Sierra Club Outings | Fall colors in Denali, Alaska

Highlights:

Experience fall colors and scenery in Denali National Park
Travel on one of the few remaining whistle stop trains in North America, and view the vast landscape and color-brushed tundra
Explore by day hikes or shuttle bus
Get close to nature by riverside campsite

Includes:

5 nights camping and 2 nights in lodge
All on-trip group meals
All on-trip transportation including the Denali shuttle bus
Park entrance fees

This trip is for those seeking a leisurely introduction to Denali National Park�s varied topography and wildlife. Travel by train from Anchorage through beautiful scenery to the gem of our national park system�s Denali National Park. We will base camp in Denali Park and explore by tour bus and day hiking during the peak of the fall colors. The pace of our journey and the long autumn days will allow us to explore this land of endless panoramas, surprises, and contrasts.

In between our stays in Denali and Indian River, we will travel by train once again to the quaint and historic town of Talkeetna and stay in a riverside lodge for a chance to clean up and prepare for our whistle stop train service to Denali State Park the next day.

The Hurricane Turn Train is one of the last remaining flag stop trains in North America, consisting of three cars that roll along at a leisurely pace up the Susitna River, crossing a trestle bridge at Gold Creek near the mouth of Indian River, and continuing north to the Hurricane Gulch turn around. Along this route we will signal the engineer and be dropped off streamside, for a one-night remote camp, amidst spectacular scenery, and unbelievably good fishing (Don�s words). Our travel distance on the �bud train� is about 30 miles and lasts approximately an hour. We will drop off and pick up in hobo style; a wave and a smile is all it takes to get the train to stop for us.

The last night of the trip we will be staying again at our lodge in Talkeetna. On the next and final day we will return to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad in the late afternoon, providing time during the day for optional activities such as flightseeing, day hikes, or just relaxing along the river.

Day 1: We will travel by train from Anchorage to Denali National Park on the Alaska Railroad, which will give us our first views of the vast mountain ranges and incredible scenery and open space that makes Alaska unique. We will arrive in time to set up our camp at Savage River which will be our base camp for the next two nights.

Days 2 and 3: Exploring the park and its treasures, we will have the opportunity to experience this as our own fitness and interest dictates, either by day hike or park shuttle bus possibly as far as spectacular Wonder Lake. The road crosses mountain passes and wetland tundra on the way. After a full day of exploring, a hearty meal in camp will round off the day.

Day 4: After striking camp in the morning, we will take the noon train to the quaint and historic town of Talkeetna. The lodge we will be staying at this evening is located on the Susitna River, and will allow us the opportunity to clean up, do laundry, explore, or sit by the river.

Day 5: At noon we will board the whistle stop train in Talkeetna and make our way along the Susitna River to our jumping off point at Indian River. Our travel distance on the �bud train� is about 30 miles and lasts approximately an hour. After setting up camp there will be time to explore before the dinner bell rings.

Day 6: After a day of exploring, photography, or fishing, we hop on board the whistle stop train in the late afternoon at Indian River and return to our lodge in Talkeetna. Tonight will be our trip finale dinner in town.

Day 7: Free day in Talkeetna. Before our train leaves in the late afternoon we will have the opportunity to spend the day hiking, exploring the history of the town, viewing the area by flightseeing tour (optional, not included in trip cost), or just relaxing by the river. The trip ends with our arrival in Anchorage at 8pm.

Trip members are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the trip's starting point in Anchorage. The trip leader may have airline and airport recommendations, etc. Arctic air travel, commercial or charter, is not always on schedule and luggage is occasionally delayed. It is strongly advised that you allow leeway at the beginning of the trip for delayed luggage and at the end of the trip for possible delays caused by weather.

We will be group camping at Denali National Park and Denali State Park. Two lodge stays with shared occupancy will be provided by the trip. A single supplement fee will apply if you choose to room on your own.

