommend this trip and would love to sign up with Carl's tours again!
Krithika Sankaranarayanan
We went to Wrangell St.Elias on a week long backpacking trip with our guide Trevor.
The weather was extremely unpredictable and it changes rapidly. Our guide (Trevor) provided all these information first-hand and equipped us with the essential gears required. Before starting from Anchorage, he checked the gears we carried and he asked me to buy a new fleece since the number of layers I carried was insufficient. I would've been in freezing cold had Trevor not asked me to get that fleece. Apart from that, he also checked all our gears one by one a day before our backpacking.
Throughout the trip, we was extremely patient and he also interacted with us like friends sharing stories. I was the slowest in our group in terms of backpacking pace, but he never urged me and in fact he encouraged me to stay at my comfortable pace so I can enjoy the experience better.
IMO he was very knowledgeable and he gained our trust quickly. Without a guide like him, our trip wouldn't have been awesome especially when the weather changes this rapidly (and we are not used to Alaskan weather).
Highly recommend ExpeditionsAlaska for your adventure.
Sebastien Burel
This review if for the photography tour "Grizzlies in the Fall". Carl and his team did a fantastic job guiding and taking care of us. The food was fantastic. Most importantly the photographic opportunities were breathtaking. I already have my next trip with him booked. Can't wait
Diane Stewart
I joined Expeditions Alaska for the ANWR backpacking trip in June. It was an absolutely amazing trip and our guide Carl was a big part of it. 8 days in trail-less arctic terrain with views 24/7, since the sun never set! It was the most remote backpacking I've ever done and Carl made it feel "easy". I'd go anywhere in Alaska with this guy.
Weichun Fong
I went on a 5-day Skolai basecamp trip in September 2022 with our amazing guide Jared Martin. This was my first time visiting Alaska and is one of my best experience so far. The Expeditions Alaska handle the logistics very well, I just need to take care of the flight to Anchorage and personal gear for camping and hiking. They also have spare gear to borrow. Jared took good care of us during the trip, manage the campsite and hike well. He is also a good chef like magician, never think I could have pizza on a backpacking trip before. I would definitely want to go on another trip with Jared and EA in the future!
Lexi Landers
My friends and I just returned from an incredible trip in the arctic with Expeditions Alaska. The pre-trip communications from Carl and the rest of the staff were excellent. Everyone responded quickly and thoroughly to our many questions leaving us feeling well prepared for our remote backcountry adventure. Our guide, Rachel, was absolutely amazing. She led us to the most beautiful camps, educated us on the arctic ecosystem and provided excellent paddling guidance for the packrafting portion of the trip. I highly recommend Expeditions Alaska and look forward to my next trip with them!
B Mullins
I recently completed Expeditions Alaska's Seven Pass Trek through Wrangell-St.Elias Nat'l Park with Mike as our guide. It was my first time in the Alaskan backcountry. The trip was both challenging and extraordinary. Mike is a crack skier, climber, hiker and wilderness educator with alot of energy and enthusiasm for the outdoors. I always felt confident in his trip leadership. EA's logistics and planning were well thought-out. Everything from pick-up, the bush flights and equipment rentals went smoothly. I really had a great time with Mike and my other hiking companions and highly recommend EA for an Alaskan adventure of a lifetime.
JAIMIN PATEL
Awesome to see so many bald eagles from just one spot. The trip was everything i was looking for, the ferry right was spectacular as we made our way to Haines. The town of Haines was very cute and Aspen Hotel was clean and comfortable. Carl was a friendly guide and always willing to accommodate requests. Overall this was trip i am happy to have attended. It was made better with the easiness of my fellow photographers and i would highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in bald eagles.
Karen Hicks
The bald eagle tour in Haines Alaska was an incredible experience. The access to the eagles on the Chilkat Valley River was absolutely incredible! I actually have no words. Many photographs were taken - thank go for digital!!! Our group was small - the conversations and laughter too much fun. Marmite still is the best!! Carl is very knowledge of the eagles and their behaviors which I appreciated. I will be definitely be looking for another tour with Expeditions Alaska next year sometime.
