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Some of the Alaska Trip Participants enjoying Exit Glacier

NPT friends and members took full advantage of Alaska’s long summer days on a memorable trip through three of the state’s most spectacular national parks. Led by Eric Schmidt of Alaska Wilderness Guides and NPT President Paul Pritchard, the tour offered opportunities and insights not usually available to tourists.

"Eric knows the country inside out. He crafted our trip for the special interest of our guests. We kept the group small to make sure each person got to experience what they have always wanted to see of Alaska," said Pritchard.

Towering glaciers, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery were daily experiences for the participants in NPT’s August tour. The trip, part of NPT’s Park Education Travel program, visited three of Alaska’s famous national parks, a national forest and a state park. "These were superlative, but we also learned about things such as the sled dog operations from park professionals and took part in special activities like side fishing trips and more," noted Schmidt.

After a briefing with park professionals the trip started with a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park. The spectacular size and power of the glaciers was enhanced by insider briefings on wildlife issues, glacier contacts on land and boat and more. The group visited Fox Island in Resurrection Bay, accessible only by boat. The wilderness retreat was teeming with marine life.

The group went on to the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest national forest in the US, and Chugach State Park, on their way to the historic railroad and mining town of Talkeetna. "Everyone loved Talkeetna," noted one participant. "The history of the town and its floods was very interesting; and the fishing - nothing could have been better."

The tour then visited Denali National Park, the home of North America’s highest mountain, the 20,320 ft. Mt. McKinley. "The great one" as it is called, holds incredible treasures. The group stayed in cottages provided by a Native American group, heard park and private dog mushers speak about the heritage of the Alaskan dog, and saw bears in their native habitat. "Having mother and cubs fifty feet from our bus was incredible," noted a participant.

The final national park of the tour was Wrangell- St. Elias National Park.  With more than 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the world, and contains 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the US. From the picturesque Kennecott settlement to some of the world's most awesome glaciers, trip participants saw the unfolding drama of man's influence in a mountain wilderness as they traveled through this park.

Participants met with park managers and planners who reiterated their appreciation for NPT’s assistance in helping NPS purchase the Chittitu Mine, a 907-acre inholding strategically located in the heart of the park.

The finale was dinner with Lowell and Tay Thomas, friends and supporters of NPT. Thomas, the former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska, has helped protect parks and wildlife in his home state.

Said Doctor's Frances and Richard Latterall, "Thanks for the greatest trip of our life!" "There is no greater compliment," said Pritchard. 

NPT’s Park Education Travel program was established to educate and enhance understanding of land conservation and preservation by studying national parklands throughout the world. The travel program is based on the international parks identified in the book Enduring Treasures: National Parks of the World, a project suggested by NPT President Paul Pritchard to the book's publisher, National Geographic Society.  

Past NPT trips have included travel to China and France as well as Alaska.  Future trips are being planned to the Mojave Desert, the Virgin Islands, Australia and New Zealand, the national parks of France and Italy, and South Africa. The always-popular Alaska trip will also be offered again in 2003. Contact NPT at 2302-548-0500 or www.parktrust.org for further information about these trips.

For more info please contact npt@parktrust.org or call (301) 279-7275