Wrangell-St. Elias backpack trip?

[Janice]

We'd like to do a guided backpacking trip next summer in Wrangell-St. Elias. We know that it's quite rugged, and I've read all the BCP info I could find. (Thanks for your report, @b.stark, and your various Alaska descriptions, @Outdoor_Fool.) We'd like to do a full week trip. (I'm curious: if you go longer than a week, how do you fit all the food you need in your bear canister? Do you bring 1 big and 1 small?)

I'm exploring options and would love advice:

1) If you know about Alaska guiding companies, do you have any recommendations?
2) Do you have a preferred route, such as Goat Trail or Seven Pass Loop? Other? I assume Southern Traverse is too long and hard for us.
3) Preferred timing? We would go in the summer between mid-June and mid-August.

ALSO, we've never been to Alaska and hope to tack on one or more non-backpacking experiences. I know the state is HUGE - does anyone have favorite activities to do somewhat near W-SE that are different from what we'd see and do while backpacking? Kenai Fjords? Katmai to watch the bears? Other?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[kwc]

Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise out of Seward. Halibut fishing out of Homer. Sea kayaking out of Valdez.

 

[TheMountainRabbit]

I haven't used them personally, but I have a friend-in-common w/ Anya (Lead Guide) at St. Elias Alpine Guides (https://www.steliasguides.com/) and I think they sound like a really good operation. Lots of options, too.

It's a popular hike, but I really enjoy the hike up to Harding Icefields from Exit Glacier. (I have some pictures at the end of this trip report.)

 

[Janice]

Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise out of Seward. Halibut fishing out of Homer. Sea kayaking out of Valdez.

Helpful - thanks

I haven't used them personally, but I have a friend-in-common w/ Anya (Lead Guide) at St. Elias Alpine Guides (https://www.steliasguides.com/) and I think they sound like a really good operation. Lots of options, too.

It's a popular hike, but I really enjoy the hike up to Harding Icefields from Exit Glacier. (I have some pictures at the end of this trip report.)

Thanks for the info. Just checked out your trip report and it sounds intense! I love your photos of the glacier and icefield - very enticing.

 

[TheMountainRabbit]

(I'm curious: if you go longer than a week, how do you fit all the food you need in your bear canister? Do you bring 1 big and 1 small?)

I missed this my first time through, but I'm heading out for 8 days on Saturday and we're using an Ursack XXL and an Ursack XL for myself and my brother - both pretty full, but they close and that includes the first day's food.

I'd sleep with my food before I carried two hard cans.

 

[wsp_scott]

The Kenai peninsula is beautiful, lots to see.
Homer is an interesting little town. Years ago took a "taxi" from Homer to the state park for some day hiking.
Seward and a glacier boat ride is totally worth it. The Sealife Museum was good for a couple of hours. There are some cabins south of Seward that are reservable (I think they are National Forest cabins) that would make for an interesting night or two.

Valdez was a nice stop (again years ago). We did some sort of boat tour there as well, not as cool as the glaciers out of Seward. It is close to Wrangel otherwise I would probably not make the effort.

Denali, we stayed at what shows on Google Maps as Kantishna Roadhouse. It was much cheaper than the fancy lodge down the road. Got a ride in their van and then flew out a couple days later.

Add extra days to your trip, Alaska is beautiful with tons to see on just the "mainland"