Glenn Goodrum
I and two family members went on Carl's Aurora Borealis tour in October. Carl provided a ton of preparation advice before the trip regarding how to deal with the cold, which I found *really* helpful. I was quite comfortable in single-digit temperatures except for my hands, and that was only because I removed them my mittens too much to manipulate the camera. Carl had recommended bring two cameras, and I was the only one in the group who did that, meaning I was the only one able to shoot stills and time-lapse at the same time. He gave good advice on how to get the right focus and exposure in the dark, meaning I didn't have to burn a lot of time on bad shots. He was plenty flexible dealing with the weather, willing to stay out as long as we wanted to try waiting for enough break in the clouds to shoot. (Flexibility and patience are important on an aurora trip due to the persistent and unpredictable cloud cover.) He knew good places to go to get away from light pollution from nearby Fairbanks during the latter part of the trip. He also knew some top-notch restaurants in Fairbanks.
Kent Treptow
I have nothing but great things to say about Expeditions Alaska. The preparation process for our ANWR pack-rafting trip was smooth and very easy. All questions were promptly answered and professional advice offered. Once out in the refuge, our guides Christy and Jared proved themselves to be extremely competent and were a joy to be around. They are very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area. They are enthusiastic and have great people skills, and are accomplished back-country chefs. I’ve never eaten so well while camping - highlights included a pizza night with eight different kinds of handmade pizzas, and a lingonberry cheesecake made with berries we foraged ourselves on the tundra. And finally, the scenery was stunning. Rafting through the Brooks Range, lots of wildlife, tundra flowers blooming everywhere and incredible nights under the midnight sun. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever done.
Justin Kay
I went on the "7 Pass Route" with Trevor as my guide. I went on this trip after I graduated High school, and it was more or less my introduction into adulthood and it did not disappoint. Trevor and expeditions Alaska made the trip an amazing experience. Trevors personality and backcountry knowledge made the trip absolutely amazing. I would recommend Trevor and Expeditions Alaska to anyone!
Paul Wiliamson
Our trip the 'Heart of the Park' into the Wrangell-St. Elias national park bigger than the country of Switzerland was by far and beyond our expectations.
The beauty, the solitude, the wilderness, the learning and the trip itself is beyond explanation unless you make the trip yourself. This largely had also to do with our excellent guide Rhane. He was knowledgeable, experienced, communicated well and was very astute to the 4 party guest needs. Oh yes, even though we all brought our own meals to cook (not next time) he gave us a taste of his gourmet wilderness cooking abilities, Wow!!!!!!
The entire party of 5 was an ideal size for a trip like this. It gave us solitude, a loneliness of wilderness, a dependence on one another for a spectacular wild trip, if this is what you are looking for. Each party members group, the guide Rhane, me and a friend and another couple were able to camp roughly a 1/4 mile apart surrounding our camp. Of course, you can camp as a group if you so choose. We all ate together at the universal campsite eating tent. The bush flight into and out of the park was dazzling giving you a sense of mortality, equating too not much. Crossing the wild Copper Glacier and a couple of glacial rivers was a once in 2 lifetime experiences. Pictures, wild goats, elk and goat horns, bear and wolf tracks were common along with ice and endless rock and mountain formations.
For a total quite solitude, unequivocally spectacular wilderness experience, you really cannot get almost anywhere else, I recommend contacting Expeditions Alaska. Everyone we delt with was very helpful. The App 'Basecamp 3' every used to communicate before and after the expedition was very insightful and valuable.
Oh yea, do not forget to ask for the guide Rhane!!!!
Sincerely, Paul Williamson
Maumelle, Arkansas
Lauren Taglialatela
My son and I went on the Skolai Pass basecamping/backpacking adventure with Rhane as our guide.
What Expeditions Alaska has going on is nothing short of magnificent. I am thankful that years ago Carl had a vision for what outdoor experiences in Alaska should and could be. I am thankful that Carl and his team have cultivated and nurtured Expeditions Alaska through the years, and that you provide avenues to traverse the largely unseen areas of Alaska.
