Photo Credit: Cass Colman

Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking – 16 and 17 only

Alaska Backpacking and Sea Kayaking – 16 and 17 only

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.

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Details

Jul 13, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025

Palmer, AK

Duration

30 days

Age

16 - 17 yrs

Skill Options
Academic Credit

6 College Credits

  • 2 Skills Practicum
  • 2 Leadership Techniques
  • 2 Environmental Studies

1.5 High School Credits

  • 1 Physical Education
  • 0.5 Leadership

Equipment Deposit

$500

Start/End

Palmer, Alaska

Fly In/Out

Anchorage, Alaska

“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 (In Wyoming only)

If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.