Kayakers Cove, Alaska. Look closely, there’s a cabin in there!

My final kayaking experience in Alaska took me to the south-east end of Resurrection Bay and a hostel known as Kayakers Cove. This cabin in the woods is really basic – no power, no plumbing, a shared dorm etc – and has a backdrop of snow-capped mountains directly behind it. There I met a range of other papplers staying there, both locals and visitors.

What sets it apart is it has been designed with paddlers in mind. There are a range of kayaks available for cheap hire, as well as masses of miscellanous paddle gear such as hand-pumps, PFDs, paddles etc.  A stony ramp leads directly into the water from the cabin and makes a great launch area for kayaks.

Amazing coastline, Resurrection Bay Alaska

The paddling was impressive. The area is surrounded by mountains and steep cliffs plunging into the fjord, and holds a tidal range of no less than 18 feet. In terms of wildlife, the area is rich in fauna. The water is teeming with fish and lion’s mane jellyfish (the biggest species of jellyfish in the world). Crazy-looking Puffins fish around you. Sea-otters float past lounging on their backs. Pairs of bald eagles sitting in the tree-tops watching the world carefully. And at one point, I found myself paddling in the middle of a pod of white Beluga whales.

Mountains, forrest and clouds. Beautiful Alaska.

A few kms from the Cove is a small creek and waterfall system that serves as a spawning ground for pink salmon. As I paddled up the creek I found myself surrounded by thousands of these massive salmon during their spawning cycle. And keeping a watchful eye on my progress, a family of otters nearby chattered wildly as if telling me I didn’t belong there!

This area is beautiful and seeing it all from my kayak was a perfect way to finish my Alaskan paddling experiences. If you’re thinking of doing a kayak expedition to Alaska, believe me when I say you won’t be disappointed. 🙂

Majestic mountains everywhere. Alaska.