More Like This: How to Choose a Seward Day Cruise. The fjords are still being actively carved out by the glaciers that come down off the Harding Icefield. Some day tours also offer kayaking as a way to explore the landscape . #celebrate #fourthofjuly #sewardalaska #visitseward #visitalaska #travelalaska #tourism #seakayak #paddle #festive #fireworks #america #sparklerseason #guidedtrip #celebrate #alaskalife #seward #kenaifjords #resurrectionbay #thealaskalife #nature #beautiful #paddlealaska #adventure #dosomethingnew #kayak #sunset, Swipe to see cute sea lion pups! Here are some tips for your visit. This tour is a great way to take the view from the air, cruising around the canopy on a ziplining tour, explore across multiple ziplines and suspension bridges. Our website uses cookies. Alaska was genuinely amazing #TravelAlaska #FindYourPark https://t.co/mzvCFwjhmp, Kenai Fjords National Park While in Kenai Fjords National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Day 1: Scenic drive on the Seward Highway to Seward/Kenai Fjords National Park, Day 3: Hike the Exit Glacier trails, the Harding Icefield Trail, and/or go ice climbing or glacier hiking on the Exit Glacier, Day 4: Flightseeing, Lost Lake Trail, Mount Marathon, or a cruise + kayaking combo. Take off from Seward, Moose Pass, Soldotna, or Homer. Kenai Fjords National Park Tour - Alaska Collection This short, easy trail is about one mile long and starts at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Below are a few more places worth checking out if you have the time. For the truly adventurous, the coastal fjords are a kayaker's dream, and many visitors utilize drop-off services from water taxis or join guided tours to spend days paddling among icebergs in protected fjords. Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park - Thrillist The Harding Icefield is obviously stunning, and I recommend you hike the Harding Icefield Trail if you are wanting to take some photos of the icefield and Exit Glacier from above. Take a Kenai Fjords day cruise. I just reached 50 subscribers! All against the backdrop of incredible landscapes such as jagged cliffs, tumbling glaciers and lush forest. TheKenai Fjords National Park Visitor Centeris located near theSewardSmall Boat Harbor and has interactive exhibits, maps and books, and rangers who are happy to discuss the best ways to explore the park. We did see bear warnings the day we did this hike, and a hiker warned us of a bear not far off trail (we didnt end up seeing the bear). Check out the Alaska SeaLife Center. Its a very challenging run, on a steep incline on a gravelly, rocky trail. Exit Glacier Road | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords. My name is Renee and Im an Australian photographer, blogger & travel addict. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time in our schedule to get to these, but I am listing them so that you know about them. Also, we got a discount through the Alaska Collection by bundling together this fjord cruise with our stay at the Seward Windsong Lodge. During the summer, the boat tours are operating and there are more lodging and food options. We experienced glacier calvings that sounded like an insane clap of thunder, paddled through Fjords (which only exist in 6 places in the world!) Kenai Fjords National Park is best known for its dramatic glaciers. 3. With kayaking, ice climbing, and glacier hiking, many wonderful adventures await. We live in a world of instant gratification. Flightseeing. Forget Norway, Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park Has Even More Land mammals such as black and brown bears, lynx, mountain goats, moose, porcupines, wolverines, and marmots can be found in the area. This is where several hiking trails start, which are listed next. Learn how to see in our Guide to the Columbia Glacier. Kenai Fjords National Park Tour: 6 hours. At Alaska Tour & Travel, we specialize in building custom trips for every timeline, personality, and budget. Those trails that start at the end of the road into the Kenai Fjords National Park? If you combine the Glacier View Loop Trail and the Glacier Overlook Trail, it is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain. This lodge is part of the Alaska Collection. #kenaifjords #kenaifjordsnationalpark #findyourpark #parkroamers #nationalparkgeek #americasbestidea #outdoorfamily #hikingfamily #havekidswilltravel #diversifyoutdoors #diversityinadventure #optoutside #teampixel #visittheusa #familyadventures #familytravel #travelalaska #explorealaska #alaskaadventure #alaska, Let's continue with the parks recap Our 14th was also in #Alaska, with the impressive glaciers, wonderful landscapes, and wildlife of #KenaiFjords national park. Which brings us to You've got some stellar choices, depending on your interests and