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Kenai Fjords National Park covers a rugged stretch of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula where the vast Harding Icefield spills dozens of glaciers toward the Gulf of Alaska. Much of the park is reachable only by boat or plane, with deep fjords carved by ice and coastlines shaped by the constant meeting of glaciers and sea. The small harbor town of Seward, at the head of Resurrection Bay, serves as its gateway.
The one part of the park reachable by road is Exit Glacier, where the nature center and short trails lead to views of the ice, and the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail climbs to a lookout over the icefield itself. Most visitors also take a day cruise from Seward, passing Fox Island on the way into Aialik Bay to watch Holgate Glacier calve, or continuing to the Chiswell Islands and Northwestern Fjord. Sea otters, puffins, sea lions and whales are commonly spotted. In town, the park visitor center and the Alaska SeaLife Center round out a stay, while kayakers paddle near Bear Glacier and hikers reach Caines Head along the bay.
This is a place for travelers who want tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife. Seas can be rough, so longer cruises depend on conditions, and services run mainly in summer.
WiserMap travel guideKenai Fjords National Park Alaska Glacier Cruises and SewardPlan Kenai Fjords National Park: Exit Glacier, the Harding Icefield Trail, tidewater glacier cruises from Seward, sea kayaking, wildlife and the best season.Read the guide
A small visitor center at the Seward Small Boat Harbor with exhibits, a film about the fjords and rangers who help plan trips. It is the main information point, since most of the park is reached only by boat. Tip: ask about ranger-led walks at Exit Glacier and which cruises have rangers aboard.
The busy harbor of Seward where glacier and wildlife cruises, fishing charters and water taxis depart. Its waterfront has shops, cafes and a walking path, and you can watch charter boats unload their catch. Tip: arrive 30 minutes early for your cruise, as parking fills in summer.
The only part of the park reachable by road, about 12 miles from Seward. Easy trails lead to views of Exit Glacier, with signs along the road marking how far the ice reached in past years, showing its rapid retreat. Tip: the access road is closed to cars in winter.
A strenuous day hike that climbs steeply from Exit Glacier through forest and meadows to a viewpoint over the Harding Icefield, a vast sheet of ice covering about 700 square miles. It is about 8 miles round trip with big elevation gain. Tip: snow can linger on top into July.
A coastal park south of Seward with forest trails, beaches and the remains of Fort McGilvray, a World War II fort with tunnels and gun emplacements on a headland. It is reached by a long beach hike at low tide or by water taxi. Tip: carefully check tide times before you set out.
The steep mountain rising behind Seward, famous for the Mount Marathon Race held every Fourth of July since the early 1900s. A hikers' trail climbs to the summit ridge with views over Resurrection Bay. Tip: the racers' route is very steep and loose, so use the hikers' trail instead.
The largest glacier in Kenai Fjords, flowing from the Harding Icefield into a lagoon filled with icebergs near the mouth of Resurrection Bay. Guided kayak trips paddle among the icebergs, reached by water taxi or by boat. Tip: tours depend on sea conditions, so keep a backup day.
A fjord reached on full-day cruises from Seward, where Holgate Glacier and other tidewater glaciers meet the sea. Boats stop in front of the ice so you can watch and hear chunks calving into the water. Tip: dress warmly, as the air near the glaciers is cold even in summer.
A remote fjord surrounded by several tidewater and hanging glaciers, visited on the longest cruises from Seward. It is quieter and more dramatic than closer bays, with seals resting on floating ice. Tip: the trip lasts most of a day, so take motion sickness remedies if needed.
Rocky islands at the edge of the park, part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, where Steller sea lions haul out and thousands of seabirds nest, including tufted and horned puffins. Many cruises pass by. Tip: bring binoculars, as boats keep a distance from the rookeries.
Resurrection Bay is a deep fjord leading from Seward to the open sea, where sea otters, humpback whales, orcas and porpoises are often seen. Fox Island in the bay has a lodge where some cruises stop for a meal. Tip: shorter bay cruises are a good choice for those prone to seasickness.
An aquarium and marine research center in Seward that also rescues injured marine animals. Visitors see Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins and octopuses up close, with underwater viewing windows. Tip: it is a good rainy-day plan, and behind-the-scenes tours can be booked.
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Photo: Department of the Interior. National Park Service. Alaska Region. (12/2/1980 - 5, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Department of the Interior. National Park Service. Alaska Region. (12/2/1980 - 5, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Enrico Blasutto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Enrico Blasutto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Enrico Blasutto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Enrico Blasutto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
