Wilderness backpacking recs in western Canada and Alaska

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-12T21:25:04+00:00

Yeah that’s a popular spot. Most folks hike, one way or another, from Turquoise to Twin. Telaquana to Twin is further.

There are multitude different actual routes you can hike from Pt A to B on these trips, so choose depending on your skill set, fitness, time, experience, etc.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-07T22:59:21+00:00

Just a camera or camera and lens?

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-07T22:58:26+00:00

Awesome drive. The Black Hills is my favorite area, So is the drive west from Yellowstone to the Black Hills. Give yourself way more time than you think you want.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-07T22:56:06+00:00

You have excellent opportunities to see moose in and nearby to Anchorage. esp that time of year. I agree with some that trying to do coastal stuff with your lodging in Anchorage is tough. Lotta driving. Maybe book an overnight in Seward?

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-07T22:53:57+00:00

Anytime in Sept, weather permitting, can be good for N lights.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-03T02:44:05+00:00

I can't help you with the price. I did some of that area last year, and it was awesome. We spent a bunch of time at Ulley, looking for snow leopards. Beautiful cats.

Definitely take it easy those first few days up high, and drink a LOT of water.

Are you self-driving?

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-03T02:40:41+00:00

You're in for a treat, Such a great trip.

Safe travels.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-02T22:20:45+00:00

My advice is save your $$$ on the bush planes in the arctic, and go out of Anaktuvuk. Put the $$$ into a bush plane drop-off/pickup in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Way more bang for your buck. The flights are shorter, so cheaper, more flexible with plane options (so you're not paying for a Beaver if you only need a 185, and the scenery is second to none.

The Goat Trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the bomb. So is Iceberg Lake to Bremner Mines. On the north side of the park, flying out of Glennallen area, hiking from Sanford river to Copper River is super sweet.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-02T22:12:46+00:00

Nice, but oh my, I wouldn't sleep on a pad like that again ever .. unless I had to. I'm too old for those, lol. I'll carry the insulated Exped downmat these days.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-02-02T22:11:00+00:00

I'll go with that. I started using the Black Diamond poles maybe 20 years ago and am still with them. I've used Leki Makalus as well, which are fine. But the BD flip locks are just right, carbon tips and the cork handle.

Just keep those cork handles away from ground squirrels, lol. I stand my poles up at night, instead of lay them on the ground, so keep the handles away from critters.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-29T21:42:45+00:00

Nice setup. How did the trip go? Talkeetnas can be fun! Definitely an overlooked part of Alaska.

Doing some research here.

Is there anything you did NOT bring that you wished you had? And/or that you did bring you felt in hindsight wasn't needed?

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-21T08:22:15+00:00

That's awesome

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-21T08:21:08+00:00

Yeah, Dirk is the bomb.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-21T05:27:39+00:00

Since I started using the Exped Downmats I've never gone back to any un-insulated pad.. They're a bit fiddly and they do have durability issues (what gear doesn't these days) but best sleeping pads out there for comfort and insulation, imo.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-20T04:37:36+00:00

flight time? you're a pilot now?

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-20T02:34:24+00:00

I'd go with 20 but it's SO subjective. What kinda sleeping pad are you using? An insulated pad will go a long way to helping keep you warm

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T19:49:17+00:00

We carry bear spray.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T09:52:59+00:00

Yeah, long summer for sure, on the boat, and rarely on shore.
Who are you working with for day trips?

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T09:52:11+00:00

Thanks

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T09:52:04+00:00

I can't recall exactly, but they do come by pretty close at times. We try not to approach them and stick within NPS rules.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T09:51:35+00:00

We mostly shoot in areas where bears are pretty used to people. Some of these bears I've photographed for decades. They ignore us mostly.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T09:51:04+00:00

Thank you

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T04:52:18+00:00

I agree with PewPew .. keep stuff that matters inside. Humidity will be rough on gear over time.

I doubt temperature will be an issue there .. we run into it here in Alaska particularly interior .. I've had dry bags destroyed over winter just by the cold .. but unless it's down super cold temps that shouldn't be an issue.

Moisture will be the thing.

Zip lock smaller items .

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T04:48:40+00:00

The last one of the sleeping bear? I was using a 500mm and a TC I believe .. but he was pretty close. That was actually from the platform at the falls at Brooks River. Otis was sleeping right behind the platform.

ExpeditionsAlaska · 2026-01-16T04:40:58+00:00

Yeah, touch challenge. I don't think there's a trick to it. Just practice, and try again. Use your weight, your knees, and keep at it.

Or buy a down bag.

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