Things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
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Exit Glacier
The marquee attraction of Kenai Fjords National Park and one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers, Exit Glacier was named by explorers crossing the Harding Ice Field who found the glacier a suitable way to 'exit' the ice and mountains. Now 3 miles long, it's believed the river of ice once extended all the way to Seward.
From the Exit Glacier Nature Center, the Outwash Plain Trail is an easy half-mile walk to the glacier's alluvial plain - a flat expanse of pulverized silt and gravel, cut through by braids of grey meltwater. The Overlook Loop Trail departs the first loop and climbs steeply to an overlook at the side of the glacier before returning; don't skip the short spu…
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Harding Ice Field Trail
This strenuous and very popular 3.5-mile trail follows Exit Glacier up to Harding Ice Field, one of the largest in North America. The 936-sq-mile expanse remained undiscovered until the early 1900s, when a map-making team realized that eight coastal glaciers flowed from the same system. Today you can rediscover it via a steep, roughly cut and sometimes slippery ascent to 3500ft; for reasonably fit trekkers, that's a good three- or four-hour trip. Beware of bears; they're common here.
The trek is well worth it for those with the stamina, as it provides spectacular views of not only the ice field but of Exit Glacier and the valley below. The upper section of the route is sn…
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Resurrection River Trail
This 16-mile trail accesses a 72-mile trail system connecting Seward and Hope. This continuous trail is broken only by the Sterling Hwy and provides a wonderful wilderness adventure through a diversity of streams, rivers, lakes, wooded lowlands and alpine areas. It's difficult and expensive to maintain, so expect natural hassles like downed trees, boggy patches and washed-out sections, especially in spring. Resurrection River Cabin is 5½ miles from the trailhead.
The southern trailhead is at Mile 8 of Exit Glacier Rd. The northern trailhead joins the Russian Lakes Trail 5 miles from Cooper Lake or 16 miles from the Russian River Campground off the Sterling Hwy. The hike …
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Ranger-Led hikes
At 10:00, 14:00 and 16:00 daily, rangers at the Exit Glacier Nature Center lead free one-hour hikes to the face of the glacier, providing information on the wildlife and natural history of the area. For a more strenuous outing, show up at the nature center on a Saturday at 09:00 for the guided ascent of the Harding Ice Field Trail. The trek lasts eight hours; pack a lunch and rain gear.
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Paddling
Bluewater paddles out of Resurrection Bay along the coastline of the park are for experienced kayakers only; others should invest in a costly drop-off service. You'll be rewarded, however, with wildlife encounters and close-up views of the glaciers from a unique perspective. Most companies can arrange drop-off and pickup for the more remote Northwestern Lagoon.
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Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking doesn't rent kayaks, but does arrange a multitude of different trips, including three-hour paddles in Resurrection Bay, full-day journeys in Aialik Bay, and excursions that combine a half-day of paddling with a salmon-bake lunch on Fox Island and a Kenai Fjords cruise.
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Kenai Fjords Tours
With an office at the small-boat harbor, Kenai Fjords Tours goes the furthest into the park (Northwestern Fjord) and offers the widest variety of options, including an overnight on Fox Island. It also does package deals that include rail travel from Anchorage.
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Major Marine Tours
Major Marine Tours offers a half-day Resurrection Bay tour (adult/child $69/34) and a full-day tour viewing Holgate Arm ($136/68). The latter tour is a local favorite for its wildlife and prime rib and salmon buffet feast (adult/child $19/9).
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Mariah Tours
Owned by Kenai Fjords Tours, Mariah Tours uses smaller vessels, carries fewer passengers and offers more intimate tours than others, often adapted to the interests of the group. It includes full-day outings into the park.
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Exit Glacier Nature Center
At the Exit Glacier trailhead; has interpretive displays, sells postcards and field guides, and is the starting point for ranger-guided hikes.
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Kayak Adventures Worldwide
Kayak Adventures Worldwide is a highly respected, eco-oriented operation that rents kayaks, and can arrange multiday adventures.
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Miller's Landing
Miller's Landing rents kayaks and equipment, and also provides a water-taxi service as far as Northwestern Fjord.
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Scenic Mountain Air
For flightseeing trips, contact Scenic Mountain Air, at Seward airport, which flies over the fjords.
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