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Alaska's Walrus islands with The Nature Conservancy
July 5-9
5 days - $2,950 Wildlife Focused

Out of northern Bristol Bay arise a cluster of seven steep volcanic islands known as the Walrus Islands.  One of these, Round Island, is one of only four locations in Alaska to serve as a terrestrial home to male walrus each summer.  After the walrus have been at sea feeding for several days straight, they head for Round Island to haul out and rest.  Anywhere from a few to a few thousand walrus may be seen lounging on the beaches on any given summer day, grunting, groaning, “strumming”, climbing over each other and lying packed like enormous sardines on a rocky beach.  A population of endangered Steller’s sea lions also inhabit the island.  Round Island, part of the Walrus Islands State Game Sanctuary, is our destination for this 5-day camping trip with The Nature Conservancy amid the tall green grasses, lush wildflowers and busy seabird nesting cliffs of mid-summer.

After traveling by jet, floatplane and boat, we’ll arrive at Round Island.  Getting from the rocky boat landing beach up onto the surface level of the island requires clambering over boulders with the aid of a fixed rope; getting our gear up requires handing it along a “bucket line”.  We will camp in one place for the duration of our stay.  Each day we’ll hike around the island’s trails to observation points for watching and photographing the mammals and birds on their rocky beaches and cliffs. We’ll watch for songbirds in the meadows and enjoy the wildflowers at the peak of their lush profusion. Participants should be in good physical condition. The island is remote and rugged, and emergency help can be several days away during stormy conditions.  The trip holds countless experiential rewards for those who make the journey to this unique wildlife sanctuary.

Note:  price includes a staff naturalist from The Nature Conservancy who will accompany us on the trip and an optional $250 donation to TNC-Oregon.

Consider combining with the Marsh Fork/Canning River raft trip.