Chugach Mountains Kayaking Tour: Moose Pass & Grant Lake

Grant Lake sits behind a mile of hiking that only foot traffic and floatplanes can reach.

A guided kayak and hike near Moose Pass, Alaska combines a 1-mile paddle on Upper Trail Lake with a 1-mile hike to Grant Lake, a remote alpine lake framed by the Chugach Mountains. The 4-hour outing includes kayak, paddles, life jacket, a snack and glacial water refill. A professional guide leads the route in English and children from age 7 are welcome. The hike follows a section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, and Grant Lake's emerald waters are accessible only on foot or by floatplane.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and hike to Grant Lake

• 1-mile paddle on Upper Trail Lake
• 1-mile hike to Grant Lake shore
• Relax and enjoy a snack at Grant Lake
• Hike back along the primitive trail
• 1-mile kayak paddle back to Moose Pass

The experience

You start with a 1-mile paddle on Upper Trail Lake, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountains. The water is glacial and the shoreline quiet. This is the kind of place where the only sounds are your paddle and the occasional bird. Once you've taken in the scale of it, you swap the kayak for hiking boots and follow a primitive trail inland for another mile, climbing toward Grant Lake. Along the way you walk a section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, the same route mushers and their dogs have traveled for decades, and your guide points out native Alaska plants and shares stories of the people who came before.

Grant Lake itself sits in a bowl of mountains, its water so clear and green it looks unreal. There's no road here, no parking lot, no crowds. The only way in is on foot or by floatplane. You get time to sit on the shore, eat a light snack, refill your water bottle straight from the glacial stream, and just be in the quiet. Then you retrace your steps: the hike back down, the paddle back across Upper Trail Lake to where you started in Moose Pass. The whole thing takes 4 hours, which means a free afternoon or a morning departure leaves the rest of your day open.

What’s included

• A professional hiking and kayaking guide in English.
• kayak, paddles, life jacket and small dry bag.
• a light snack and refill of glacial water for your water bottle.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Moose Pass Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide leads in English, so you follow the commentary and the route without translation. If you have at least moderate fitness for both paddling and hiking, and no spinal injuries, this half-day outing fits a free afternoon near Seward or a morning slot before other plans.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 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.

Can I kayak on Upper Trail Lake if I've never paddled before?

The guide leads you through the 1-mile paddle on Upper Trail Lake and provides all the gear: kayak, paddles, life jacket and a small dry bag for your belongings. Moderate physical fitness is recommended for the hike and paddle combined, but the guide adjusts the pace to the group.

What is Grant Lake like when you get there?

Grant Lake is a remote alpine lake with emerald-colored glacial water, framed by the Chugach Mountains. It's accessible only on foot or by floatplane, so you won't see vehicles or crowds. The shore is pristine and quiet, and the guide gives you time to rest and take in the views.

What's included in the 4-hour trip?

The outing includes a professional guide, kayak and paddles, life jacket, a small dry bag, a light snack and a refill of glacial water for your bottle. The guide speaks English and leads both the paddle and the hike.

What should I bring or wear for this half-day adventure?

Wear layers and bring warm clothes: the mountains stay cool even in summer. The operator does not provide rain gear or extra warm layers, so plan for Alaska weather. Bring a camera if you want photos, and wear footwear that works on a primitive trail.