A Weekend in the Wilderness
For many travellers to Southeast Alaska the idea of visiting the vast and remote Misty Fjords National Monument is appealing but the logistics are challenging which is why very few people ever get to visit the monument for more than a half hour aboard a floatplane or high speed catamaran. Our weekend trip is designed to offer anyone with good physical fitness and a spirit of adventure the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful parts of the Misty Fjords in a weekend with just one night of camping. Our friendly, naturalist guides take all the stress out of back country camping we provide all the camping equipment and delicious camp meals so that all you have to do is relax and enjoy the wilderness.
Kayaks at Point Luise in Rudyerd Bay

Weekend Trip Details
Frequently Asked Questions PDF
Gear List PDF
The trip combines the scenic boat journey to Misty Fjords with sea kayaking, hiking and camping. We meet at Southeast Sea Kayaks at 8am on Saturday and after a quick gear check and briefing from the guides, we depart by boat. On the ride to Misty Fjords we have the opportunity to learn about the area and watch for marine mammals. Our destination is Rudyerd Bay, the most spectacular of the Fjords where we will camp in tents and spend time exploring by sea kayak and on foot.  We aim to return to town by 5:30 - 6pm on Sunday evening but can occasionally be delayed by weather.

Day One: Meet your guides and Captain at 8:30am and depart for your Misty Fjords sea kayaking adventure! The journey to Misty Fjords by boat is about two hours. We drop our gear at our campsite and paddle Rudyerd Bay where we will watch for bears and enjoy a packed lunch. Paddle back to camp and relax or explore the cove while your guides prepare a delicious meal.

Day Two: After a hot breakfast we head up the trail to spectacular Punchbowl Lake.* The hike through the rainforest leads us amongst towering old growth trees and alongside dramatic waterfalls. The hike is challenging but more than worth the effort. When the forest service boat or canoe are available. we explore the lake and eat lunch on the shore. After descending from the lake there will be time to relax and for an evening paddle.

*The weekend trip usually camps at Punchbowl Cove, but is tide or weather conditions warrant some trips may camp in the South Arm and hike to Nooya Lake

Kayaking Rudyerd Bay in late May

What is Included and What to Bring
Included in the trip price:

  • Boat Transportation to & from Misty Fjords
  • Double fiberglass sea kayaks, paddles, PFDs
  • Experienced guide
  • Delicious camp cuisine
  • Dry bags for your gear & Alaskan Xtra Tuff rubber boots
  • Camping equipment including tents and thermarests
We provide dry bags for guests to pack all of their personal items. Sleeping bags are available for rent however most guests prefer to bring their own. We ask our guests to bring:
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Appropriate clothing and footwear. See Gear List in PDF.
  • Toiletries and personal medications
  • Alcoholic beverages if desired (check with us on space limitations)
  • Cameras
Campsite at Punchbowl

Who Should Take this Trip
In the 15 years that we have been kayaking Misty Fjords, we have taken people of all ages and abilities on our overnight trips. We place an emphasis on wilderness and wildlife rather than covering distanhce so each trip can be tailored to suit both novice and experienced paddlers. Participants do not have to be expert sea kayakers, but should be physically fit and able to hike on steep an slippery terrain. This trip is suitable for most 12 - 15 year olds if they are accompanied by an adult in a double kayak for the paddling. We have Frequently Asked Questions and a Gear List available in PDF form.

Kayakers at low tide

2012 Booking Information
If you are interested in booking, please take a look at our PDF with additional information and our Recommended Pack List. For 2012 we will run the weekend trip upon request for groups of 3 or more (groups of 2 may choose to pay for 3). Weekend trips can be scheduled to suit participants - they need not be on weekends. Please call or email for availability.

Booking Conditions and Cancellation Policy
We take a 50% deposit at time of booking with the remaining 50% due 14 days prior to your trip. You may cancel anytime outside of 14 days with only a $25 per person cancellation fee. We do not refund for cancellations made inside of 14 days.

USFS Logo Under special permit from the USFS. Southeast Sea Kayaks is an equal opportunity service provider.