time in the area. Most of this park is ice and water, so it is not the type of place where you drive from viewpoint to viewpoint. You can hike several trails to viewpoints of this glacier, as well as hike on it or go ice climbing, with an experienced guide. This is where we stayed and highly recommend it. This glacial wonderland features stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and ocean adventures. And as a bonus the area looked like a blend of two of our favorite places - Antarctica and the Oregon Coast Before we did this, I was a little bit worried7 hours seems like a long time on a boat. Bear viewing. Spring migration brings millions of birds north, ready to take advantage of the long summer days. , Finishing the three day paddle trip strong :jon.laroya, Remember, good things take time. While in Kenai Fjords National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. In addition to simply cruising the fjords, you can also take a cruise + kayaking combo tour. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most popular of Alaskas national parks and provides both leisurely and adventurousactivities for visitors, including boat tours, kayaking, camping, public use cabins, fishing, beach combing, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ranger programs, flightseeing, and mountaineering. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. I did this routine every day, Until the day I finally saw the Aurora Burealis I have been documenting the parks on my YouTube channel, National Park Wild. Take as much time as you have and experience your park. On the boat tours you may also be lucky enough to spot some wildlife such as whales, seals and bald eagles, which adds another great photography element. Hikers can ascend 1,000 feet over 4 miles along theHarding Icefield Trailfor breathtaking views alongside and above the icefield. For most of the hike, you are in a forest, but it leads to viewpoints of the Exit Glacier outwash plain. We saw several pods of orcas, a few humpback whales, fin whales, sea lions, seals, tufted and horned puffins, sea otters, and numerous species of birds. Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. This experience is definitely one we will be telling our grandkids about one day But that is what makes this park such a wonderful place to visit. This is a 10-hour tour, so it is a long day, but it was one of our favorite things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. If you've traveled to Seward by train or coach, you can catch a ride to Exit Glacier with a local shuttle service or taxi. Cooper Landing, AK: 1 hour (48 miles) Soldotna, AK: 2 hours (93 miles) Homer, AK: 3 hours 30 minutes (168 miles) Once in Seward, Exit Glacier is only around a 20 minute drive. Kenai Fjords is quite famous in the birding community, and many flock (pun intended) to this region for the sole purpose bird viewing. Many cruise ships also useSewardas a port-of-call. Its a good option for those who get seasick since you stay in the calmer waters of Resurrection Bay. In the sky, look for bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and tufted and horned puffins. With kayaking, ice climbing, and glacier hiking, many wonderful adventures await. If you want something more luxurious then consider booking an Anchorage Airport to Seward round-trip private transfer. as well as puffins, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, mountain goats and bald eagles! Seward, Alaska is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park! watch wildlife Julie Last updated: March 21, 2023 United States Leave a Comment. This small town has a variety of lodges, hotels, and bed & breakfasts to choose from. Kenai Fjords doesnt have a lot of maintained hiking trails.. in fact there are only two official trails listed by the National Park Service: Despite there only being two official trails, there are many pick your own adventure style hiking options for those with more experience in navigation and back-country travel. This 10-hour tour includes the cruise through Resurrection Bay and past the sea stacks, into Aialik Bay. If you want to see Kenai Fjords National Park from the sky, you have several options. The Kenai Peninsula, which stretches from the south-central coast of Alaska, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting regions to visit in the northernmost of the United States. We cruised both the Northwestern Fjord and Aialik Bay to Aialik Glacier and the Northwestern Fjord was our favorite. Learn more about my affiliate policyhere. Glacier hiking or ice climbing is one of the best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. At the time Kenai Fjords was first designated a national momument, only one ranger was assigned to protect its lands. Our Exit Glacier guides raved about this