Backcountry Foraging & Cooking Class in Anchorage

Hike the trails, pick wild edibles, cook over a campfire

A foraging and backcountry cooking class in Anchorage where you hike into the Alaskan wilderness, learn to identify edible plants and mushrooms by season, and prepare a meal from what you've gathered. The guide teaches safety and technique while you pick your own food and cook it over a campsite setup. All equipment is provided and children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking, foraging, and backcountry cooking

• Meet guide at Anchorage location
• Receive safety tips and tour overview
• Hike trails to forage wild edibles
• Collect wild greens, fungi, and berries
• Return to campsite for cooking lesson
• Prepare and cook backcountry meal
• Enjoy backcountry dessert
• Conclude tour and head to lodging

The experience

You start at your designated meeting point in Anchorage and spend the first part of the day on the trails with an experienced guide who shows you what to look for. Depending on the season, you might find wild greens, edible wildflowers, fiddlehead ferns, fireweed shoots, mushrooms, and berries. The guide explains what is safe to eat and what to avoid, but you do the picking yourself. After gathering enough for a meal, you head back to the campsite with your finds.

At the campsite, the real work begins. You learn how to prepare and cook using backcountry equipment and supplies, turning your foraged ingredients into an actual meal. The guide walks you through technique and safety while you handle the cooking. Hot drinks are available if you want them. The whole experience (hiking, foraging, and cooking) takes about four hours, with an additional hour for transportation to and from your lodging.

This works for families with younger kids. Pizza can be on the menu if that's what the group wants to make. You'll need to be able to walk at least three miles on flat ground or two and a half miles of uneven terrain over roughly two hours, and some sections of trail are steep and hilly. If you have dietary restrictions or concerns about your fitness level, let the operator know when you book.

What’s included

• All hiking and cooking gear and equipment.
• hot drinks.
• instruction in foraging and backcountry cooking techniques.
• transportation to and from your lodging within the five-hour total time.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Go Hike Alaska

Is this one for you?Pick the Anchorage location if you want to forage and cook without a long drive from the city. The four hours on the trail and at the campsite fit into a single day trip, leaving time for transport and a relaxing evening back at your lodging.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kinds of plants and mushrooms will I actually find to forage in Anchorage?

What you find depends on the season. Summer and fall typically yield wild greens, edible wildflowers, fiddlehead ferns, fireweed shoots, mushrooms, and berries. The guide knows what is safe to eat in each season and teaches you to identify it before you pick.

Do I need foraging or cooking experience to join this class?

No experience is required. The guide teaches you how to identify edible plants, what to pick, and how to cook backcountry-style from scratch. Children from age 8 can participate.

What happens if I can't walk long distances or have joint problems?

You'll need to walk at least three miles on flat ground or two and a half miles of uneven rolling terrain over about two hours, with some steep and hilly sections. The class is not recommended for people with cardiac or respiratory issues. If you have concerns about your fitness or joint health, contact the operator before booking.

Is all the cooking equipment provided, or do I need to bring anything?

All gear and equipment for cooking and hiking is provided. You just need to bring yourself and be ready to get your hands dirty picking and preparing food.

Can I do this tour if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes. Let the operator know about any dietary restrictions when you book, and they will work with you to adapt the menu to what you can eat.