Crooked Creek Retreat

Bears, boats, and brag-worthy stories - Alaska starts here.

The Adventures

More than fishing – a true taste of Alaska adventure.

Alaska offers endless ways to explore, and Crooked Creek Retreat makes it easy to enjoy them all. From breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable wildlife encounters, every adventure is designed to give you a true taste of Alaska’s wild beauty.

Adventures to Explore:

Kenai Fjords cruises with glaciers, whales, and seabirds
Sea kayaking along pristine coastlines
Guided glacier hikes on ancient blue ice
Float-plane bear viewing in remote wilderness
Side-by-side beach tours with sweeping Cook Inlet and volcano views
Canoeing on Johnson Lake or cruising Tustumena Lake
Birdwatching around the lodge – eagles, swans, cranes, and more

All adventures can be added to any package. Choose the activities that excite you most, and we’ll arrange them with trusted local guides so your Alaska trip fits you perfectly.

Wildlife & Sightseeing Packages at a Glance

Our full trips include lodging, meals, and guiding. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy.

6 Nights, All-Inclusive
$5,900 per person (dbl occupancy)
$500 discount if booked by November 1st
One fly-out for bear viewing with optional fishing
One Kenai Fjords cruise
Sea Kayaking
Side-by-side beach tour
Clam digging on the Alaska Peninsula (or if unavailable that week, the fish printing experience, the fish smoking experience, or a tour of Tustumena Lake)

Pick the Adventures You’ll Remember Forever

KENAI FJORDS CRUISE

A fjords cruise from Seward is one of the highlights of any Alaska vacation. The ship offers both indoor seating and open decks, with a skilled captain and crew who ensure you have the best views. Along the way, you may spot whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, seabirds, and even moose, bears, or mountain goats on the cliffs.

You’ll sail deep into the fjords to witness glaciers calving into the sea, while a National Park Ranger provides insights into the wildlife, history, and scenery. World War II battle emplacements can still be seen high in the rocks.

Bear Viewing Fly-Out

Don’t miss this adventure! Board a float plane across Cook Inlet and touch down on Wolverine Creek or Big Lakes, a landing that feels impossible until it happens. From there, transfer to a boat with your guide and watch for both brown and black bears fishing the streams. The flight itself is half the thrill: stunning scenery, glacier views, and sometimes surprise wildlife sightings along the way. Guests have spotted moose, soaring eagles, and even dramatic bear encounters. This is truly a two-for-one adventure – the journey and the bears.

Johnson & Tustumena Lakes

Paddle or cruise Alaska’s wild waters — from a quiet canoe on Johnson Lake to a sweeping boat ride across glacial Tustumena. Both offer stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife along the shore.

Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is a favorite adventure for many of our guests. Trips begin from the Homer Spit with a short boat ride to a nearby island, where your paddle on the bay begins. Along the way, you may spot sea otters, jellyfish, and a fascinating variety of marine plants rising from the clear water below.

Options include half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day trips. We recommend the three-quarter-day excursion, which gives plenty of time on the water without being too strenuous for those who are new to kayaking. Midway through the day, your guide will land on a quiet beach so you can stretch your legs, enjoy lunch, and take in the scenery before heading back out on the water.

Seldovia Day Trip

For a slower-paced adventure, take the ferry across Kachemak Bay to the charming village of Seldovia. The ride itself is a treat, with beautiful coastal views. Once there, you can hike a scenic 3.5-mile trail, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the quiet charm of this bayside community. Ask Auntie Dorothy for details if this sounds like your kind of day.

Side-by-side Beach Tour

Hop in a guided side-by-side (UTV) and ride the wide-open beaches of the Alaska Peninsula. Your guide will lead you across the sand to remote spots where you might spot moose, eagles, or even bears in the distance. After the ride, gather around a crackling campfire for a warm meal, swap stories, and soak in the sunset before heading back. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and Alaska hospitality

Clam Digging

This is one adventure guests talk about for years. Board a saltwater boat and cross Cook Inlet to one of the few places where clam digging is truly unforgettable. As the tide goes out, your boat settles on the muddy bottom, leaving you ready to explore.

Learn the art of digging clams from the wet sand – with plenty of laughs and a little friendly competition. When the tide returns, climb back aboard and ride home with a full bucket, big smiles, and great photos.

Flightseeing

Climb aboard a classic Alaska bush plane and see the wilderness from a perspective few ever experience. Your pilot will take you over rugged inlet cliffs, steaming volcanoes like Mt. Redoubt, sparkling glaciers, and hidden alpine lakes. You might spot moose or bears far below as the rivers wind through the valleys. Every turn offers a view more stunning than the last, it’s a flight you’ll never forget.