Explore the beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park with our travel guide. Discover top attractions like Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield, enjoy activities from kayaking to hiking, and find the best areas to stay, safety tips, and more, ensuring a memorable and secure Alaskan adventure.
Kenai Fjords National Park Travel Guide
Top Attractions:
Exit Glacier: One of the most visited glaciers in Alaska, it's accessible by road and has several trails leading to different viewpoints.
Harding Icefield: A massive icefield with breathtaking vistas and a challenging trail for experienced hikers.
Kenai Fjords Tours: Offer stunning views of glaciers, marine wildlife, and the rugged coastline.
Resurrection Bay: Known for its scenic beauty and is a hot spot for kayaking, sailing, and wildlife viewing.
Sealife Center: Provides educational information about the marine life in the region.
Aialik Glacier:
A magnificent tidewater glacier, it’s known for its dramatic ice calvings where huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Boat tours often include visits to witness this natural phenomenon.
Caines Head State Recreation Area:
It’s an excellent area for hiking and exploring remnants of World War II fortifications. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the opportunity to spot various wildlife.
Holgate Glacier:
Another breathtaking tidewater glacier in the park, it provides opportunities for witnessing calving ice and is a popular spot for boat tours.
Pederson Glacier:
A beautiful glacier located within the park, it is often included in boat tours and offers striking views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fox Island:
A secluded island in Resurrection Bay, it offers unique lodging and dining experiences, and it is a great place for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring pristine beaches.
Marathon Mountain:
Located in Seward, this mountain offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Resurrection Bay and the nearby glaciers.
Seavey’s IdidaRide Sled Dog Tours:
Located in nearby Seward, it offers an opportunity to experience dog sledding and learn about the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Activities:
Kayaking: Paddle amidst icebergs and get up close to glaciers and wildlife.
Hiking: Explore a multitude of trails with varying difficulty levels, like the Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield trails.
Boat Tours: Cruise the waters to view the stunning glaciers and abundant marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds.
Fishing: Enjoy world-class fishing opportunities in the surrounding waters.
Camping: Campgrounds are available, offering a close connection to nature.
Sailing: Experience the serene beauty of the park's coast by sailing, a peaceful way to explore the fjords and coves and savor the sea breeze.
Beach Combing: Roaming the beaches and exploring the shores can reveal a captivating assortment of driftwood, shells, and, occasionally, sea glass and agates.
Ice Climbing: For those seeking adventure, ice climbing on the park's glaciers provides thrilling experiences; however, it requires proper equipment, experience, or a guide.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: In winter, the park’s landscapes offer serene settings for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Scuba Diving: Kenai Fjords' clear, cold waters are inviting to those wanting to explore its rich, marine life-filled underwater world and unique underwater landscapes.
Areas to Stay:
Seward: A gateway to the park, offering a range of lodging options, restaurants, and other amenities.
Exit Glacier Area: Has a campground for those looking to stay close to nature.
Exit Glacier Campground: Offers sites on a first-come, first-served basis, with facilities like toilets and water.
Backcountry Camping: Allowed with adherence to the park’s safety and conservation guidelines.
Accessibility:
Accessing different areas within Kenai Fjords National Park does require some planning due to its diverse landscapes and remote locations.
Exit Glacier Area
By Road: It is the only portion of the park accessible by road, allowing visitors to drive up to the area. The road to Exit Glacier is about 12 miles long, paved, and well-maintained, making it suitable for most vehicles.
Hiking Trails: Once at Exit Glacier, there are several well-marked trails leading to different viewpoints of the glacier.
Other Areas of the Park
By Boat: Many visitors opt for boat tours, departing primarily from Seward, to explore the fjords, witness tidewater glaciers, and observe marine wildlife.
By Kayak: Kayaking is another popular way to experience the fjords, allowing for a more intimate connection with the marine environment.
By Plane: Flightseeing tours are available, offering aerial views of the glaciers, fjords, and remote areas of the park not accessible by other means.
Important Points
Weather Consideration: Weather can be unpredictable, and maritime conditions can change rapidly, so accessing certain areas might be contingent upon weather conditions.
Seasonal Access: Accessibility to different areas within the park can also vary significantly with the seasons, with some areas being more accessible during the summer months due to reduced ice and better weather conditions.
Planning and Booking in Advance: Especially during peak tourist season, transportation services such as boat tours and flights can be fully booked. Advance planning and booking are essential to ensure availability and to accommodate specific itineraries and preferences.
Visitor Centers: The park’s visitor centers can provide updated information on accessibility, weather conditions, and available services, helping visitors plan their journeys effectively.
Park Services:
Kenai Fjords Visitor Center: Located in Seward, provides information, exhibits, and a bookstore.
Exit Glacier Nature Center: Offers exhibits, ranger programs, and restrooms.
Safety and Wildlife:
Visitors need to be cautious when near glaciers due to the possibility of calving.
It is home to diverse wildlife including black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and marine animals. Viewing wildlife safely and responsibly is crucial.
Packing and Clothing Guide:
Weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers is advised, along with waterproof and wind-resistant outer layers.
Bring sturdy hiking boots, water purification system, first aid kit, and bear-resistant food containers if planning backcountry excursions.
Additional Tips:
Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out.
Take guided tours if unfamiliar with glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
Pack out all trash and leave no trace.
