Quartz Creek Campground & Boat Launch
Quartz Creek campground is situated on the banks of sparkling Kenai Lake
Quartz Creek campground is situated on the banks of sparkling Kenai Lake. This is a great spot to cool off on a hot day. Kenai Lake has a good sandy swimming beach and a trail that follows along nearby Quartz Creek. Cast your line for some awesome fly-fishing at the creek or look for the nearby horse stable for a scenic ride.
Soldotna Rotary Art Park
View locally created fine art or the works of artists from around Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
No other mining trail on the Kenai Peninsula climbs as high or takes in more extensive views as the 6mile-long Crown Mine Trail. Beginning some 2 hours south of Anchorage on the appropriately named Mine Road just south of Trail Lake, this trail climbs to 3,900 feet above sea level to a unique spota glacial cirque littered with mining paraphernalia.
How To Get To Kenai Fjords National Park And Other Travel Information
As mentioned earlier, getting to Kenai Fjords National Park may not be the easiest since it is in Alaska, but it if you make it to Alaska and have access to a car, its only a relatively short drive away from Anchorage.
- The most common airport to fly into is Anchorage, AK. Though quite a ways away from other parts of the US, the drive from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords National Park is straightforward and amazingly beautiful. Here are the best directions from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords National Park, which includes a breathtaking drive down to the Seward area on the Kenai Peninsula.
Its also easy to get to if you are on a cruise ship arriving into Seward. Most cruise ships will organize bus tours to the Exit Glacier area. This will allow you to spend at least a few hours and get out and do a short hike or two to see Exit Glacier.
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Where To Stay In Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park Lodging: There is no lodging inside of Kenai Fjords National Park. We recommend staying in or around Seward, AK. We stayed at the Box Canyon Cabins in Seward, and they were excellent! The cabins were extremely clean, laundry was on-site and the hosts were amazing. Also, the location was great-it was quiet, and made for a shorter drive to the Exit Glacier area.
Box Canyon Cabins in Seward, Alaska
Picture courtesy of Ron and Rene Montgomery
Camping in Kenai Fjords National Park: There is only one established campground in Kenai Fjords National Park, and it is only accessible by hiking in. There are no reservations. You can also camp in Seward.
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
As the only wilderness lodge within Alaskas 700,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park, a stay at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge offers unparalleled wilderness access for your Alaska vacation! Nestled within an Alaska Native-owned wildlife sanctuary, the lodge and guest cabins enjoy stunning views of Pedersen Glacier. Lodge activities include sea kayaking amid harbor seals and glittering glacial ice, hiking to stunning vistas of the mountains and ocean, walking through the verdant coastal forest surrounding the lodge, beachcombing on Aialik Bay, canoe explorations to watch the wildlife play, and more! Each day, choose the activities that match your interest and energy level.
The lodge features a beautiful dining room and lounge area, as well as a staffed bar for a glass of beer or wine. An expansive deck with rocking chairs and views of Pedersen Glacier are just steps out from the main lodge. Private cabins, fresh and hearty meals prepared with gourmet flair, and a relaxing cedar sauna equipped with a Finnish stove complete your experience in rugged seacoast Alaska.
Lodge: The only lodge within Kenai Fjords National Park Gorgeous eco-friendly timber construction built to minimize the impact on the natural area Large dining room with panoramic views of Pedersen Lagoon and Glacier Comfortable lounge with seating area and wood stove Bar with beer, wine and glacier-itas.
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How To Get Tokenai Fjords National Park
There is one road that leads to Kenai Fjords National Park. The park may be inaccessible during the winter months, so be sure to check road conditions before planning to drive there. However, the town of Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway.
To get there from Anchorage, follow the Seward Highway south. It turns into AK-9 around Mile 35, continue on AK-9 to Seward.
If youre flying into Alaska, youll want to fly to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, then drive or take the train or bus to Seward. You can also book charter flights to Seward.
You can also travel to the park by renting an RV. RVing allows you to travel to Seward in comfort and at your own pace. If you dont own an RV, consider an RV rental. You can fly into Anchorage and rent an RV, or rent one in your hometown to drive to Alaska.
While there are no RV campgrounds in Kenai Fjords National Park, there are several just outside the park in the town of Seward. Be sure the campgrounds are open at the time you visit, as some may be seasonal, and make reservations in advance to be sure you have a spot.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
This 86-room luxury lodge sits on the banks of the Kenai River with amazing views from private porches and
This tributary of the Kenai River flows alongside the Sterling Highway, just north of Cooper Landing . There are plenty of designated pull-offs along the highwaylike Quartz Creek Road, which leads to Kenai Lake, as well as the popular access point at the Quartz Creek Bridge.
