Alaska Family Multisport
The Majestic Kenai Peninsula
Alaska’s vibrant frontier spirit and overwhelming natural grandeur have the power to stagger the senses. Colossal mountains, sparkling glaciers, abundant wildlife, expansive tundra and wildflower-filled meadows all challenge your sense of scale. Hike through the Chugach National Forest, pedal beneath glacier-carved peaks on the Kenai Peninsula, paddle in the sheltered coves and lagoons off Yukon Island, float down the Kenai River and walk on an enormous ice field. Wildlife abounds on land and at sea.
Trip Planning Links
- Mushing! An exhilarating dog sled ride through the forest
- Bike to Homer, one of Alaska’s most beautiful towns
- Hike right up to the face of a glacier
- A float trip on the Kenai River
- The chance to spot moose, eagles, dall sheep and even salmon swimming upstream
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Seward
Meet in Anchorage 
Ride out of Anchorage on city bike paths before continuing on the gently rolling Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Travel to the Kenai Peninsula, a land of awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, glaciers and fjords Meet some of the famous Iditarod race’s canine participants and experience the excitement of racing on comfortable wheeled dog sleds In Kenai Fjords National Park, kids hike to the face of Exit Glacier while adults embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hike with spectacular views of the vast Harding Icefield.
Day 3 Cooper Landing
During a leisurely float trip on the glacial waters of the Kenai River, you may spot moose, eagles, Dall sheep, beavers, salmon and a variety of waterfowl A pleasant hike along the Russian River brings you to a dramatic waterfall, where you can watch as salmon strive to swim upstream.
Days 4-6 Homer
Take in spectacular views of Cook Inlet and the volcanoes of the Alaska Range during a picnic lunch Bike a scenic route to a viewpoint overlooking the town of Homer, the Grewingk Glacier and the Homer Spit, a narrow finger of land in beautiful Kachemak Bay Stop at a local winery specializing in non-grape fruit wines Sea otters and bald eagles are common visitors at our hotel at the end of the spit Board a water taxi to Yukon Island before embarking on a kayak trip around Kachemak Bay, keeping watch for an array of wildlife Enjoy a morning hike with a naturalist through fields of wildflowers 
After a bounteous picnic lunch at the Carl Wynn Nature Center, shuttle to Anchorage.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Glacier Multisport Canadian Rockies Multisport Crater Lake MultisportOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
We had an absolutely wonderful time - the fabulous trip leaders made the trip extraordinary. Our children will remember this trip for the rest of their lives. In addition to just being great companions, examples of their extra effort were they secured a fantastic behind the scenes tour of the sea life center for the kids, gave my (substantial) 6 year old a mile + long piggy back when she refused to continue walking, and Allan literally took baby steps with me on the walk up to Harding Ice Field - as a result I made it to the top! We have told many friends about the trip and we plan to do another one soon.- Westport, CT More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Alaska Family Multisport
NORTHERN NIGHTS: Casual Inns
Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward (2 nights) Nestled in the woods near the Exit Glacier with expansive views of the striking Resurrection River Valley.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Cooper Landing (1 night) Bungalow-style rooms with vaulted ceilings and wood-burning stoves, set in the lush Kenai River Valley.
Land's End Resort
Homer (2 nights) You’ll hardly believe the spectacular views at this comfortable hotel, perched at the tip of Homer Spit in the middle of Kachemak Bay.
Alaska Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 15 miles
- 0-500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Dog Sledding 1.5 hours
- Hiking (Kids) 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking (Adults) 4, 6, 8 miles
- 1500-3000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Float Trip on Kenai River 2 hours
- Hiking 5 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 9, 22, 32, miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- All-day Kayaking
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
On this Family Trip, our routes follow rolling terrain. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.