Reviews of Expeditions Alaska (Photo Studio)

Sebastiaan Timmers

Just came back from an amazing trip with Carl and 3 other team members. Having hiked in Europe (Norway, Scotland) for the last 16 years without a guide, it seemed obvious going to Alaska for the first time, a guide would be a smart decision. Carl is definitely the kind of guy you want for an expedition like this, he's got your back and pays close attention to your individual needs and capabilities, yet securing a real group experience! Even though there is a certain time schedule (you gotta get picked up sometime), campsites are not on fixed locations and can be subject to weather, but more important, to what you as a team feel comfortable with, adding to a totally free outdoor experience! While hiking or having breakfast/dinner in the tent, Carl is always in a good mood (even when he sprained his ankle) and is a very entertaining guy. This trip was the best 14 days spent in Alaska and I would join him on a new adventure anyday!

Roman Schmid

Carl was a unique guide in Alaska for taking Fotos of Brown bear, the organisation was perfect. Thanks!

Katie Smith

I had an incredible backpacking experience with Rhane and Carl at Expeditions Alaska. They provided an amazing trek through the rugged backcountry of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It was well prepared, and customised to individual preferences. Rhane is very experienced and knowledgable about the surrounding area and all things backpacking. I would definitely recommend exploring Alaska with this company!

Dana Haydock

I did the Iceberg Lake to Bremner Mines trip with @ExpeditionsAlaska in 2012. It was my first “off trail” backpacking adventure, having done all of my other backpacking trips on trails in the Southeast. Our guide, Carl Donohue, made sure the trip was not only fun and interesting, but also safe. From traversing a glacier, finding an old grizzly bear den, clambering over rock moraines and eating fresh blueberries while hiking up a slope, it’s an experience that I will never forget. I highly recommend Carl and Expeditions Alaska if you’re looking for a unique backcountry adventure!

Corentin Joly

(Translated by Google) I did the "Goat Trail" for a week, my guide was Jule and it was probably my best trip! Carl was also a great help before the departure, always available to answer questions and the guides / descriptions of the trip are very complete. I hope to return one day and enjoy another trip with Expeditions Alaska! (Original) J'ai fait le "Goat Trail" pendant une semaine, ma guide était Jule et c'était probablement mon meilleur voyage ! Carl était aussi d'une grande aide avant le départ, toujours dispo pour répondre aux questions et les guides/descriptions du voyage sont très complets. J'espère pouvoir revenir un jour et profiter d'un autre voyage avec Expeditions Alaska !

kripal kavi

Carl (with Expeditions Alaska) guided us on a 10 day backpacking trip from Bremner mine to Tebay lakes in July. It was a tough hike, but Carl did a phenomenal job of leading us. He clearly knew what he was doing and was able to modulate the pace based on our group's needs. We hiked a little extra each day so we could use the extra day to do a day hike up a particularly spectacular waterfall. He is well organized, has excellent equipment, including emergency supplies and is great company (especially when he is talking about obscure guitarists over hot chocolate and coffee). Highly recommend. When I go backpacking in Alaska again, it will be with Carl.

Wendy Barton

Our trip with Carl earlier this year was simply AMAZING, and way, way exceeded our expectations. The Hidden Creek trip really did get us in to the Alaskan wilderness. We saw only a tiny part of the majestic Wrangell-St Elias National Park, but really felt we got to understand the essence of the Alaskan wilderness. As our guide Carl ensured everything (gear, transport, planning) was well organised and we were as safe as we could be. However I loved the way he didn't simply lead us in the traditional sense, but allowed each of us in the group to grow in a way appropriate for each individual. Carl has a deep respect and love for the land which showed in all his conversations and actions. This really added to the trip - as did his sense of humour which as kiwis we think is absolutely vital for a great trip. We may even get back to Alaska and would, for sure, do another trip with Carl and Expeditions Alaska.