We were a group of five shepherded by our guide, Rhane (the world’s most interesting man). We were small enough to become a team and to be agile enough to move camp during our journey. We were just large enough to divide into groups to suit individual skill/physicality levels and have our own adventures. This was the perfect combination of fission/fusion. Also, breakfast and dinner at the cook tent were like coming home to the hearth. Thank you to Carl, Rhane, and the team for prioritizing experience over profit-margins.
Camping near the glacier and then moving camp toward the Seven Sisters was a tremendously well-done audible called by Rhane. Moving camp allowed us to experience more of the awe that Skolai holds than staying in one place could have.
Rhane is pretty much some sort of wizard. He seamlessly managed a group of five with varying backpacking/hiking experience. He was fantastic with my son (13 years old).
Rhane’s love for the outdoors, adventures of all genuine kinds, and non-fiction reads/audiobooks made meal time and hiking conversations lively and engaging. Again, breakfast and dinner were like coming home to the family hearth. Again, quite possibly the world’s most interesting man.
What Expeditions Alaska has created is stunning and what they offer to mere mortals like me is unequivocally valuable for appreciating Mother Earth, learning new things, taking time to appreciate the things you already know, and rising to the occasion.
Richard w
My friends and I signed up to do a pack rafting trip in Gates of the Arctic. Overall the trip was great from start to finish.
Lots of communications pre-trip making sure you have your food/gear/fuel and arrival times set. They do a great job making sure everyone knows what the 'general' plan is. I say this not as a negative, but between coordinating bush flights and weather delays alone makes an hour-by-hour itinerary impossible.
The trip went perfectly. We went with Rhane and he was great company. Spent 4 days floating on the river, enjoying the scenery. Learned a ton about the area from chatting with him.
Overall, if you don't feel comfortable planning OR you'd rather someone take care of the difficult logistics of organizing plane rides and back country pick ups... this the group to do it. Rhane was a great guide, Carl and the rest of the group were so helpful in planning. Couldn't recommend them enough.
Alan Lawrence
Carl is an excellent guide. The food was amazing. Great trip in spite of the terrible weather we had but that's something you can't control. There's nothing like seeing a 1000 pound grizzly in real time. Carl teaches you to be respectful of the impact we humans have on these great creatures and guided us to safely photograph the Grizzlies without disturbing them. Carl is entertaining, knowledgeable and enthusiastic while making sure we all get in the right place to make the photographs we want all the while keeping us safe and respecting the bears. Highly recommended.
Mike Martin
I spent a week with Carl Donahue of Expeditions Alaska in November 2016 on his Bald Eagle Tour along the Chilkat River near Haines, AK. This trip had been on my bucket list for a decade or more. This location hosts one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles on the planet.
Carl is a great guide. His website provides all the details for a customer to consider in making this trip. I found it to be factual, very helpful and a good representation of what to expect. The process to book the trip on his website was simple and covered all the details in assisting you plan your trip to Haines.
The trip was everything that I had hoped for and the eagles were amazing . The Chilkat River, with over 3,000 bald eagles concentrating on the last salmon run of the season, provides a photographic experience like no other. Carl's knowledge of the area, understanding of the eagles and their behavior, attention to detail and his photography skills and tips made this an adventure of a lifetime.
In addition to being a great guide with a sincere customer focus, he was just a lot of fun to be around. After a week of hanging out with Carl, I felt like we had been friends for years. He has a great sense of humor and kept me laughing all the time.
It is without reservation or hesitation that I would recommend Carl for any Alaska photo tour adventure that he might offer!
gian paolo vanni
I am really very happy to have had this experience with Carl, Grizzly in the mist was crazy. I hope to have many other experiences with Carl, he is great, I really like how he works, he is a serious professional, but he also knows how to make you have a lot of fun. thank you Carl.
jaren howell
Thankyou Carl for the great experience. It was an amazing trip. The amount of bears was astonishing. Everything was great, especially the food, thank you Christie.
Geoff Moore
The magnificent scenery is easy to see from the images Carl captures and in some ways that's what first drew me to his services as a guide. What is more difficult to see in them is the care and attention to detail Carl brings to each hike as he tailors them to our experience level and desire for adventure.
