Backpack, Paddle, and Lead in Alaska’s Wildest Terrain

Immerse yourself in the vastness of the Alaskan wilderness, where you’ll paddle rugged coastlines and traverse remote mountain ranges. Whether spotting whales and porpoises in the ocean or watching for moose and wolves on land, you’ll develop two invaluable wilderness skills — sea kayaking and backpacking — that will serve you for a lifetime of exploration. Along the way, you’ll earn college credit through a recognized program in outdoor education, leadership, and conservation — offering growth beyond the classroom and transferable credits.

Alaska is a land of breathtaking fjords, forested coastlines, and expansive Arctic tundra. This course offers a rare opportunity to experience two dramatically different environments. Your expedition may begin with either backpacking or sea kayaking, depending on the course dates. Whichever you start with, you’ll begin by learning the essentials — camping, cooking, and wilderness travel — then move on to advanced techniques as your confidence and competence grow.

From Glacier Peaks to Ocean Depths

You’ll learn off-trail navigation, river crossings, and how to traverse dense vegetation and loose scree. There may be opportunities to summit peaks or fish in remote lakes and rivers. During the paddling section, instructors will teach core kayaking skills, from paddle strokes and chart reading to wet exits and interpreting ocean currents. You’ll also dive into topics like tides, weather patterns, and marine safety. Classes on local geology, marine biology, leadership, and expedition behavior round out your learning.

Whether you’re paddling through the steep-sided fjords of Prince William Sound  or backpacking through tundra, shrub thickets, and gravel riverbeds, this experience becomes a journey of both outward exploration and inner discovery. This course is about the vastness of alpine and marine life. It’s about experiencing the seismic shifts of plutonic rock beneath your feet or the swell of the ocean beneath your kayak.

More Than an Expedition — A Foundation for Life

NOLS builds skills for life. Resilience, teamwork, and confidence that fuel personal growth, elevate college applications, and lay the foundation for lifelong success. A key course goal is creating an inclusive, supportive community with your coursemates. Together, you’ll learn to make thoughtful, informed decisions and navigate real-time challenges. Whether crossing wild ranges or paddling glacier-carved coasts, you’ll build the tools to explore the wilderness with confidence. You’ll grow into the role of leader, explorer, and adventurer. The skills you build through challenge, experience, and teamwork will stay with you long after the expedition ends, guiding you through life just as they guided you through the wild.