Kenai Fjords National Park
Nestled along the rugged coastline of south-central Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is a true natural wonder, a sanctuary of towering glaciers, deep fjords, and breathtaking wilderness. Stretching across over 600,000 acres, this awe-inspiring national park offers a diverse array of landscapes and experiences that have captivated visitors for generations. Overall, Kenai Fjords is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Kenai Fjords National Park Overview
Kenai Fjords National Park is a U.S. national park that includes Harding Icefield, its glaciers, and coastal fjords and islands. It spans 669,984 acres on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, located to the west of Seward.
The park features the Harding Icefield, one of the largest in the U.S., and is known for the fjords created by glaciers flowing from the ice field. The ice field feeds around 38 glaciers, with Bear Glacier being the largest. The fjords are valleys carved by glaciers and later submerged below sea level due to rising seas and land sinking. Exit Glacier, found at the end of the park’s sole road, is a popular spot for visitors.
Originally named Kenai Fjords National Monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, it was later designated as a national park following the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980. The park safeguards the icefield, a strip of forested land along the coast, and the deeply carved coastline. Various land and marine animals inhabit the park, including bears, moose, sea otters, seals and whales.
Things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park offers a wealth of activities and experiences for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Experience Exit Glacier
The only section of the park you can reach by road is the Exit Glacier area. Here, you have the opportunity to hike on trails with stunning views or join a guided walk led by a ranger.
This location allows you to observe firsthand how glaciers transform a landscape and understand how plant life gradually covers the rocky terrain left behind as the glacier recedes. The Exit Glacier Area is open throughout the year. From late October to mid-May, the road leading to Exit Glacier is usually closed to vehicles due to snow, often remaining shut until early May.
Once the road to Exit Glacier is covered in snow and inaccessible to cars, it can be reached by fat bikes, cross-country skis, snowmobiles, dog sleds, and other means. Winter activities typically begin in early November and can continue until May.
Winter offers a great opportunity to see moose at Exit Glacier, but it’s important to admire them from a distance as they may be under stress during this season when food is scarce.
Ranger-led Program
Participating in a guided tour with a park ranger is an excellent opportunity to gain more knowledge about Kenai Fjords National Park. Additionally, visitors can utilize resources such as Junior Ranger books, the Explorer App, and Discovery and Art for Parks backpacks to enrich their experience. These programs are typically available from Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May) to Labor Day (first Monday in September), unless stated otherwise.
There are popular Ranger-led programs including:
Exit Glacier Ranger-Led Walks
Exit Glacier Pavilion Talks
Fjord Junior Ranger Walk
Explore The Fjords On a Boat Tour
Visiting Kenai Fjords can be quite challenging, as much of the area is only accessible by water. The waters surrounding Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay offer a unique experience, where you can witness the impressive power of tidewater glaciers and the vastness of the Gulf of Alaska, as well as observe the many birds and marine mammals that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. A boat tour allows you to enjoy all of this and more in the safety and comfort of a motorized vessel.
During the summer months, boat tours depart daily from Seward’s small boat harbor. It is recommended to book your reservations in advance, as several companies offer a variety of tour options, schedules, and amenities. You can choose from full-day tours that take you to the park’s tidewater glaciers or half-day tours that explore the protected waters of Resurrection Bay while still showcasing the wildlife and scenery of the park.
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail
The Harding Icefield Trail is an amazing day hike that covers a distance of 8.2 miles round trip, starting from the Exit Glacier Area. The trail begins in the valley and passes through forests of cottonwood and alder trees, then crosses heather-filled meadows before ascending above the tree line to offer a stunning view of the Icefield. At the trail’s end, hikers are treated to a panoramic vista of ice and snow stretching into the distance, interrupted only by occasional peaks.
This hike is quite challenging! For every mile, hikers ascend around 1,000 feet. It is recommended to allocate 6-8 hours for the hike. While reaching the top rewards you with an incredible view, it is not necessary to complete the entire trail to appreciate its beauty. Even a short trek up the path provides impressive sights of the valley floor and Exit Glacier’s end point.