To date, my wife and I have completed four hikes with Expeditions Alaska over the past five years, three in Wrangell St Elias NP and Preserve and one in the Gates of the Arctic NP. Each was a unique, inspiring and satisfying experience. Were there tough days, bad weather, and grizzly bear sightings? Yes of course, that's why we return there with Carl, who is prepared to help us deal with whatever the day brings.
Sebastiaan Timmers
Just came back from an amazing trip with Carl and 3 other team members. Having hiked in Europe (Norway, Scotland) for the last 16 years without a guide, it seemed obvious going to Alaska for the first time, a guide would be a smart decision. Carl is definitely the kind of guy you want for an expedition like this, he's got your back and pays close attention to your individual needs and capabilities, yet securing a real group experience! Even though there is a certain time schedule (you gotta get picked up sometime), campsites are not on fixed locations and can be subject to weather, but more important, to what you as a team feel comfortable with, adding to a totally free outdoor experience! While hiking or having breakfast/dinner in the tent, Carl is always in a good mood (even when he sprained his ankle) and is a very entertaining guy. This trip was the best 14 days spent in Alaska and I would join him on a new adventure anyday!
Evan Guengerich
I took a week-long trip to Haines, Alaska with Carl to photograph eagles last month (November, 2017). It was a great trip and I got some stellar photos. Carl knew the area and the birds. Although he obviously couldn't control the weather or the birds, he got us to the right places in the right light and was willing to give as much or as little guidance as we needed. He is an engaging and interesting guide. Our trip had a very challenging client who shouldn't have been on the trip due to physical limitations and was very demanding. Carl was patient and went above and beyond what should have been required to accommodate the person. I guess my vote of confidence in Carl and Expeditions Alaska is that I've booked another trip with him next year.
Yen Ha
An incredible experience with Expeditions Alaska - undaunted by our first time backcountry lack of experience, they paired us with the amazing Rachel who took care to make sure we were challenged. She figured out how to feed my picky kids and taught us so much about fording rivers, wildlife and enjoying the solitude of the Chugach mountains. Would definitely return and definitely use Expeditions Alaska again.
Wendy Barton
Our trip with Carl earlier this year was simply AMAZING, and way, way exceeded our expectations. The Hidden Creek trip really did get us in to the Alaskan wilderness. We saw only a tiny part of the majestic Wrangell-St Elias National Park, but really felt we got to understand the essence of the Alaskan wilderness. As our guide Carl ensured everything (gear, transport, planning) was well organised and we were as safe as we could be. However I loved the way he didn't simply lead us in the traditional sense, but allowed each of us in the group to grow in a way appropriate for each individual. Carl has a deep respect and love for the land which showed in all his conversations and actions. This really added to the trip - as did his sense of humour which as kiwis we think is absolutely vital for a great trip. We may even get back to Alaska and would, for sure, do another trip with Carl and Expeditions Alaska.
Ryan Wright
I loved my experience in the Alaskan wild with Carl and Expeditions Alaska. I went for a week long trip in the "spring" of 2012 to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park for a photography-centric expedition with 3 other guys. Carl was very knowledgeable about the area and offered many suggestions about locations to photograph, and different activities to seek out during the day. We stayed in a backcountry cabin in the park and while there was no running water or electricity, that didn't stop Carl from whipping up very tasty dinners. Carl was very personable and by the end of the week, we had so many running jokes that it was almost non-stop laughter and playful teasing. I would jump at the chance to do one of Carl's trip in the summer, and I whole heartily recommend Expeditions Alaska.
Vladimir Mikhelson
I took a 2017 Grizzlies in the Fall photo tour with Carl and it was an amazing experience. If you ever consider this tour with Carl just take it, you will not be disappointed. The tour itself is a very well organized. The instructions provided before the tour were basically cover almost everything you have to take with you for the trip and what to expect. Carl's knowledge of the bears behavior made me feel completely safe even when the bears were very close to us. The opportunity for a great picture is endless as specially when you are in the river. Like for any outdoor activities you are depending on the weather so just be morally prepare for a bad one, we had three days of endless raining that literally made us sitting in the camp. But even with it I have only a good memory about the trip that will stay with me for a long time.
Vlad.
jill foley
Great trip with Rhane and Expeditions Alaska! Five days backpacking in the Wrangall St. Elias National Park. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Incredible scenery, challenging route, thrilling plane ride into the back country. Can't wait to start planning the next trip.
