Hatcher Pika Tour (Ended For 2023)

What’s Included In The Pika Tour?

• Guided 3-4 hour hike up to the Pika Township (check out our great article about it here).
• Overview of the area, its exciting history, and the local plants and animals.
• Small group sizes of 3-8 people offer unparalleled focus and attention to group needs and questions.
• See amazing high mountain views of the historic Independence Mine and Matanuska Valley.
• A chance to see the Pikas bounding around collecting flowers, berries, and all manner of alpine treats.
• Enjoy a carefully curated gift bag including a changing selection of premium Alaskan products such as our Fireweed Honey and exclusive – “The Alaska Frontier” branded items to take home with you, like a Hatcher The Pika Stuffie (coming soon), a $50 value free!
  
• Local Guide - Phillip Flippo!
  
• (1) Bottle of Purified Drinking Water

What’s Not Included With Your Tour Ticket

• Gratuity (much appreciated and totally not required)
  
• Lunch/Snacks
• Transportation

Basic Tour Itinerary

This tour will meet in the historic Hatcher Pass area - about 60 miles North of Anchorage.

Our tour will begin right at 10am in the parking area where our group will gather for basic orientation. This is a great overview of the area and what make Hatcher Pass such a beautiful and unique place to visit. (10 minutes)

We will walk towards the first set of mountain streams and take our time to learn about the area and the flora and fauna in it as we head upwards to our destination. (20 minutes)

Once our group makes it past the first two ridges, we will take a short break. (10 minutes)

We will then hike past the high alpine meadows and into the boulder fields that mark the entrance to the Pika Township. (15-20 minutes)

Here we will spend our time carefully walking around boulders and exploring the different habitats where the Pika live and play. This is what it's all about! During this time we will want to be as quiet as possible and whisper to respect the Pika and allow for maximum viewing. (1.5-2 hours)

After we have visited with the Pikas, taken lots of amazing pictures, we will begin our return to the parking area. (30 minutes)

Additional Tour Details To Be Aware Of

• As this is primarily a wildlife viewing tour, know that wildlife can be unpredictable and sightings cannot be guaranteed (although best efforts will always be made).
• This tour/hike requires moderate physical activity, will include traversing small streams/wet areas, and climbing in/around small boulders so please be advised. Not wheelchair accessible.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 participants, but minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough participants to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
• The tour is subject to cancellation if poor weather or other factors present themselves that would impede the overall safety or enjoyment of the experience.
• Confirmation will be provided upon booking.
• You will need to sign a waiver before the tour begins.

Our Tour Cancellation Policy

Please know that we put a lot of time and effort into offering these tours. We hope that you can make it on your designated tour date but we also know sometimes things come up. You can cancel up to 2-weeks in advance of the tour/experience for a full refund for any reason. After the 2-week window has past we can work with you to find another tour date that works for you!

• If you cancel less than 2 weeks before the tour’s start time, we can work with you to reschedule for another date or refund you 50% of the price you paid.
• Cancellation times are based on Alaska daylight time.
• This tour requires good/fair weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• This experience requires a minimum number of participants. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/tour or a full refund.