Weather conditions can be harsh, including storms, strong winds, intense sunlight, and sudden temperature shifts. It is important to bring warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry an ample supply of water (minimum 2 liters per person) or use a filter as untreated water from streams along the trail may contain Giardia, a parasite that can lead to severe stomach issues.
Kayaking in Kenai Fjords
Exploring Kenai Fjords by paddling can offer a unique and unforgettable adventure. Engaging in human-powered travel along the coast of the Kenai Peninsula through history. Witness the impressive force of tidewater glaciers and feel the icy waters while keeping an eye out for birds and marine animals that thrive in these rich waters during summer.
Seward serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the park and its surroundings. Discover the various recreation areas in Resurrection Bay within Alaska State Parks. Spend a day or more visiting stunning locations like Caines Head, Thumb Cove, and more. It is advised against paddling directly to the park from Seward due to long stretches of unprotected coastline without landing spots between Callisto Head and Aialik Cape, where waters can be hazardous. Most kayakers access the park through guides, water taxis, or charter boats from Seward, getting dropped off at Aialik Bay, Northwestern Lagoon, or Bear Glacier Lagoon.
Places to stay in Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit the needs and preferences of visitors, from rustic camping to more comfortable hotel and resort options.
Camping
Kenai Fjords National Park offers a 12-site walk-in tent campground at Exit Glacier, available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees. Campers can stay for up to fourteen days, but the campground fills up quickly in July and August.
Two of the campsites, #1 & #12, are accessible and have paths, toilets, and cooking areas made of crushed rock or asphalt. A central shelter is provided for food storage, cooking, and dining. Cooking or storing food at individual sites is not allowed. Drinking water is available from a pump, and pit toilets are on site. Pets are not allowed in campsites.
There are no RV campsites in Kenai Fjords National Park, and overnight parking at Exit Glacier is not permitted.
Hotel and Resort
For those seeking a more comfortable and amenity-rich experience, Kenai Fjords National Park and the surrounding area offer several hotel and resort options.
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is a fully inclusive lodge situated in Kenai Fjords National Park. It is located in a Native-owned wildlife sanctuary next to a protected lagoon, offering breathtaking views of Pedersen Glacier. The lodge and guest cabins provide a perfect blend of Alaska’s rugged coastal beauty and rich marine wildlife, along with the luxury of private cabins, a welcoming main lodge and delicious gourmet meals.
Address: Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, AK 99664
Price Range: From $300-400/night depending on the season and demand
Resurrection Lodge on the Bay
Resurrection Lodge on the Bay is a lodge owned by a family that caters to solo travelers, couples, and small families. It stands out for its beachfront location overlooking Resurrection Bay and provides various accommodation options, including rooms with bay views. Situated 2.5 miles south of Seward on Lowell Point, the lodge offers easy access to hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and other activities.
Address: 13970 Beach Dr, Seward, AK 99664
Price Range: From $225 – $328/night depending on the season and demand
Millane’s Serenity by the Sea Cabins
Millane’s Serenity by the Sea Cabins provides cozy, secluded cabins located on Lowell Point, only a short distance from Seward, Alaska. The cabins offer an ideal getaway while still being close to Seward. Access to Lowell Point is possible by car, taxi, bike, or walking. Situated just a block from Resurrection Bay, Millane’s Serenity by the Sea Cabins are conveniently near top-notch kayaking, whale-watching, hiking, and fishing opportunities.
Address: 14000 Shady Lane, Lowell Point, Seward, AK 99664
Price Range: From $100 – $200/night depending on the season and demand
Dining
Dining options within Kenai Fjords National Park are limited, but Seward offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Ray’s Waterfront
Ray’s Waterfront is a friendly eatery and bar that offers stunning views of mountains, marine life, and the bustling boat harbor in Seward, Alaska. Since 1986, Ray’s Waterfront has been delighting customers with delicious homemade dishes and warm hospitality. Their menu showcases fresh seafood from the area, premium steaks, crisp vegetables, flavorful dishes, and an extensive variety of wine and beer. Embraced by fishermen, residents, tourists, families and companions.