Mike Martin

I spent a week with Carl Donahue of Expeditions Alaska in November 2016 on his Bald Eagle Tour along the Chilkat River near Haines, AK. This trip had been on my bucket list for a decade or more. This location hosts one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles on the planet. Carl is a great guide. His website provides all the details for a customer to consider in making this trip. I found it to be factual, very helpful and a good representation of what to expect. The process to book the trip on his website was simple and covered all the details in assisting you plan your trip to Haines. The trip was everything that I had hoped for and the eagles were amazing . The Chilkat River, with over 3,000 bald eagles concentrating on the last salmon run of the season, provides a photographic experience like no other. Carl's knowledge of the area, understanding of the eagles and their behavior, attention to detail and his photography skills and tips made this an adventure of a lifetime. In addition to being a great guide with a sincere customer focus, he was just a lot of fun to be around. After a week of hanging out with Carl, I felt like we had been friends for years. He has a great sense of humor and kept me laughing all the time. It is without reservation or hesitation that I would recommend Carl for any Alaska photo tour adventure that he might offer!

Tim Block

My wife and I just completed a two week trip with Carl In June 2017. One week of kayaking at Icy Bay, "ice-breaking" in our kayaks, moose, wolverine, seal and sea lion watching, glacier calving, good conversation around the camp stove, all at the foot of Mt St Elias. A second week, exploring the tundra rain forest and coastal sands of the Lost Coast. Incredible, The trip was educational, challenging, and in a word "awesome". A trip to remember always. Thanks Carl!

Hilary Brown

The Wrangell/St. Elias expedition was the highlight of my year, and something I will remember forever as one of the best trips imaginable. The company and our guide Rhane were so easy to work with, and they did all of the (literal) heavy lifting.

Kris Lieckens

Carl, the founder of Expeditions Alaska, guided us through the spectacular wilderness of Wrangell-St Elias NP last year. His year-long experience in outdoor survival techniques and excellent insight in terrain crossing combined with superb emergency equipment and advanced medical treatment skills made it a comfortable and unique experience. The details make the difference! Carrying a tipi tent to set-up a shelter even for lunch is one example of the services he provides to surprise the team members. Even in this remote area, he leaves room for personal exploration if the situation permits. Triggering your brain by asking questions about the environment (which route would you take, what kind of glaciers do you see, ...) is educational. For photographers like me, he has tons of tips and tricks too. Think I will join him on one of his photo tours as well, (polar) bears or northern lights, doesn't matter ;-) Outstanding recommendation! Also a great, enthusiastic person with a vision and stories to tell!

herbivore63 .

I took a week-long trip to Haines, Alaska with Carl to photograph eagles last month (November, 2017). It was a great trip and I got some stellar photos. Carl knew the area and the birds. Although he obviously couldn't control the weather or the birds, he got us to the right places in the right light and was willing to give as much or as little guidance as we needed. He is an engaging and interesting guide. Our trip had a very challenging client who shouldn't have been on the trip due to physical limitations and was very demanding. Carl was patient and went above and beyond what should have been required to accommodate the person. I guess my vote of confidence in Carl and Expeditions Alaska is that I've booked another trip with him next year.

Brad Rogers

Carl and Expeditions Alaska created an amazing backcountry experience in Brooks Range. His expertise and knowledge of the Alaskan Backcountry was invaluable in maximizing my enjoyment on our backpacking/packrafting trip. As a seasoned backpacker, I was hesitant to go on a guided trip, but having Carl's intricate knowledge of the flora and fauna in Alaska and his expert logistical coordination made the trip much more fulfilling than if I had gone on my own. In the end of the day, Carl's easy going demeanor and countless stories made him feel like one of the guys. If you are looking into an Alaskan backcountry adventure, then I fully recommend Carl Donohue and Expeditions Alaska.

Ryan Wright

I loved my experience in the Alaskan wild with Carl and Expeditions Alaska. I went for a week long trip in the "spring" of 2012 to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park for a photography-centric expedition with 3 other guys. Carl was very knowledgeable about the area and offered many suggestions about locations to photograph, and different activities to seek out during the day. We stayed in a backcountry cabin in the park and while there was no running water or electricity, that didn't stop Carl from whipping up very tasty dinners. Carl was very personable and by the end of the week, we had so many running jokes that it was almost non-stop laughter and playful teasing. I would jump at the chance to do one of Carl's trip in the summer, and I whole heartily recommend Expeditions Alaska.

