Expedition plans // armchair

Anchorage Trips

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Expedition plans from the armchair

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Field plans

12 plans
  1. Outfitting the Thunder Creek rim descentThunder Creek's rim descent requires tight descent gear and doubled confirmation numbers—the shelf window closes faster than the drive back.
  2. Packing the Penguin Creek false-shore loopThe Penguin Creek false shore demands a specific packing sequence and three-hour arrival discipline. Equipment order determines whether you retrieve the glacier pocket or lose the afternoon.
  3. Timing the Byron Glacier rim approachThe rim approach requires three separate confirmation numbers and departure coordination with the Portage Valley phone line.
  4. Reserving the Tern Lake North Arm access windowThe north arm requires confirmation two weeks ahead and arrival before the second tide cycle. Here's how to secure the slot and prepare the gear sequence.
  5. Clocking the Rabbit Lake Notch ice retreatThe Rabbit Lake Notch ice retreat runs mid-February through early March. Success depends on exact arrival timing and a staged withdrawal plan.
  6. Coordinating the Hope Point glacier pocket transferThe Hope Point pocket requires precise timing between the shuttle and the ice margin. Most people miss the narrow transfer window by treating it like a casual pullout.
  7. Establishing the Alyeska Back Bowl staging protocolThe Alyeska Back Bowl requires a staggered arrival sequence and a full duplicate cache. This protocol ensures clean transitions between staging tiers and mitigates late-season wind delays.
  8. Navigating the Flats Creek ice-shelf approachThe Flats Creek ice-shelf sits below tree line on the north shoulder of Turnagain Arm, accessible only in the narrow window between freeze-up and the first heavy snow. Timing and gear dictate everything here.
  9. Your Goat Creek Saddle equipment checklistThe saddle between Goat Creek and the upper basin requires specific gear sequencing. Here's what to carry and how to pack it for the approach.
  10. The Indian Valley ice-pocket exit planIndian Valley's mid-basin ice pocket requires careful exit timing and backup routing. This plan covers the approach, turnaround markers, and what to pack when the standard route closes behind you.
  11. Locking your Eagle River Bench transfer sequenceThe bench above Eagle River holds only three drop zones, and the transfer window between them requires exactness. Here's how to stage the sequence without losing your return margin.
  12. Twelve hours at the Whittier Back Channel pull-offThe Back Channel pull-off sits three miles past the tunnel exit, unmarked except for tire ruts and a single reflector stake. Plan for twelve hours and the tide will do the rest.