Kenai Fjords National Park
Where massive glacier carve rugged landscapes and wildlife thrives.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Where massive glacier carve rugged landscapes and wildlife thrives.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Where massive glacier carve rugged landscapes and wildlife thrives.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Where massive glacier carve rugged landscapes and wildlife thrives.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Where massive glacier carve rugged landscapes and wildlife thrives.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Ancient earthen forces built the landscape of Kenai Fjords National Park. Tectonic plates smashed together. Magma vented up through cold ocean water. But it was the glaciers that carved out its famous fjords, leaving a coastline that looks raked by a giant's fingers.
The remains of that powerful ice exist in the form of tidewater glaciers. In fact, half the park is covered in ice. As glaciers churn against rocks, they leave a fine mineral dust that flows into bay waters. Those minerals feed healthy phytoplankton, and plankton support an array of larger animals. This is Kenai Fjords' other distinguishing feature: A thriving marine ecosystem with abundant wildlife like humpback and orca whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, and puffins.
What to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park
Day cruises top the list of things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. These trips last anywhere from four to 10 hours and depart from Seward. They frequently visit either Aialik Bay or the Northwestern Fjord, both of which have massive tidewater glaciers and classic coastal Alaska scenery.
Kayaking is another great way to explore the park's dramatic fjords and glaciers. Nearly all Kenai Fjords activities depart from Seward, so check out the Seward Things to Do page for more ideas. More park information is available at the main park visitor center in Seward's Small Boat Harbor and at the nature center at Exit Glacier.
Because Kenai Fjords encompasses vast stretches of land as well as water, a visit isn't complete without hiking a few of the park's designated trails. These paths are accessible from the Exit Glacier Nature Center on the north side of the park. A network of easy to moderate trails wander through the young forest and provide views of the glacier from the valley floor and a higher rocky overlook. The more strenuous Harding Icefield trail climbs four miles one way through wildflower meadows and occasional snowfields till it crests on a ridge with sensational icefield views.
Where to Stay in Kenai Fjords National Park
With so much to see, it is wise to plan for at least one overnight in neighboring Seward. Daily Kenai Fjords cruises depart from the dock directly in front of the Harbor 360, making this property particularly convenient. The Seward Windsong Lodge, which is located outside Seward on the way to Exit Glacier, provides free scheduled shuttle to the harbor. Check out more lodging options in Seward here.
How to Get to Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park are about 130 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors arrive by the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage, Park Connection Motorcoach, rental car, or cruise from Vancouver. Alaska Tour & Travel can coordinate transportation and lodging for your Kenai Fjords National Park visit.