hike. #Seward #SewardAlaska #visitseward #Alaska #alaskastartshere #Kenaifjords #Kayakalaska #SharingAlaska #kayakadventures #Oceankayaking #TheKenai #resurrectionbay #millerslanding #vacation #kayaktolive #paddle #waterfall #whalewatching #camping #cabins #kayak #destinationwedding #exploreearth #adventures #kayaking #familyrunbusiness #wanderandroam #thenextcorner #kenaifjords #kenaifjordsnationalpark, Early morning sea otter straight out of the gate today ! momofmamony.com Bear Glacier), and some being tidewater (e.g. The Harding Icefield is one of the biggest reasons people visit Kenai Fjords National Park, but keep reading to find out all the best things to do in the park, where to stay, when to visit, where to take photos, and more! The Harding Icefield gets 60 feet of snow a year! Exit Glacier Guides offers a backcountry helicopter hiking trip. Sea lions, seals, dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and fin whales can be spotted in the sea. Kenai Fjords National Park preserves and protects theHarding Icefield,which is the largest icefield that is located entirely within the United States. Fjord cruises and flightseeing trips start here. IMPORTANT: Do not leave the Glacier Overlook Trail to hike on the Exit Glacier moraine. If you do not have a car (for example, you arrived by train), once you are in the area, you can get around by a shuttle or taxi service. After visiting Kenai Fjords, continue your adventure on the Kenai Peninsula by visiting some of our neighbors! Kenai Fjords National Park and its surrounding areas are home to some incredible fishing. Packing for your trip to Kenai Fjords National Park will depend on what time of year you visit and what activities you plan to undertake. Suggested tour: Guided Ice Fishing Tour. You can hike several trails to viewpoints of this glacier, as well as hike on it or go ice climbing, with an experienced guide. The park can best be seen by boat or on foot. Between the icefield itself and the 14 glaciers that stem from its ancient depths, more than half of the park is covered in ice. Also, the tour took off from Seward so you can camp the night before in the spot we posted about yesterday! Learn more about what to expect, how much it costs, and see more photos in our article Ice Climbing on the Exit Glacier. Annual Visitors: 390,000 in 2022, making Kenai Fjords the 18th least visited park that year. Another great thing to do in Kenai Fjords National Park is to go hiking or ice climbing on the Exit Glacier. You've got three primary options: By road, foot, and boat. The Kenai Fjords National Park tour is just an hour longer than the Resurrection Bay tour, and that extra hour makes a big difference in just how much better the experience is, in my opinion. NPS photo Ice Climbing on the Exit Glacier | Kenai Fjords National Park, Harding Icefield Trail: The Ultimate Hiking Guide. Learn more about weather in this area. The ice field has outflowing glaciers and is the source of around 38 glaciers. Want to see more Alaskan wildlife, including puffins, sea lions, and other marine mammals? For the next few hours, you will hike on the glacier, get a lesson on ice climbing (if you are a newbie, like we were), and then test out your new skills on the ice. Close encounters with octopus and sea lions at the Alaska SeaLife Center Dont quit, dont give up and be patient with yourself in the process. Its touted as the toughest 5K in the world. We want the best of everything right now, and I think we often forget that good things take time. We even saw a black bear walking along the shoreline! Every night I was wake until 12 am watching the sky, even if I was exhausted after a very busy day of exploration. Exit Glacier Tours by Exit Glacier Guides: Kenai Riverside Resort and Kenai Backcountry Adventures also offer ice climbing and glacier hiking tours. 800-208-0200 or 907-245-0200. You can take a boat tour to see the glaciers and wildlife, explore on smaller watercraft such as kayaks, hike some of the most beautiful terrain in the world, or see it all from the air. Its 14 miles long, moderately strenuous, and goes through beautiful mountain scenery. Do note this is not for your average hiker and extra precaution and knowledge is required, remember to bring hiking poles and decent hiking shoes. Check out these guided hiking tours: Hiking Tour in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge with Scenic Boat Ride; Seward Wilderness Hiking Tour. Kenai Fjords National Park Travel Guide - Earth Trekkers Skilak Glacier), some ending on land (e.g. Rooms range from queen rooms to three-bedroom apartments. This 60 minute scenic flight is another great splurge that flies over Kenai Fjords and Chugach National Forest. In Kenai Fjords National Park, you can go both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Read