Juan del Valle
Carl organized a superb backpacking trip for us, from Wolverine to Skolai. We were in contact with him for months before our trip, always very responsive and quick to share advice and recommendations from his years of experience and common sense. Once we arrived in Anchorage, he took care of us including transportation to McCarthy, B&B, supplies, and air service to the backcountry.
I wholeheartedly recommend Expeditions Alaska as your next outfitter!
Natalie carlin
I hired expeditions Alaska for a 7-day trek through the Wrangell-St.elias mountain range. It was a trip of a lifetime. Our guide (Jule) was top-notch, well prepared for all situations and a great camp cook. She was very knowledgeable about the area and the animals there and so much more. We had an unforgettable trek and I am definitely planning on hiring expeditions Alaska again in the future for more treks like this. Thanks so much carl and jule!!
Charles Grant
I was on Expeditions Alaska Seven Passes trek this last August. I've been on guided trips in the North Cascades, Wind Rivers, and Patagonia, and this trip was equal to the best of those. Our guide was Jules, who is not only a top-notch guide, but a pleasant person to pass the day with. The trip was well organized, including hotel pickups, lodging in McCarthy AK, and bush plane flights. I really like the fact that EA allows hikers to "self-cater". I tend to like really simple food while I'm hiking, and since I could prepare my own meals I was able to eat exactly what I wanted. My fellow hikers were all terrific people and I enjoyed their company. The landscape was incredible, particularly as we entered the Iceberg Lake region. This is a strenuous cross-country hike (no trails), but I felt the materials from EA accurately described the trip.
Baptiste Bataille
Just an amazing experience! As french speaking guy, I will say.. "magnifique", "superbe", étonnant", "génial" and "merci beaucoup". You may also see it as "when an light-Australian ex-rugbyman said to an heavy-Belgian ex-rugbyman" that bear meetings are just a question of body langage... This is just perfect! If Carl didn't speak, you may thinking that he is a bear too... so good knowledge of these animals is a life insurance! So, just one word: GO!!
Guillaume38250
My daughter and I had a once in a life time trip in Gates of the Arctic N.P. Beginners in rafting, we enjoyed a lot our journey on the Alatna river in between wolf tracks and beavers. Everything was perfect, flights in / out the park, weather, the landscape and the guidance from Carl who took great care of us. We strongly recommend Expeditions Alaska for any trip in Gates of the Arctic or anywhere in Alaska!
Laura Hannusch
I did the Aurora trip with Carl in March 2017, and I had an excellent experience and came away with some shots that I was really happy with. We were lucky and were able to see the Aurora every night of the 6-night trip. And while luck played a part, I know that Carl's careful planning also helped. For instance, one night was cloudy, but he researched the weather patterns and changed the planned location for that night, so we could go somewhere with less chance of clouds. The planning paid off, and we were able to get shots that night. I also appreciated the pre-trip guidance Carl provided on shooting the Aurora, as well as his on location help with equipment and camera settings, etc. I would definitely recommend this trip if you want a great chance to get Aurora photos.
Brad Rogers
Carl and Expeditions Alaska created an amazing backcountry experience in Brooks Range. His expertise and knowledge of the Alaskan Backcountry was invaluable in maximizing my enjoyment on our backpacking/packrafting trip. As a seasoned backpacker, I was hesitant to go on a guided trip, but having Carl's intricate knowledge of the flora and fauna in Alaska and his expert logistical coordination made the trip much more fulfilling than if I had gone on my own. In the end of the day, Carl's easy going demeanor and countless stories made him feel like one of the guys. If you are looking into an Alaskan backcountry adventure, then I fully recommend Carl Donohue and Expeditions Alaska.