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Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes
At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.
- $10.00 / month and a $72.00 sign-up feeRated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating
- $10.00 / month and a $19.00 sign-up feeRated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating
Kmta National Heritage Area Guide
One of 49 National National Heritage Areas
Quick: whats the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America? Its the Anderson Memorial Tunnel, and youll drive through it on the scenic and historic drive to Whittier. The Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is a place whose valleys and mountains, communities and people tell the larger story of a wild place and a rugged frontier. This audio guide gives you the inside scoop on its fascinating history. Youll …more
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Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
The grounding of the oil tanker Exxon Valdez in Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989, produced extensive contamination of the Kenai Fjords coastline. By early April, Park Service personnel established oil containment boom lines across the mouths of salmon streams and conducted preliminary inventories of plants and animals that might be affected by the oil. The first oil arrived on April 10. In time, about 20 miles of coastline was oiled, amounting to about 4% of the total coastline. Headlands were the most affected areas. The oil did not reach the fjords, repelled by heavy spring water flows from the land. Cleanup was difficult, as the oil became a tarry emulsion that could not be skimmed, and had to be dredged. The first season’s work stopped in September. Work resumed the next year and continued in 1991. That year Exxon settled with the federal and Alaskan governments, paying about $870 million into a restoration fund, some of which was earmarked for Kenai Fjords.
Archeological sites were also affected by the oil. A beach site near MacArthur Pass was discovered during cleanup operations. The site showed that contrary to earlier beliefs, portions of the park had been used over a long term by native peoples. The site proved to be particularly challenging to clean up without disturbing the area.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park lies at the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, in south-central Alaska. Established as a National Park in 1980, Kenai Fjords is located just west of the small harbor town of Seward. The park is home to one of the largest ice fields in the United States, the Harding Icefield. Read more..
The Harding Icefield, the signature feature of Kenai Fjords, is the source of nearly 40 glaciers. Numerous fjords, created by the glaciers, can be enjoyed by explorers via boat cruises, kayaking, flight tours, and hiking. The vast area of ice, surrounded by icy waters and forests, is home to thriving wildlife. Kenai Fjords National Park is one of only three National Parks in Alaska that can be accessed by road. Visitors can travel via road to the popular destination of Exit Glacier inside the park.
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Where To Stay In The Kenai Penn Area
We have a couple of days after our cruise lands in Seward before flying home from Anchorage — thought we’d stay a couple of nights and see the Kenai NP. I have three kids 4, 7 and 9 and a fisherman husband. Any suggestions?
Seward is a great place for a couple of days with lots of things to do.
I’m sure the kids would love a dogsled ride, the Sealife Center, Exit Glacier and the train ride to Anc. A new playground was built last year for burning off some engery if needed. Wildlife cruises into Kenai Fjords NP are very popular too.
We have lots of lodging choices ranging from cabins, hotels and B& Bs. My favorite area for lodging is Lowell Point, 3 miles south of town for the great bay views.
Alaska Saltwater Lodge is my recommendation for fishing charters for hubby though why not make it a family event and do a combo fishing/wildlife charter. You don’t state when your coming so can’t help much with other fishing ideas such as the Silver Salmon Derby in August.
Recommendations For People Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated
If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Before you travel:
- Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
- Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
- Check the COVID-19 situation in your destination.
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The Best Campgrounds For Families Near Anchorage
Theres nothing quite like camping in the woods with the family when youre a kid. The crackling campfire and gooey smores. Biking around the campground loop. Running through the forest and gathering wood. Catching that first fish. Here we offer details for nine great public family campgrounds within a 90-minute drive from Anchorage.
Soldotna B& b Lodge / Alaska Fishing Charters
This family-run fishing lodge on the Kenai River offers a front-row opportunity to Alaskas most famous, exciting salmon fishing
In summer, the trails are open to all kinds of foot-powered recreationwalking, running, hiking, biking, photoshoots, wildlife watching and berry-picking. Theres even an 18-hole disc golf course. K9 feet are welcome, too. In winter, locals hit the trails for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. There are more than 25 kilometers of groomed ski trails, perfect for classic and skate cross-country skiing.