Address: 1316 Fourth Ave, Seward, AK 99664
Open time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Prices range: $20 – $45
Chinooks Waterfront Restaurant
Chinooks is situated directly on the waterfront in Seward. They offer a fresh menu featuring the finest seafood from Alaska, as well as steaks and choices for vegetarians and those with gluten-free dietary needs. Upstairs, there is a new sushi bar located near large picture windows for guests to enjoy the view. Chinooks offers 12 locally brewed beers from Alaska on tap, along with a full bar stocked with premium, rare spirits and one of the most extensive Scotch selections in the state. They also have a diverse selection of wine from around the world.
Address: 1404 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664
Open time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Prices range: $30 – $50
Seward Brewing Company
Located in the bustling downtown area of Seward, Alaska, Seward Brewing Company stands out as the town’s sole brewhouse and restaurant. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy a variety of locally brewed beers and a diverse menu of delicious bites. Visitors can expect a convivial experience as they sample different brews and savor flavorful dishes in this airy and inviting setting.
Address: 139 Fourth Avenue, Seward, AK
Open time: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Prices range: $8 – $30
Planning Your Trip to Kenai Fjords National Park
Planning a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park requires careful consideration of the park’s seasonal weather patterns, accessibility and transportation options to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.
Visiting Time
The optimal time to explore Kenai Fjords National Park is during the summer months, typically from May to September, when the weather is more moderate and the park is most easily accessible.
Summer sees the highest number of visitors due to longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and better chances of clear skies and calm waters, making it perfect for outdoor activities and trips.
Spring and Fall have fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, but visitors may experience more unpredictable weather and limited access to certain parts of the park.
Special, in winter, although the park is open year-round, winter brings heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and limited daylight, making it a challenging time for most visitors to enjoy the park.
Spring in Kenai Fjords National Park
Summer in Kenai Fjords National Park
Fall in Kenai Fjords National Park
Winter in Kenai Fjords National Park
Transportation
Accessing Kenai Fjords National Park requires a combination of transportation options, as the park is located in a remote and rural area of Alaska.
By Air: The nearest major airport is in Anchorage, located approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Seward, the main gateway to the park. Visitors can rent a car or book shuttle services to reach the park.
By Road: Driving is a popular option, as the park is accessible by the Alaska Highway System. Visitors can rent a car or RV and make the scenic drive to Seward.
By Sea: Some visitors choose to access the park by sea, either by booking a cruise or taking a ferry from nearby ports in the region.
Kenai Fjords National Park Map
Conclusion
Kenai Fjords National Park is a gem of the Alaskan wilderness, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of towering glaciers, rugged fjords, and abundant wildlife. Prepare for your journey by researching the best times to visit, packing the right gear, and planning your activities to make the most of your trip. Embrace the beauty and wonder of Kenai Fjords National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Kenai Fjords National Park Photos
Q&A for Kenai Fjords National Park
The Harding Icefield is a colossal expanse of ice covering over 700 square miles, making it the largest glacier in North America outside of Greenland. It serves as the source for the impressive network of tidewater glaciers that define the landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including brown bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, whales, seals, and countless bird species. The park’s waters are particularly rich in marine life, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing and sightseeing.
Some of the top activities in Kenai Fjords National Park include exploring the Exit Glacier, hiking the Harding Icefield Trail, taking a boat tour to witness the park’s tidewater glaciers, and kayaking through the fjords to get up close with the stunning natural landscapes.
The peak visitation season for Kenai Fjords National Park is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is milder, and the park’s accessibility is at its highest. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can also offer unique experiences with fewer crowds.
Visitors can access Kenai Fjords National Park through a combination of transportation options, including flying into Anchorage and then driving or taking a shuttle to the park’s main gateway in Seward, or by sea through cruise ship or ferry services. The park is part of the Alaska Highway System, making driving a popular option for many visitors.