What to Expect | Hike Alaska

TRANSPORTATION & MEETUP LOCATION:

Please visit the Transportation & Meetup Page for all questions pertaining to transportation.

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT:

All participants are required to complete a participation agreement. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to complete it once you finish booking.

WEATHER:

All of our hikes are rain or shine. However, if the weather is too severe (i.e. thunder, lightning, hail, blizzard, etc.) we’ll issue you a full refund.

WILD ANIMALS:

Seeing wild animals is probably part of why you booked a hike in the first place, but we need to give animals the proper respect they deserve. We will provide you a safety briefing before your hike. Please listen to your guide during any encounter situation. We are happy to help you get some quality photos, but only if it is safe. While bears are commonly referred to as the aggressors, moose attacks are far more common in Alaska. Every guide is trained in large animal safety, and the use of bear spray. Please refer to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for more info on wildlife encounters.

What to bring on your hike

WHAT GO HIKE ALASKA PROVIDES:

GEAR & SUPPLIES:
We have daypacks, water, food, trekking poles, sunscreen and mosquito repellent if you need them. For winter tours, we will provide microspikes or snowshoes (if applicable).

FOOD:
We proudly serve local Alaskan products from Kat’s Epic Trail Bites, Alaska Sausage and Seafood, and Elevated Oats!
For the following tours, your food will consist of:

Summer Tours:

Flora & Fauna Nature Walk (3 Hour Tour): Granola

Summer Valley & Forest Hike & Alpine Class Trek (5 Hour Tours): Granola Bar, Cheese Stick and Fresh Fruit

Full Day Hiking Adventure (8 Hour Tour): Granola Bar, Cheese Stick and Fresh Fruit, plus a Sandwich. Choice of vegetarian, turkey, or ham.

Backcountry Eats & Foraging Treats (5 Hour Tour): We forage for ingredients to be used in making a meal, consisting of risotto, Wild-Alaskan Salmon, homemade foraged jelly, and berry compotes. Click here to see the menu for the day!

Kesugi Ridge Backpacking Tour (5 Day Tour): We’ll supply the rations for your tour. Rations will be based on the dietary restrictions of the group. The final ration list will be sent to you before your tour. Click here for to view and/or download a sample menu.

Winter Tours:

Winter Waterfall Fun and Beginner’s Snowshoeing Adventure (3 Hour Tours): Granola Bar

Winter Valley & Forest Hike and Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure (5 Hour Tours): Granola Bar, Cheese Stick and Fresh Fruit

Note:

If you have any food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions, please let us know when prompted during checkout and we will be happy to accommodate you.

PROPER CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR:

Being prepared is a must while hiking.

Summer Day Tours: The main thing you need to know is to NEVER wear cotton, that even more important during the winter. Cotton holds water and keeps you cold and wet. Plus it weighs a lot when it’s saturated, and causes friction and chafing. We recommend merino wool or synthetic materials such as spandex or polyester. These materials wick moisture and keep you warm when you are wet. Layers that can be added or removed is a must when hiking in Alaska and really just about anywhere.

We recommend that you bring a rain jacket and pants, as it can be pretty wet at times. Shorts or long pants are up to you, just keep in mind that locals jokingly refer to the mosquito as our state bird! Pants will go a long way in staving off bites, as well as protecting you from harmful vegetation overgrowth.

We would prefer if you wear trail runners or hiking shoes/boots with good ankle support, but at minimum please bring running shoes or “sneakers”. Please keep in mind it rains A LOT in Alaska; muddy trails are always a possibility when hiking in Alaska.

Kesugi Ridge Backpacking Tour (5-Days/4-Nights): We require all guests to bring mandatory items, and suggest optional items you may want as well. We will provide certain group gear such as: cookwear and stoves, emergency supplies & repair kit, satellite phone, topo maps, etc. Please view and/or download the respective item lists here. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.

Winter Day Tours: We have a comprehensive blog that explains what to wear during the winter. We recommend visiting this page if you have questions regarding what to wear during winter tours.

FIREARMS:

Go Hike Alaska has a no firearms policy, regardless of any legal licensing that allows the carrier to do so. This includes in the vehicle while transporting you to and from the activity. We understand you may feel the need to use a firearm to protect yourself from a bear mauling, however we believe few people are trained to handle the discharge of a weapon properly and effectively under such stressful conditions. This policy is for everyone’s safety, including yours. Guides are trained in the use of bear spray and other non-lethal deterrence methods.

PETS:

We have a strict no pet policy. Service animals are welcome, however be aware that the trail you booked might be too hard for him/her. If you are unsure you can always give us a call and we would be happy to help.

DRONES:

Drone usage is prohibited under the Chugach State Park regulations.