all of our articles about Alaska in our Alaska Travel Guide. One of the most amazing natural places in Southcentral Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is the perfect place to explore marine life, fish for salmon and halibut, and watch glacier ice tumble into the waters below. The park service puts it well: This is where mountains, ice, and ocean meet. #paulapinstheplanet #alaska #kenaifjords #seward #kenaipeninsula #besttravel #betherenow #shetravels #earthfervor #earthtraveler #travelbabes #auroraburealis #nothernlights #alaskasky #cnntraveler #lonelyplanet #cnntravels #travelblog #outdoorstravel #activetravel #travelbabes, Spend six unforgettable days exploring the Kenai Peninsula at a comfortable pace on our Alaska family vacation, including expert private guides, luxury hotel accommodations, and all meals: Kenai Fjords is the closest national park to Anchorage, making the area easy to access by both road and rail. The Harding Icefield is one of the biggest reasons people visit Kenai Fjords National Park, but keep reading to find out all the best things to do in the park, where to stay, when to visit, where to take photos, and more! Related Topics Amateur photography Photography Art comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment More posts you may like. Roughly 50% of Kenai Fjords National Park is covered in ice. And many tours are not offered between October and mid-May. There are even fresh water options at some of the lakes in the area. This gives you enough time to take a fjord cruise and hike the trails near Exit Glacier or go ice climbing or glacier hiking. You might also be lucky enough to spot wildlife while on the boat, including whales, harbor seals, bald eagles, sea lions, sea otters, and other marine mammals. For the most part, the cruise was very smooth. The trail affords several excellent views of the glacier itself. Get out on the water and see the park's icy waterways up close. Suggested tour: 60 Minute Scenic Flight over Kenai Fjords and Chugach National Forest. Executive Chef - Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge - Jun 01, 2023 I recommend spending at least two full days in Kenai Fjords National Park. Its important when traveling and exploring the outdoors to be respectful and responsible with your actions. I think the most epic has to be via a scenic flight, but keep reading for more suggestions on how to best see the Harding Icefield. Interesting Facts about Kenai Fjords National Park, Overview and Map of Kenai Fjords National Park, Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park, Learn more about what to expect, how much it costs, and see more photos in our article, Our Experience on the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. Kenai Fjords has something for everyone. Required fields are marked *. Experienced mountaineers equipped with skis, ice axes, and crampons can continue on to explore the icefield. A Guide to Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park Although Kenai Fjords is one of only three road-accessible national parks in Alaska, that single road only goes a little way into the park. Take the ranger-led boat ride. The Willow Cabin is located near Exit Glacier and is available to rent year-round. Kenai Peninsula | Things to Do, Lodging, & More | ALASKA.ORG Take a hike. Below are the best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. There are three main companies offering fjord cruises: We chose Kenai Fjords Tours for their great reviews. The fun starts next Friday! You can get exact dates and pricing by clicking on the links to the tour companies above. We also have a detailed guide to driving from Anchorage to Valdez, yet another amazing road trip. Many visitors are short on time, so the quickest, easiest way to gain access to the park is a day cruise. Kenai Fjords officially became a national park on December 2, 1980. In Seward, visitors can access the park on tour boats, water taxis, air taxis, and on foot from the Exit Glacier area. Hundreds of miles of rugged coastline trace the park's southern boundary, unfurling as cliffs, coves, and serene fjords. Below are a few options of different price points to get you started. PRO TRAVEL TIP: I recommend either the Kenai Fjords National Park cruise or the Northwestern Fjord cruise. Go fishing. The park can best be seen by boat or on foot. Only one road heads into the park. Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses three main areas: Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, and the coastline. BEST OF DENALI: Eielson is one of the most spectacular areas in Denali to visit since it offers some of the best views of Denali. The trip covers similar territory as the tour vessels that travel from Seward into the Park but we also include fishing - the best of both worlds.