Columbia Iceberg – An Intimate Wilderness Experience
Nestled in a wilderness area over twice the size of Yosemite National Park are Columbia and Heather Bays, a zone of extreme contrast.
Explore land recently unveiled after centuries under ice adjacent to undisturbed forests where salmon seasonally run streams under moss covered branches. Paddle the terminal moraine in search of icebergs grounded in the shallows. Hike to a viewpoint overlooking Columbia Bay or through spongy muskeg meadows towards a lake in Heather Bay. Search for berries or carnivorous sundew plants. This is a favorite area for sea otters. We pioneered this trip over 30 years ago and it’s still among our favorites.
Note: As Columbia Glacier continues its retreat, the amount of ice reaching this area has thinned dramatically and the glacier is no longer visible. There are days when no icebergs are within paddling distance. If your goal is to paddle with ice the Columbia Glacier Face or Valdez Glacier Lake trips are better options.
Trip Details
Duration: 9 to 10 hours, meeting at 8am
Rate: $345 per guest
Itinerary:
Prep 1 hour, Boat ride 3 hrs, Kayak 4 hrs, Shore time 2 hrs
8:00-9:00: Gear-up then board water taxi
9:00-10:30: Cruise Prince William Sound with a watchful eye for wildlife
10:30-12:30: Kayaking instruction and safety briefing then launch kayaks and explore
12:30-1:30: Shore break for lunch with a view and to stretch the legs
1:30-2:30: More kayak-based exploration
2:30-3:00: Shore break
3:00-4:00: Paddle
4:00-6pm: Board water taxi and cruise back to Valdez.
Out of courtesy to fellow paddlers we ask that you arrive punctually for your trip. All itineraries are approximations and may be altered.
Anadyr Adventures provides:
A fun, safety oriented and knowledgeable kayak guide
Water taxi
Waterproof bibs and jacket
Rubber boots
“Pogies” (neoprene paddling mittens)
Quality kayaking equipment to include life jacket, spray deck, paddle, tandem kayak and waterproof bags for packing
Hot drinks (cocoa or tea) and snacks
User fees for the Wilderness Study Area
What you need to bring:
Appropriate clothing – a detailed packing list is sent with booking confirmations
Lunch and a reusable water bottle or two
An attitude ready for adventure
Just wanted to give you all a big thanks for our trip yesterday. It was an amazing day. Jared and Scott made our experience unforgettable.
We will definitely see you for a fourth trip!
Thank you.
Michelle, Brett, Randy and Amanda Covington
August 2021
From salmon streams to a glacier terminus!
Sawmill Bay to Valdez 3 Day Camping Trip
Paddle, hike and relax. This 3 Day exploration cover diverse landscapes, provides an intimate glacier experience, great wildlife potential and excellent opportunities for hiking and still time to take in the views. Paddle up a salmon stream, beneath cascading waterfalls, hike along a glaciers edge. Spend a night each in Sawmill and Shoup Bay State Marine Parks. Relax and enjoy Alaskan themed meals prepared with love by your naturalist guide.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday 8:00am – 8:00pm
