As you explore magnificent Alaska, you will enjoy some of the country’s most remarkable scenery, fascinating wildlife, and breathtaking views. One area of The Last Frontier that will leave you speechless is Kenai Fjords National Park. This national park features 669,984 acres on the Kenai Peninsula. Spending just a little bit of time exploring this national park will be an experience you will never forget.
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in south-central Alaska near the town of Seward.
John Elk/The Image Bank Via Getty Images During the winter, large amounts of snow and ice make it difficult to access the park but the town of Seward is accessible year-round.
The crowning jewels of this national park are the incredible glaciers from the Harding Icefield.
Katherine Hard/EyeEm Via Getty Images
Approximately 40 glaciers make their way from the Harding Icefield.
Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Via Getty Images
Exit Glacier is one of the most popular, stunning glaciers in this national park.
Matt Champlin/Moment Via Getty Images It is also one of the few areas of the national park that is accessible year-round.
When visiting Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, there is something for everyone.
Philippe Gerber/Moment Via Getty Images You can hike, enjoy a ranger-led tour, and view some incredible wildlife. This is one of the few areas of the park that you can access via an automobile.
There are many hikes you can enjoy in the Exit Glacier area.
Martin Schneiter/EyeEm Via Getty Images Many of these hikes are short but can be fairly strenuous.
Spend some time at the Exit Glacier Nature Center to learn all about the area, the unique features you see, and to talk with a park ranger.
Royadip/TripAdvisor
To truly see what this National park has to offer, spend some time on the water.
Cavan Images/Cavan Via Getty Images
Boat tours can give you a different perspective of the park.
Zi Yang Lai/Moment Via Getty Images You can see incredible glaciers during these tours but keep your eyes open for all types of animals.
Whales can be seen when out in the water.
Gleb Tarro/500px Prime Via Getty Images Orcas and humpback whales are the most common species in Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you may see other whale species depending on the time of year.
If you are brave enough to venture on your own, grab a paddle and a kayak.
The Good Brigade/DigitalVision Via Getty Images Kayaking is a great way to experience this majestic park. However, the waters can be rough. If you are not experienced on a kayak, be smart and go on this incredible adventure with an experienced guide.
Glaciers aren’t the only incredible views you will see in this national park.
Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Via Getty Images Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for natural sea arches as well.
Hiking the 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail is an excellent way to spend your day.
HagePhoto Via Getty Images While hiking this trail, you will travel through forests, meadows, and other types of tough terrain. However, the view at the top will be worth every step. Keep in mind that this is a difficult hike and will take approximately 8 hours to complete.
As you hike around this park, spend a few minutes simply taking in the remarkable landscapes and learning more about each glacier.
jared Lloyd/ Moment Via Getty Images
With so much to do, stay and spend some time inside this beautiful and unique national park.
Michal Gutowski Photography/Moment Via Getty Images There is one campground near the Exit Glacier area if you wish to camp inside the park. This campground is only available for tent camping. There are also three public-use cabins you can reserve for overnight stays. Two coastal cabins are available during the summer months and the Willow Public Use Cabin is available during the winter season.
During the winter months, portions of the park may be inaccessible to vehicles. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore this gorgeous area.
Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Via Getty Images You can experience the stunning views and watch incredible wildlife using cross-country skis, dog sleds, and snowmobiles.
No matter if you desire to view incredible scenery, hike, spend some time on the water, or are hoping to catch a glimpse of some impressive wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is one destination on your bucket list that you’ll definitely want to experience.
John Elk/The Image Bank Via Getty Images
During the winter, large amounts of snow and ice make it difficult to access the park but the town of Seward is accessible year-round.
Katherine Hard/EyeEm Via Getty Images
Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Via Getty Images
Matt Champlin/Moment Via Getty Images
It is also one of the few areas of the national park that is accessible year-round.
Philippe Gerber/Moment Via Getty Images
You can hike, enjoy a ranger-led tour, and view some incredible wildlife. This is one of the few areas of the park that you can access via an automobile.
Martin Schneiter/EyeEm Via Getty Images
Many of these hikes are short but can be fairly strenuous.
Royadip/TripAdvisor
Cavan Images/Cavan Via Getty Images
Zi Yang Lai/Moment Via Getty Images
You can see incredible glaciers during these tours but keep your eyes open for all types of animals.
Gleb Tarro/500px Prime Via Getty Images
Orcas and humpback whales are the most common species in Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you may see other whale species depending on the time of year.
The Good Brigade/DigitalVision Via Getty Images
Kayaking is a great way to experience this majestic park. However, the waters can be rough. If you are not experienced on a kayak, be smart and go on this incredible adventure with an experienced guide.
Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for natural sea arches as well.
HagePhoto Via Getty Images
While hiking this trail, you will travel through forests, meadows, and other types of tough terrain. However, the view at the top will be worth every step. Keep in mind that this is a difficult hike and will take approximately 8 hours to complete.
jared Lloyd/ Moment Via Getty Images
Michal Gutowski Photography/Moment Via Getty Images
There is one campground near the Exit Glacier area if you wish to camp inside the park. This campground is only available for tent camping. There are also three public-use cabins you can reserve for overnight stays. Two coastal cabins are available during the summer months and the Willow Public Use Cabin is available during the winter season.
You can experience the stunning views and watch incredible wildlife using cross-country skis, dog sleds, and snowmobiles.
General Information:
Accessibility: Certain areas of Kenai Fjords are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. At Exit Glacier, a partially-paved, one-mile loop will give you a great view of this spectacular area. You will also find restrooms throughout the park that are wheelchair-accessible. The public-use cabins are wheelchair accessible and the Exit Glacier campground has two sites with wheelchair-accessible accommodations. The visitor center is also wheelchair accessible. For more information on accessibility in this national park, click here.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in Kenai Fjords National Park but only in designated areas. You may bring your family animal as you drive to Exit Glacier and in the parking lot of the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Animals are not allowed on any of the trails and in the backcountry of this national park. Pets are also not allowed in any buildings throughout Kenai Fjords National Park.
Parking: Exit Glacier is the only area in this national park that is accessible by vehicle. There is a parking area in the Exit Glacier Nature Center. However, parking is limited and can be difficult to find during the summer months and at midday.
Seasonal Access: Kenai Fjords National Park is open all year-round. However, there are certain areas of the park that are inaccessible during the winter months. These areas include the park’s backcountry and the road to Exit Glacier. The best months to visit this national park are June, July, and August.
Cost: There are no fees for entering this national park. There are also no fees for camping. However, if reserving a coastal public-use cabin, there is a $75 charge per night. During the winter months, there is a $50 charge per night if staying in the Willow Cabin. Certain activities such as commercial photography may require certain permits and fees and you may be charged a fee to acquire those permits.
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Address: Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska, USA
