Kayak/Hike
   The Best of Southeast

“The best of Southeast Alaska lies a short distance from the end of the road!’

Southeast Alaska is remote. Towns are small and spaced far apart. Great news for those looking for a wilderness experience. However, by the very fact that the road system is limited means transport into prime areas such as Misty Fjords National Monument can quickly escalate costs. If you are on a money/time budget look no further than a trip to the Naha.

With three days, two at a minimum, you can experience a superb trip by combining a kayaking and hiking adventure with an overnight at the Jordan Lake Forest Service Cabin. The ten mile paddle from the put in at Knudsen Cove offers fairly protected paddling by following the shore line or island hopping the chain of islands to Naha Bay.

No commercial guiding is allowed in the area which greatly enhances the appeal of this trip. You will see locals out in skiffs trolling for salmon and pass beach cabins used as weekend retreats. Opportunities for seeing seals, seal lions, porpoises, Humpback and Orca whales are good.

As you come into Naha Bay, the small settlement of Loring is on the far shore. In the late 1800’s Ketchikan was no more than a few cabins while Loring had the most southerly post office in Alaska, opened in 1885, and was a thriving cannery community. Steamers, large square rigged sailing ships and numerous fishing boats filled the bay. Today all that is left is a few cabins. If you paddle up to the town’s float it is possible to follow a trail up to a large waterfall. On the way you will pass a small graveyard where sailors in the early 1900’s were buried.

At the head of Naha Bay, Roosevelt Lagoon, flows out through a narrow chute into saltwater. The tide race here can be avoided by portaging the kayaks for about 100 yards around the falls. You can re board now in the Lagoon and paddle to where Naha River flows in. A short distance up on the left hand bank you can beach the kayaks and follow the trail to Jordan Lake.

The trail follows the river and shortly you will come to a small waterfall which offers black bear viewing as the bears feed in the stream below. The trail is well maintained and is a magnificent hike through the rain forest. There is no significant elevation gain and the trail makes for an easy walk. You have good chances to black bear, bald eagles and Sitka Black Tail deer.

Arriving at the lake the trail runs a short distance before coming to Jordan Lake Cabin. Perched on the water’s edge, with a row boat tied up out front, this is luxury camping for the heady price of $35 per night. The Forest Service keeps wood stocked for the stove.

Exploring the lake by skiff you will often see beaver at the outlet. Fishing for rainbow, Dolly Varden and cutthroat is good. If you have the energy, the trail up to Heckman Lake follows the stream and offers good fishing and another beautiful waterfall. It will bring you at trail’s end to Heckman Lake Cabin.

This trip is an ideal three day, two night adventure but can be extended of shortened as time allows. If you are traveling without camping gear, wilderness outfitters in town can provide everything except sleeping bags. Reservations for the cabin are required. You can call toll free 877-444-6777 or book online at www.recreation.gov. Southeast Sea Kayaks can provide kayak rentals and transportation to the put in site.

Kayak Rentals