Expeditions

Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking - 16 and 17 only

Explore Alaska’s mountains and coast with a group of motivated peers ages 16 and 17. Paddle past tidewater glaciers and climb rocky peaks while building real-life leadership experience.

Duration

30 days

Age

16-17 Only

Overview

About this course

Climb mountains & paddle coastal fjords in the Land of the Midnight Sun

This summer, join a group of new friends your own age for an unforgettable backcountry adventure. Paddle alongside tidewater glaciers in Alaska’s famed coastal fjords, keeping your eye out for whales, porpoises, sea otters, seals, and sea lions. Backpack across the tundra and over high mountain passes. Enjoy the long daylight hours of a northern summer as you hike through lush green valleys and cross braided streams.

This expedition is an opportunity to expand your wilderness travel skills—in the mountains and on the water. Starting with the basics of outdoor living, like reading maps and cooking on a camp stove, you’ll work your way up to navigating off trail and leading river crossings. While sea kayaking, you’ll build your paddling skills in a protected ocean environment, beginning with paddle strokes, chart reading, and wet exits. Later, move on to more advanced topics, like assessing marine hazards and ocean currents.

Along the way, build your leadership skills. Practice effective communication while navigating up steep slopes off trail. Develop your problem-solving and decision-making skills while planning a hiking or paddling route. Learn conflict resolution techniques and get comfortable taking on different roles to support your group. Gain the experience and confidence to lead in the outdoors and beyond.

Resources

Resources & downloads

Schedule

Questions? Let's Connect

Free course guide

Get the complete 8-day itinerary delivered to your inbox

Enter your email and we'll send you the full day-by-day schedule, packing checklist, and a sample course journal from a past NOLS climbing expedition.

  • Detailed daily objectives and skills progression

  • Complete packing & equipment checklist

  • Sample student journal from Unaweep Canyon

  • Pre-course preparation guide


Speak to an Expeditions Expert

From

$8,500 - $8,850

Tuition varies by location. Financial aid available.

Duration

30 days

Location types

Palmer, Alaska

Equipment Deposit

500

Academic Credit

Start/End

Palmer, Alaska

Fly In/Out

Anchorage, Alaska

Course Session Dates

No Course Sessions enrolling.

What graduates say

Trusted by professionals worldwide

“I never realized the value that the outdoors has in our daily lives until I was fully and totally immersed in it for an extended period of time.”

— Isaias A., NOLS Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking grad

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)

Ready

Ready to get certified?

Find a WFR course near you, talk to an admissions advisor, or request a free catalog to learn more about NOLS Wilderness Medicine.