Dan Wadas
My wife and I did the Seven Pass trip with Mike and it was fantastic. Everything was handled seamlessly from the time we were picked up until the time we were dropped off. The scenery was unparalleled to anything we've hiked in the lower 48. Everything is big! Mike was a great help along the way. I had severe lower back pain on the second day of hiking, but with a rest day at camp and some pack adjustments, I was able to comfortably finish the trip. If you are considering backpacking Alaska, Carl's description of "Alaska Miles" is entirely accurate - the mileage doesn't matter at all. It's the terrain that you have to be prepared for. This was not an easy trip and there were more than a few times where you had to really work to move forwards - particularly through a section of seemingly endless alder or willows, but overall the scenery is unmatched. Every valley and pass was different and we cannot emphasize the beauty of this trip. We also felt very safe - Mike was very clear in his pre-trip briefings on everything from dangerous hiking situations to bear precautions. I cannot say that for other guide services in the area. At our exit point we saw tents from another guiding company very close to their kitchen - definitely not good practice in bear country. Not the case with Mike and Expeditions Alaska - safety was always first. We thought the campsites and mileage each day was manageable - the glacier crossing day was a very long day, but that was mostly because of some hours stuck in bushes in the morning. Carl and Mike were very good about providing the few pieces of gear that we needed and everything was in good condition. Do not hesitate to take a trip with this company.
A Hiker and a Paddler Michigan
We just returned from a month long vacation and just got home thus the late review!
We just had a super great time and awesome hike with Jane to Rabbit Lake on 8/2/19. We had great weather, she was very knowledgeable about Flora and Fauna, tasted " Watermelon Berries" and we would highly recommend this hike and Expeditions Alaska. Knowledgeable staff , super nature hikes, you get to see the real Alaska...and she made a tasty lunch !...Thank you..till next time.
Kate Gasaway
Our experience with Expeditions Alaska on the Seven Passes trip was so awesome that its hard to figure out where to start. All the nuts and bolts (driving, pick ups, flights, lodging, routes, gear questions, etc. etc.) were handled with speed, professionalism, and accuracy. Our guide Jules had an incredible wealth of knowledge that kept our trip safe and fascinating. He led us to game trails that made the hiking easier, knew about spectacular campsites, and encouraged questions throughout. He also did a great job keeping our spirits up when the going got tough and helping us enjoy moments of beauty, unique places and situations, and true peace of being completely disconnected from larger society. It was the experience of a lifetime worth every penny and more. If you want to really experience Alaska and are prepared to put in the work that requires, this is for you.
kripal kavi
Carl (with Expeditions Alaska) guided us on a 10 day backpacking trip from Bremner mine to Tebay lakes in July. It was a tough hike, but Carl did a phenomenal job of leading us. He clearly knew what he was doing and was able to modulate the pace based on our group's needs. We hiked a little extra each day so we could use the extra day to do a day hike up a particularly spectacular waterfall. He is well organized, has excellent equipment, including emergency supplies and is great company (especially when he is talking about obscure guitarists over hot chocolate and coffee). Highly recommend. When I go backpacking in Alaska again, it will be with Carl.
Colin Tracey
I traveled solo and went on the Sanford Plateau trip, having very little backpack and hiking experience. I didn't really know what to expect but I felt comfortable from the beginning when meeting up with my fellow hikers and our guide Rhane who was incredibly helpful in answering questions. I won't describe the entire trip in detail but I was speechless during many parts of the hike and the sheer size of Alaska seemed incomprehensible. We were fortunate to have good weather, see some wildlife, and eat delicious food courtesy of Rhane. Drinking fresh stream water, sleeping comfortably, and eating something new everyday made the challenging hikes that much more rewarding. I can't say enough good things about our guide Rhane who was extremely personable and knowledgeable about much more than just Alaska. This trip definitely proved to be one of the best experiences of my life and I'm excited to challenge myself in the future with an even harder adventure with Expeditions Alaska!
Katie Smith
I had an incredible backpacking experience with Rhane and Carl at Expeditions Alaska. They provided an amazing trek through the rugged backcountry of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It was well prepared, and customised to individual preferences. Rhane is very experienced and knowledgable about the surrounding area and all things backpacking. I would definitely recommend exploring Alaska with this company!
Dana Haydock
I did the Iceberg Lake to Bremner Mines trip with @ExpeditionsAlaska in 2012. It was my first “off trail” backpacking adventure, having done all of my other backpacking trips on trails in the Southeast. Our guide, Carl Donohue, made sure the trip was not only fun and interesting, but also safe. From traversing a glacier, finding an old grizzly bear den, clambering over rock moraines and eating fresh blueberries while hiking up a slope, it’s an experience that I will never forget. I highly recommend Carl and Expeditions Alaska if you’re looking for a unique backcountry adventure!