Laura Hannusch

I did the Aurora trip with Carl in March 2017, and I had an excellent experience and came away with some shots that I was really happy with. We were lucky and were able to see the Aurora every night of the 6-night trip. And while luck played a part, I know that Carl's careful planning also helped. For instance, one night was cloudy, but he researched the weather patterns and changed the planned location for that night, so we could go somewhere with less chance of clouds. The planning paid off, and we were able to get shots that night. I also appreciated the pre-trip guidance Carl provided on shooting the Aurora, as well as his on location help with equipment and camera settings, etc. I would definitely recommend this trip if you want a great chance to get Aurora photos.

Charles Grant

I was on Expeditions Alaska Seven Passes trek this last August. I've been on guided trips in the North Cascades, Wind Rivers, and Patagonia, and this trip was equal to the best of those. Our guide was Jules, who is not only a top-notch guide, but a pleasant person to pass the day with. The trip was well organized, including hotel pickups, lodging in McCarthy AK, and bush plane flights. I really like the fact that EA allows hikers to "self-cater". I tend to like really simple food while I'm hiking, and since I could prepare my own meals I was able to eat exactly what I wanted. My fellow hikers were all terrific people and I enjoyed their company. The landscape was incredible, particularly as we entered the Iceberg Lake region. This is a strenuous cross-country hike (no trails), but I felt the materials from EA accurately described the trip.

Vladimir Mikhelson

I took a 2017 Grizzlies in the Fall photo tour with Carl and it was an amazing experience. If you ever consider this tour with Carl just take it, you will not be disappointed. The tour itself is a very well organized. The instructions provided before the tour were basically cover almost everything you have to take with you for the trip and what to expect. Carl's knowledge of the bears behavior made me feel completely safe even when the bears were very close to us. The opportunity for a great picture is endless as specially when you are in the river. Like for any outdoor activities you are depending on the weather so just be morally prepare for a bad one, we had three days of endless raining that literally made us sitting in the camp. But even with it I have only a good memory about the trip that will stay with me for a long time. Vlad.

Baptiste Bataille

Just an amazing experience! As french speaking guy, I will say.. "magnifique", "superbe", étonnant", "génial" and "merci beaucoup". You may also see it as "when an light-Australian ex-rugbyman said to an heavy-Belgian ex-rugbyman" that bear meetings are just a question of body langage... This is just perfect! If Carl didn't speak, you may thinking that he is a bear too... so good knowledge of these animals is a life insurance! So, just one word: GO!!

Dan Wadas

My wife and I did the Seven Pass trip with Mike and it was fantastic. Everything was handled seamlessly from the time we were picked up until the time we were dropped off. The scenery was unparalleled to anything we've hiked in the lower 48. Everything is big! Mike was a great help along the way. I had severe lower back pain on the second day of hiking, but with a rest day at camp and some pack adjustments, I was able to comfortably finish the trip. If you are considering backpacking Alaska, Carl's description of "Alaska Miles" is entirely accurate - the mileage doesn't matter at all. It's the terrain that you have to be prepared for. This was not an easy trip and there were more than a few times where you had to really work to move forwards - particularly through a section of seemingly endless alder or willows, but overall the scenery is unmatched. Every valley and pass was different and we cannot emphasize the beauty of this trip. We also felt very safe - Mike was very clear in his pre-trip briefings on everything from dangerous hiking situations to bear precautions. I cannot say that for other guide services in the area. At our exit point we saw tents from another guiding company very close to their kitchen - definitely not good practice in bear country. Not the case with Mike and Expeditions Alaska - safety was always first. We thought the campsites and mileage each day was manageable - the glacier crossing day was a very long day, but that was mostly because of some hours stuck in bushes in the morning. Carl and Mike were very good about providing the few pieces of gear that we needed and everything was in good condition. Do not hesitate to take a trip with this company.

Geoff Moore

The magnificent scenery is easy to see from the images Carl captures and in some ways that's what first drew me to his services as a guide. What is more difficult to see in them is the care and attention to detail Carl brings to each hike as he tailors them to our experience level and desire for adventure. To date, my wife and I have completed four hikes with Expeditions Alaska over the past five years, three in Wrangell St Elias NP and Preserve and one in the Gates of the Arctic NP. Each was a unique, inspiring and satisfying experience. Were there tough days, bad weather, and grizzly bear sightings? Yes of course, that's why we return there with Carl, who is prepared to help us deal with whatever the day brings.

