Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska)

Nestled along the rugged coastline of southern Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning showcase of pristine glaciers, dramatic fjords, and thriving marine ecosystems. This exceptional park, renowned for its unparalleled beauty and diverse habitats, invites visitors to experience the captivating splendor of one of the most striking marine environments in the United States.

Established as a national park in 1980, Kenai Fjords National Park spans over 669,000 acres, encompassing a breathtaking array of landscapes that include towering mountains, ice-capped glaciers, and deep, pristine fjords. The park's crowning feature, the Harding Icefield, is a vast expanse of ice and snow that feeds over 40 glaciers, including the impressive Exit Glacier, which can be explored via a network of accessible trails.

Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, thriving within the park's diverse ecosystems. Iconic marine species such as orcas, humpback whales, and sea otters inhabit the park's rich coastal waters, while the land is teeming with black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles, all coexisting within the park's vibrant habitats.

Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park can partake in a wide range of recreational activities that showcase the park's awe-inspiring beauty. Scenic boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing offer unique opportunities to explore the park's tranquil waters and observe its diverse marine life, while hiking and wildlife viewing on land provide an up-close encounter with the park's terrestrial inhabitants. For the more adventurous, ice climbing and guided glacier hikes offer an unforgettable experience of the park's frozen landscapes.

The nearby community of Seward serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, offering a variety of accommodations, dining options, and local attractions. This charming coastal town ensures that every visitor can experience the park's extraordinary beauty in comfort and style.

MUST SEE SITES

1. Harding Icefield: This massive icefield covers over 700 square miles and features stunning glaciers, unique rock formations, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the park's trails, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the icefield and surrounding mountains.

2. Exit Glacier: This iconic glacier is one of the most accessible in the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as well as opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the park's trails, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.

3. Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour: These guided boat tours offer a unique way to explore the park's stunning coastline and diverse marine wildlife. Visitors can explore the area by taking a boat tour, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the fjords and surrounding landscape.

4. Aialik Bay: This scenic bay features stunning coastal views, opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, and a rich cultural history. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the park's trails, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the bay and surrounding wilderness.

5. Resurrection Bay: This stunning bay offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the area by taking a guided boat tour, attending a ranger-led program, or simply taking in the stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

GETTING THERE

The most popular way to arrive at Kenai Fjords National Park is by car or by train. The park is located in south-central Alaska, and can be accessed via the Seward Highway or by taking the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage or Fairbanks.

If you prefer to travel by car, the Seward Highway offers stunning views of the Kenai Peninsula and the Chugach Mountains, and leads directly to the town of Seward, which serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. If you prefer to travel by train, the Alaska Railroad offers scenic routes that pass through the park's wilderness areas and glaciers.

Once you arrive at Kenai Fjords National Park, the best way to explore the park is by boat or by foot. The park is home to several hiking trails, including the Harding Icefield Trail and the Exit Glacier Trail, and is known for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and marine wildlife. Visitors can take guided boat tours or kayaking trips to explore the park's coastal areas and spot whales, sea otters, and other marine mammals.

It's important to note that transportation to Kenai Fjords can be limited, and the park is only accessible from late May to early September. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and make reservations for lodging or guided tours well in advance of their trip.

GATEWAY COMMUNITIES

The city of Seward serves as the primary gateway community to Kenai Fjords National Park, offering various accommodations, dining options, souvenir shops, and outdoor recreation equipment rentals.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Visitors can find various lodging options in the surrounding community of Seward, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The park itself does not feature lodges or cabins, but there is a campground available within the park, providing tent sites.

CAMPGROUNDS

Kenai Fjords National Park has one developed campground, the Exit Glacier Campground, which offers tent sites and basic amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas. The campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis during the summer months.

WEATHER/CLIMATE

Kenai Fjords National Park has a cool, maritime climate, with mild summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing. Visitors should be prepared for potential rain, snow, and rapidly changing weather conditions.

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous recreational opportunities await visitors, including hiking, wildlife viewing, boat tours, kayaking, and glacier viewing. The park's most popular attraction is the Harding Icefield Trail, which offers stunning views of the park's glaciers and surrounding wilderness. Boat tours and kayaking excursions provide opportunities to explore the park's fjords and observe marine wildlife such as whales, sea lions, and puffins.

VISITOR CENTER

Kenai Fjords National Park has a visitor center, the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center, which provides information about the park's history, ecology, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Rangers are available to offer guidance and answer questions. The visitor center is open daily during the visitor season, which typically runs from late May to early September, with reduced hours and services during the off-season.