Tim Block
My wife and I just completed a two week trip with Carl In June 2017. One week of kayaking at Icy Bay, "ice-breaking" in our kayaks, moose, wolverine, seal and sea lion watching, glacier calving, good conversation around the camp stove, all at the foot of Mt St Elias. A second week, exploring the tundra rain forest and coastal sands of the Lost Coast. Incredible, The trip was educational, challenging, and in a word "awesome". A trip to remember always. Thanks Carl!
Jack Amoss
We had an amazing backpacking trip to Wrangell St. Elias NP. Our guide Rhane is an awesome guy to hang out with, super competent, and he went above and beyond to make the trip a happy experience for everyone. If I ever need a guide in AK again I'll be coming back.
Tim Geoffrion
I did a 10 day trip in the Wrangells with this company. My guide was Jule. While it was one of the most physically demanding things I've done, it was also a top life highlight. The backcountry in the Wrangells is spectacular and truly wild. We didn't see a single other person between when we were dropped off and then day we were picked up. A big part of doing something like this for me was having a good guide, and Jule was better than I hoped. She has spent literally years of her life in the backcountry. Throughout, I had full confidence that she knew exactly how to navigate us through the terrain and through wildlife encounters in a way that made me feel 100% safe and supported. One last consideration. I like the Expeditions Alaska trips are smaller than some of the competing companies (only 5 guests max). Certain other companies seem to do trips with up to 8. I prefer the smaller groups, but that is probably a personal preference thing.
Kyle Bernard
My brother and I did the Arrigetch trip in July of 2018 and had an amazing experience throughout the process. Carl was extremely helpful with planning, had a ton of information for us. Jule was an amazing guide and fantastic throughout the trip. We would certainly recommend them and I hope to do another trip in the near future!
Steven Cochran
My wife and I just completed the 7 Passes route with EA. The leadership (Mike) was excellent, the scenery superb, and the required effort just what we were looking for to feel like we were really "out there". I also did Arrigetch Peaks with EA in 2018. I highly recommend both trips, and I hope that we can do another trip of similar challenge and quality in the next few years.
Kris Lieckens
Carl, the founder of Expeditions Alaska, guided us through the spectacular wilderness of Wrangell-St Elias NP last year. His year-long experience in outdoor survival techniques and excellent insight in terrain crossing combined with superb emergency equipment and advanced medical treatment skills made it a comfortable and unique experience. The details make the difference! Carrying a tipi tent to set-up a shelter even for lunch is one example of the services he provides to surprise the team members. Even in this remote area, he leaves room for personal exploration if the situation permits. Triggering your brain by asking questions about the environment (which route would you take, what kind of glaciers do you see, ...) is educational. For photographers like me, he has tons of tips and tricks too. Think I will join him on one of his photo tours as well, (polar) bears or northern lights, doesn't matter ;-) Outstanding recommendation! Also a great, enthusiastic person with a vision and stories to tell!
Hilary Brown
The Wrangell/St. Elias expedition was the highlight of my year, and something I will remember forever as one of the best trips imaginable. The company and our guide Rhane were so easy to work with, and they did all of the (literal) heavy lifting.
Roman Schmid
Carl was a unique guide in Alaska for taking Fotos of Brown bear, the organisation was perfect. Thanks!
Corentin Joly
(Translation) I did the "Goat Trail" for a week, my guide was Jule and it was probably my best trip ever!
Carl was also a great help before departure, always available to answer questions and the guides/descriptions of the trip are very complete.
I hope to be able to come back one day and enjoy another trip with Expeditions Alaska!
(Original)
J'ai fait le "Goat Trail" pendant une semaine, ma guide était Jule et c'était probablement mon meilleur voyage !
Carl était aussi d'une grande aide avant le départ, toujours dispo pour répondre aux questions et les guides/descriptions du voyage sont très complets.
J'espère pouvoir revenir un jour et profiter d'un autre voyage avec Expeditions Alaska !
praveen sharma