SELDOVIA NATURE TOURS
Natural and Cultural History Stroll Around Town
Natural and Cultural History Stroll Around Town
Accessible
Level: Easy
Duration: 1 hour
Total Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 30 feet
Learn about Seldovia’s colorful history by taking this leisurely walk around town. We’ll stroll along the boardwalk, look for sea otters in the Harbor and Seldovia Slough, and visit Susan Lake, a hidden oasis for birds and dragonflies. This tour can be tailor-made to your interests: Beach-comb at Inside Beach, take photos of Camel Rock and the 128-year-old St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, or focus on bird- and wildlife-watching.
Otterbahn Trail Hike
Otterbahn Trail Hike
Level: Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Total Length: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 160 feet
Hike through the wild rainforest to the sea. We’ll see giant Sitka spruces, prickly devil’s club, deep forest birds like Brown Creepers and Pacific Wrens – and maybe even a glimpse of a black bear. Before returning to town, we can beachcomb along Kachemak Bay, or simply enjoy the awesome view of Lake Clark National Park’s snow-clad mountains on the other side of Cook Inlet. If the tide is right, we can connect through to Outside Beach and explore the ocean’s edge
Tidepooling
Tidepooling
Level: Easy to Moderate*
Duration: 2 hours
Visit the interesting creatures in the tidepools at Inside Beach, Outside Beach, or Jakolof Bay. As the waters recede, beautiful, intriguing, and just plain weird animals are revealed. Dates and times vary. Cab fare is not included.
* Slippery rocks and very uneven terrain can make this trip challenging if you have knee or hip problems, or difficulty balancing.
Birding Seldovia
Duration: 1 hour or more
Seldovia's location at the northern edge of the Pacific Northwest rainforest habitat provides a very different avifauna than what you'll find in Homer just right across the bay. The birding is great year-round: spring migration is mid-April to mid-May; hummingbirds, oystercatchers, and swallows delight us over the summer; and winter is surprisingly productive with overwintering waterfowl and seabirds. Marine mammals can be seen up close in the winter, too!
One hour minimum, but add on as much time as you want. Spotting scope provided; loaner binoculars available to rent for $3. If you wish to venture beyond walking distance, cab fare is not included and will be an additional cost.
Hike to the Alpine Zone
Hike to the Alpine Zone
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 5 hours
Total Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,550 feet
April 25-September 30.
A magnificent alpine tundra awaits you, with flowers you will not see at lower elevations. The views of Seldovia, Kachemak Bay, and the volcanic mountains on the other side of Cook Inlet are simply spectacular. Parts of the trail are steep and rugged, and may have snow early in the season. Wear comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or shoes, or plan to get your feet wet. Price includes cab fare to the trail head and Seldovia Native Association land use permit fees.
Rocky Ridge Trail Hike
Rocky Ridge Trail Hike
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Total Length: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 880 feet
Hike up and away from town for panoramic views of Alaska’s Ring of Fire volcanoes, Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Redoubt – or look down at scenic Seldovia Harbor and Hoen’s Lagoon. We’ll explore the mossy rainforest, starting near a rushing salmon stream near sea-level and meandering along switchbacks up through the woods to higher elevations. Salmonberries and ferns line the trail, and the songs of thrushes and warblers fill the trees. Parts of this trail are rugged and steep, but the climb is worth it.
Custom Tours
Custom Tours
Birding, botany, history, photography... we will focus on what YOU are interested in! Design your own hike, stay out longer than two hours, or combine different destinations. Venture farther afield. $25 per hour per person for guide service. Does not include cab fare (an example cab fare is $12 round trip to Outside Beach.)
Sea to Land Tour, with Tutka Tours
Tour Kachemak Bay with Captain Scott McEwen aboard the Silver Wake. Starting in Homer, you'll ride to Jakolof Bay and look for whales and seabirds along the way. Cindy will meet you at the dock, and provide a custom tour of Seldovia. You'll return to Homer on the Seldovia Bay Ferry. Lunch and all transportation included. 8 hours, $450 per person. Book by contacting Capt. Scott at TutkaTours.com or (907) 756-3578.