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Bird Watching At Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is situated in south-central Alaska, west of Seward town, and on Kenai Peninsula. The 669,984 acres of land protect the Harding Icefield and all its overflowing glaciers, islands, and the fjords of the coasts.Bird watching at the Kenai Fjords national park is a unique experience because of the diverse coastal and glacial landscapes.
Williwaw Creek Fish Viewing Platform
Coho, sockeye and chum salmon converge on the creek as it winds through the brushy flats beginning in mid-August
Crystal-clear Williwaw Creek and its bank-side trail system in Portage Valley at the head of Turnagain Arm offers exceptionally good conditions for watching spawning in action. Coho, sockeye and chum salmon converge on the creek as it winds through the brushy flats beginning in mid-August, with some late-arriving fish still present after first frost in the fall.
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Best Time To Visit Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round, but you really want to visit in the summer months to see the park as the roads to Exit Glacier is not plowed. If you are equipped to handle the snow, then skiing or visiting with a snowmobile is a great option as well.
Park temperatures are always cool, with highs averaging in the low 60s in summer, and only reaching the low 30s during the winter months.
What To See And Do
There are numerous incredible things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park and along the Kenai Peninsula, including hiking, boat cruises, kayaking, fishing, scenic flights, and more! Keep reading for in-depth details on each activity and tour recommendations.
See the Harding Icefield
The jewel of Kenai Fjords National Park is the magnificent Harding Icefield. From this massive 700-square-mile icefield, countless tidewater glaciers pour down, carving fjords and icebergs. Over 30 glaciers of different size and type flow from the Harding Icefield, with some terminating in lakes , some ending on land , some ending in lagoons , and some being tidewater .
The Icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses that once covered half of Alaska. Visitors can witness the Harding Icefield itself via a steep hike from the Exit Glacier area of the park, via aircraft, or numerous of its glaciers can be viewed from a boat tour or watercraft. 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.
Take a boat tour of the fjords
Visit Exit Glacier
Take a day hike
Kenai Fjords doesnt have a lot of maintained hiking trails.. in fact there are only two official trails listed by the National Park Service:
Go kayaking
Credit: Alpine Air Alaska
Take a scenic flight
Go fishing
Take a backpacking trip
Read next: Must Know Bear Safety for Hiking and Camping
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Alpine Air Alaska Seward Dog Sledding
Experience the unique thrill of summer dog sledding on a glacier! Fly by helicopter for the quick but scenic trip
Located on the docks in Seward, this fish processing plant and gift shop can send fish to your home freezer, whether you caught it yourself that day or just picked it out. Bring in a catch from your fishing trip and that day theyll cut it into meal-sized portions, vacuum package, blast-freeze, and box it for you to take home. Their commercial blast freezers operate at 40 degrees below zero and their holding freezers at 20 degrees below zero. …more
Getting Around Kenai Fjords National Park
Theres only one road into Kenai Fjords National Park itself, and thats the road out to Exit Glacier. At times, the Exit Glacier parking lot may get overcrowded, so there is a shuttle service that runs the 12 mile stretch of road between Seward and Exit Glacier to help with overflow and people without vehicles.
Other than that one road, you will be exploring the Kenai Fjords Peninsula by watercraft, the air, or on foot. As mentioned above, I recommend you check out some of the boat tours, scenic flights and hiking trails to make the best of your time in Kenai Fjords National Park. There are many online resources for researching these activities, or you can drop into the visitors center on arrival and pick up some pamphlets to help with your decision making.
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What To Bring To Kenai Fjords National Park
We are going to cover what you should bring if visiting in the summer. If you are coming in the wintertime, then you are likely used to handling yourself in extremely cold and snow environments without our advice!
- Bear spray is a must. This park is full of wildlife, and bears are around and can be aggressive.
- Believe it or not, you will have to be sure to bring bug spray. The mosquitoes in Alaska, even near glaciers, can be rough. Though you may look a bit funny, a bug jacket can also come in handy.
- Of all the books written for Alaska travel, by far the most useful is the Milepost. This tells you all the places to stop. Trust me, whoever is in the passengers seat will have this in their lap the entire trip.
- We really recommend bringing a good map, and the Kenai Fjords map from National Geographic is outstanding.
- Sunscreen is really important, as youll be exposed when hiking and the glare off the snow can really create an impressive burn!
- Dramamine is great when you are out on the water. The seas can get pretty rough, and when we were out many of the other tourists on the boat were getting sick.