Alan Lawrence

Carl is an excellent guide. The food was amazing. Great trip in spite of the terrible weather we had but that's something you can't control. There's nothing like seeing a 1000 pound grizzly in real time. Carl teaches you to be respectful of the impact we humans have on these great creatures and guided us to safely photograph the Grizzlies without disturbing them. Carl is entertaining, knowledgeable and enthusiastic while making sure we all get in the right place to make the photographs we want all the while keeping us safe and respecting the bears. Highly recommended.

Tim Geoffrion

I did a 10 day trip in the Wrangells with this company. My guide was Jule. While it was one of the most physically demanding things I've done, it was also a top life highlight. The backcountry in the Wrangells is spectacular and truly wild. We didn't see a single other person between when we were dropped off and then day we were picked up. A big part of doing something like this for me was having a good guide, and Jule was better than I hoped. She has spent literally years of her life in the backcountry. Throughout, I had full confidence that she knew exactly how to navigate us through the terrain and through wildlife encounters in a way that made me feel 100% safe and supported. One last consideration. I like the Expeditions Alaska trips are smaller than some of the competing companies (only 5 guests max). Certain other companies seem to do trips with up to 8. I prefer the smaller groups, but that is probably a personal preference thing.

Colin Tracey

I traveled solo and went on the Sanford Plateau trip, having very little backpack and hiking experience. I didn't really know what to expect but I felt comfortable from the beginning when meeting up with my fellow hikers and our guide Rhane who was incredibly helpful in answering questions. I won't describe the entire trip in detail but I was speechless during many parts of the hike and the sheer size of Alaska seemed incomprehensible. We were fortunate to have good weather, see some wildlife, and eat delicious food courtesy of Rhane. Drinking fresh stream water, sleeping comfortably, and eating something new everyday made the challenging hikes that much more rewarding. I can't say enough good things about our guide Rhane who was extremely personable and knowledgeable about much more than just Alaska. This trip definitely proved to be one of the best experiences of my life and I'm excited to challenge myself in the future with an even harder adventure with Expeditions Alaska!

A Hiker and a Paddler Michigan

We just returned from a month long vacation and just got home thus the late review! We just had a super great time and awesome hike with Jane to Rabbit Lake on 8/2/19. We had great weather, she was very knowledgeable about Flora and Fauna, tasted " Watermelon Berries" and we would highly recommend this hike and Expeditions Alaska. Knowledgeable staff , super nature hikes, you get to see the real Alaska...and she made a tasty lunch !...Thank you..till next time.

Kyle Bernard

My brother and I did the Arrigetch trip in July of 2018 and had an amazing experience throughout the process. Carl was extremely helpful with planning, had a ton of information for us. Jule was an amazing guide and fantastic throughout the trip. We would certainly recommend them and I hope to do another trip in the near future!

Kate Gasaway

Our experience with Expeditions Alaska on the Seven Passes trip was so awesome that its hard to figure out where to start. All the nuts and bolts (driving, pick ups, flights, lodging, routes, gear questions, etc. etc.) were handled with speed, professionalism, and accuracy. Our guide Jules had an incredible wealth of knowledge that kept our trip safe and fascinating. He led us to game trails that made the hiking easier, knew about spectacular campsites, and encouraged questions throughout. He also did a great job keeping our spirits up when the going got tough and helping us enjoy moments of beauty, unique places and situations, and true peace of being completely disconnected from larger society. It was the experience of a lifetime worth every penny and more. If you want to really experience Alaska and are prepared to put in the work that requires, this is for you.

Guillaume38250

My daughter and I had a once in a life time trip in Gates of the Arctic N.P. Beginners in rafting, we enjoyed a lot our journey on the Alatna river in between wolf tracks and beavers. Everything was perfect, flights in / out the park, weather, the landscape and the guidance from Carl who took great care of us. We strongly recommend Expeditions Alaska for any trip in Gates of the Arctic or anywhere in Alaska!

Juan del Valle

Carl organized a superb backpacking trip for us, from Wolverine to Skolai. We were in contact with him for months before our trip, always very responsive and quick to share advice and recommendations from his years of experience and common sense. Once we arrived in Anchorage, he took care of us including transportation to McCarthy, B&B, supplies, and air service to the backcountry. I wholeheartedly recommend Expeditions Alaska as your next outfitter!