Cass Colman
Embark on a transformative summer adventure through the rugged landscapes of Alaska, where the Land of the Midnight Sun offers boundless opportunities for wilderness exploration. The Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking Expedition combines sea kayaking and backpacking in one of Earth's most remote and breathtaking environments. Paddle through stunning coastal fjords and tidewater glaciers, then venture over expansive tundra and high mountain passes. Experience Alaska's natural beauty as you hike through lush valleys and cross braided streams, and enjoy endless daylight, all while encountering whales, porpoises, sea otters, seals, and sea lions. This course will challenge you to develop your outdoor skills, grow as a leader, and connect deeply with the land and its wild inhabitants.
Alaska’s pristine wilderness is more than just a backdrop for adventure—it catalyzes personal growth and leadership development. Whether you're paddling the cold waters of the fjords or trekking through rugged mountain terrain, your challenges will help you discover new strengths and unlock your potential as a leader. This expedition is designed to push you out of your comfort zone, build confidence, and foster teamwork in one of the most demanding environments on Earth. The skills you gain will extend far beyond the course, equipping you with tools for managing risk, solving problems, and leading in dynamic, high-stakes situations.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
An Unforgettable Expedition Through Alaska’s Wild Fjords and Majestic Mountains
Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Alaska's stunning landscapes, where you'll experience the wild beauty of coastal fjords, towering glaciers, and high-altitude tundra. Kayak alongside tidewater glaciers in crystal-clear waters, spotting wildlife like humpback whales, seals, and sea otters as they call these waters home. Your backpacking adventure will lead you over rugged mountain passes, across braided rivers, and through valleys lush with wildflowers. Every day presents new challenges, whether navigating difficult terrain, reading topographic maps, or cooking meals under the endless midnight sun. This course provides a chance to immerse yourself in Alaska’s diverse ecosystems, all while developing the skills needed to thrive in remote wilderness environments.
The Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking Expedition is a comprehensive wilderness course that blends technical outdoor skills with essential leadership training. Throughout the course, you’ll gain hands-on experience in backpacking and sea kayaking, all while developing the leadership and decision-making abilities that will serve you long after the expedition ends.
Key Skills You’ll Develop:
Sea Kayaking Techniques: Learn essential paddling strokes, chart reading, wet exits, and how to assess marine hazards and understand ocean currents as you kayak through Alaska’s fjords.
Backpacking and Navigation: Gain skills in off-trail navigation, managing river crossings, and adapting to Alaska’s unique terrain. Master the art of wilderness camping, cooking, and risk management in remote areas.
Leadership and Communication: Develop strong leadership abilities as you practice effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making while navigating group dynamics and challenging terrain.
Teamwork and Conflict Resolution: Learn to lead, follow, and collaborate within a team, building group cohesion and resolving conflicts in high-pressure environments.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
Your adventure begins with a foundational review of wilderness skills and sea kayaking techniques before heading into the field for your expedition. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:
Days 1-2: Arrival and gear orientation at the NOLS Alaska Base. Begin sea kayaking instruction in calm, protected waters, where you’ll practice basic paddling strokes, navigation, and emergency procedures.
Days 3-6: Launch into more challenging waters as you paddle through Alaska's fjords. Learn to assess marine hazards and adapt to ocean currents while exploring the breathtaking coastline.
Days 7-10: Transition to backpacking, where you'll trek through diverse landscapes, learning off-trail navigation, how to cross rivers, and setting up camp in remote areas.
Days 11-13: Continue your backpacking journey, challenging yourself with higher mountain passes and complex terrain while focusing on leadership development and group decision-making.
Day 14: Return to base for a debriefing and course graduation, celebrating your accomplishments and newfound skills.
Alaska’s unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and wildlife encounters will test your physical and mental endurance. The challenges you face—whether braving sudden storms, navigating difficult terrain, or managing group dynamics—will push you to grow in ways you never expected. But it’s through overcoming these obstacles that you’ll experience the true rewards of the course:
Adaptability: Learn to make quick decisions and adapt to rapidly changing conditions, such as shifting weather patterns and sudden trail diversions.
Resilience: Hiking for hours through challenging landscapes and kayaking across glacial waters will build your physical stamina and mental fortitude.
Teamwork and Leadership: Collaborating with your team to make decisions, solve problems, and support one another will develop your interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
This course is for adventurous individuals eager to push themselves physically and mentally while gaining invaluable wilderness skills and leadership experience. Whether you're an aspiring outdoor professional looking to deepen your outdoor knowledge or someone seeking personal growth, this expedition offers the perfect opportunity to build confidence, forge lifelong connections, and gain a deep sense of accomplishment. No previous experience is necessary, but a love for adventure and a willingness to learn and grow are essential.
By completing the Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking Expedition, you’ll join a global network of NOLS alumni—adventurers, educators, and leaders who share a passion for outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. This community offers ongoing support, networking opportunities, and lifelong connections. Are you ready to join the ranks of those who have taken the lessons learned in the wild and applied them to their careers and lives?
Take the first step toward a life-changing adventure. Sign up now and start your journey toward mastering new skills, discovering your leadership potential, and embracing the adventure of a lifetime.
“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.”