Included in the trip fee are all group meals and snacks, beginning with lunch on day one, and ending with dinner the final day. As usual on Sierra Club Outings, members help with cooking and clean-up chores. Each person assists for a day or two. This is something people always seem to enjoy; the problem is not getting people to help but getting those not on duty to stay out of the kitchen. Fortunately, people love to help and are eager to be part of the crew. We will use Dutch ovens as part of our equipment, in which we will bake many appetizing dishes, including cakes, muffins, and casseroles. Please advise the trip staff in advance if you have any dietary restrictions so that we may accommodate your needs.

The trip is designed as a gentle but authentic introduction to camping in Alaska. It is suitable for individuals of average fitness. All one needs are a spirit of adventure and a willingness to participate. You will need to be prepared to carry your camping equipment in a backpack less than one mile on a level trail through the woods.

The variety of optional activities should allow participants to determine the degree of rigor that they wish to pursue. Our day hikes will vary from easy to moderate. Light hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes are required. One need carry only their lunch and such items as rainwear and a sweater while day hiking.

Weather in September varies from mild and varied to very cold and wet, to ice and snow. Temperatures can range from the 30s to the 70s and sometimes higher. Assume there will be rain for at least some portion of the trip. If you are prepared, and can greet adverse weather as part of the adventure, you will enjoy this trip. Insects should not be a major problem at this time of year, but come prepared in the event that it is an unusual season.

Participants must realize that in Alaska weather, road conditions, or any number of unforeseen events could require changes in our schedule. Treat the unexpected as an opportunity. Be prepared for an exciting and varied experience. Members should approach the trip with a spirit of adventure and a willingness to deal with the unanticipated.

Stoves, fuel, cooking gear, kitchen tarp, repair kit, bear repellent spray, water purification and first aid kit are furnished. Participants should bring their own eating utensils, medications, toiletries and such supplies as moleskin, tape, insect repellent, sunscreen, canteen, etc. No specialized equipment will be needed for this outing. Usual camping gear such as tent, sleeping bag, daypack, comfortable clothing and footwear is what you will need. Light hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes and rainwear are required. Each trip member will receive a detailed equipment list after acceptance on the outing.

There are many good books and magazines that you might want to read before the trip. Some suggestions are:

We will discuss current Alaska conservation issues in general and for the Denali area in particular. As a case in point, the first four days of our trip will be spent in a wilderness national park, and in Talkeetna on the last days we will be greeted by access roads, cabins, anglers, and other tourists. Issues of multiple use abound in Alaska 's wild lands. An extensive discussion is possible to reconcile the differences between preservation, recreation, and subsistence uses.

We will also discuss the impact of tourism. It wasn't long ago, for example, that the train through Talkeetna to Denali and beyond had a single dome car. Now, during the summer, there may be up to 20 dome cars on several trains per day. Many tour buses also pass through the area. How can Denali National Park cope with these swarms of visitors and still protect land and animal resources?

The proposal to drill for oil in the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Reserve to the north and massive gold mining project at Pebble Mine in the Alaskan interior are other hot issues that certainly merit discussion.

Sierra Club outings in Alaska and Arctic Canada are special experiences in true wilderness, but they also carry an element of risk. Trip locales are often remote, away from the amenities of civilization, including sophisticated medical care and immediate evacuation possibilities. Many of our Alaska and Arctic Canada trips now carry satellite phones, but even with this technology, communication with the outside world can be difficult and emergency assistance can be days away. Weather in Alaska and Arctic Canada is unpredictable, and inclement weather can be severe. Among other hazards are cold river and stream crossings, tidal activity, calving glaciers, the psychological effects of remoteness, and the presence of large wild animals. You're in good hands, though, so don't worry: Your trip leaders have vast experience in the Last Frontier, and they'll provide all the guidance you need.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Don Murch is a father, organic farmer, commercial fisherman, and wilderness guide with extensive travels in the wilds of Alaska. He has thirty years experience planning and executing backpacking, dog-mushing, rafting, and group tours in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Gourmet cooking is one of his favorite pastimes.

E-mail: maizesh@nature.berkeley.edu