Today we got to explore one of the lushest, wettest, most spectacularly beautiful parts of the Tongass National Forest, Cascade Creek. We broke into three groups and hiked to different points up the creek. The easiest was only about 1/4 mile up to a gorgeous waterfall that produced perpetual rainbows and the furthest hike was about 4-5 miles round trip. There was a rope to climb next to some slippery wet stairs that were carved into stone at one point. After lunch we took Zodiac tours of Thomas Bay and then almost everyone on the ship did the polar plunge.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 20 Jun 2023
Exploring Cascade Creek, 6/20/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Alaska
Aaron Raymond, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
R. Aaron Raymond started his career as an underwater photographer, which blossomed from his love for the ocean. He grew up on a sailboat diving for abalone off the coast of California. He loves to photograph landscapes, nature, and wildlife - anythin...
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Alaska Escape: LeConte Bay, Wrangell and Misty Fjords
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5/21/2025
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Wrangell, Alaska
We arrived early to the town of Wrangell, excited to get the activities underway for our morning ashore. The excursion options included a jet boat tour up the Stikine River, a visit to the Shake’s house (traditional Long House), and investigating petroglyphs on a local beach. We returned to National Geographic Sea Bird for a delicious lunch and then went out for the afternoon activities. The options included a visit to the town museum and a hike up Mt. Dewey. We had lovely weather for our wonderful day of exploring.
5/20/2025
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Cascade Creek/Ruth Island Petersburg, Alaska
The misty Alaska landscape was no stranger to us this morning as we woke to anchor in Thomas Bay. Our expedition today took us on tours around more of the Tongass National Forests’ splendor. We embarked on trails to see the falls of Cascade Creek, which were immensely powerful, casting misty spray across the forest of Western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Everything in the forest was incredibly dense, with life in all areas of the over and understory. In the afternoon, we explored Ruth Island, this time bushwacking along a tributary to make our way up to a beaver-dammed pond. The sight was fantastical, set among the forest with reed grass, toads, passerines, and even dense clumps of sundew. Guests adventured with large smiles on their faces as we felt the presence of wild Alaska.