Cordova: Alaska`s Hidden Treasure with Cindy Cone

Fly from Anchorage to Cordova. Upon arrival, meet your guide and travel to Orca Adventure Lodge, enjoying some initial sights along the way, including swan nests on the Copper River Delta and the Cordova town center. After a program orientation and lunch, travel to the Power Creek drainage area and walk on a trail above town for a panoramic view of the area and explore its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Possible themes for investigation include geology of the area, plate tectonics, glaciology, marine mammals of Prince William Sound, and avian biology. Please note that all activities are subject to accessibility, road conditions, and weather; a suitable alternative will be arranged if any activities are canceled for reasons outside our control.

Depart for a full-day tour of the Copper River Delta, which includes an unforgettable float down the Alaganik Slough. While traveling through the historic Copper River Highway, which was built on the old railroad bed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad, take in expansive views of marsh and wetland habitats while watching for moose, eagles, beavers, and the occasional bear. See examples of uplift and subsidence that resulted from the 1964 earthquake as your guide explains how it affected this area. Search for wildlife on the hike to view the mighty Copper River at Mile 27. After a brief break to explore the dunes of the Copper River and a discussion about the salmon habitat and commercial fishing seasons, travel back to Mile 22 and the site of Alaganik, a historical village of the Indigenous Eyak people. Here, visitors can imagine the village as it once was, full of bustling activity around the old trading post, longhouses, and Shaman's Cave that used to inhabit this spot. After a quick introduction to some medicinal uses for local plants, with handouts provided to identify plants on your own, launch canoes with your guide. Float from Mile 22 to Mile 17 on the Alaganik Slough, watching for wildlife, especially birds, and experiencing the dynamic delta ecosystem up close from this vantage point at water level. See areas where the U.S. Forest Service attempted to help restore the Dusky Canada Goose and Tundra Swan populations by anchoring nest islands in the ponds. Finally, enjoy the chance to hike a boardwalk birding path after disembarking at the Mile 17 ramp. Stay alert for more wildlife-viewing opportunities on the return trip to the lodge.

Today, marvel at the world's largest concentration of sea otters and other marine mammals in Prince William Sound. Board a comfortable catamaran vessel and begin the journey in Orca Inlet, where its shallow waters are the ideal habitat for sea otters. Pay special attention to females and their pups while learning the story of these fascinating creatures that have been brought back from near-extinction. Next, head farther afield to the ocean entrances to look for a variety of other marine mammals. Depending on conditions, numerous other species can be seen, including endangered Steller sea lions and Dall's porpoises. Appearing near the bow of the boat, these playful creatures are often mistaken for small orcas with their black-and-white coloring. When nearing the open waters, scan beyond the surface for larger marine mammals, as both orcas and a variety of other whales often frequent the area. Humpbacks are the largest in this near-shore environment, while gray and, occasionally, even beaked whales are spotted. This is also a major nesting area for numerous species of sea ducks. Learn about these vulnerable birds and how they have been affected by recent changes in sea temperature. Kittiwakes, murres, and even puffins also inhabit this rugged coast. In the late afternoon, visit the Ilanka Cultural Center & Museum to gain a greater sense of the rich history, culture, art, and ecological wisdom of the Eyak, Alutiq, Ahtna, and Tlingit peoples who historically shared the area's resources.

After breakfast, enjoy an insightful talk from your guide about plate tectonics and the geological characteristics of the region. The Prince William Sound area has undergone dramatic changes in recent decades, largely due to the Great Alaskan Earthquake that devastated the area in 1964. Lasting four minutes and 38 seconds, the 9.2-magnitude earthquake ruptured 600 miles of fault line in an instant, and ultimately gave conclusive evidence to seismologists about the existence and behavior of plate tectonics. Look at specific, unique geological formations and rock samples, and then engage in a discussion on climate change before heading to Sheridan Glacier. Sheridan Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, so after a short hike through the moraine, visitors are able to witness the dramatic frozen river of ancient ice while kayaking through the crystal blue caves and jagged crevasses and observing the ever-changing terrain.

Spend the morning at leisure before traveling to the airport for your flight to Anchorage. Upon arrival, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. This living cultural center seeks to preserve and strengthen the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska's Native People through collaboration, celebration, and education. Visitors can learn about the art, tools, clothing, and many other items representing all Alaska Native cultures, peoples, and ways of life. Then, explore the historical downtown, including the Anchorage Museum. Enjoy dinner on your own before traveling to the airport for your evening flight home.