The Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska, and it is a rough landscape with lush woods, mountains, abundant wildlife, and approximately 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, a large forest region situated between the mountains and the sea. The Kenai Fjords National Park was established in 1980 to safeguard the park, particularly the Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest ice fields in the United States. For many years, the native Alutiiq relied on both land and marine resources to survive; today, retreating glaciers bore testament to a rapidly changing environment.
The magnificent glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park are the park’s most famous feature. Over 40 of them cascade down from the Harding Icefield, several of them meeting the Pacific Ocean in a breathtaking show of splendour. The fauna in this area of Alaska is likewise well-known. The abundance of seals, bears, whales, birds, and other wildlife species is part of what makes Kenai Fjords National Park so special.
Best Time to Visit KENAI FJORDS
While the park is theoretically open all year, the summer months of June, July, and August are the finest times to come. Due to stormy seas and thick snow, several of the park’s key attractions are closed during the winter months. During the shoulder months of May and September, services are still available but may be limited depending on the weather.
How to Get There
The trip from Anchorage to the Kenai Fjords is a straightforward and incredibly stunning 2.5 hours. The majority of people choose to rent a car in Anchorage and drive themselves, although a gorgeous train excursion is also an alternative. Consider scheduling a round-trip private transfer from Anchorage Airport to Seward if you want something more luxurious.
What to do
Hiking, boat excursions, kayaking, fishing, scenic flights, and more are just a few of the great activities available in Kenai Fjords National Park and along the Kenai Peninsula. Continue reading for more information on each activity as well as tour suggestions.
Nearby Places to Visit
Kenai Fjords National Park is located on its own peninsula, with nothing in the way of nearby attractions. As a result, on your way from Anchorage, you’ll pass through Chugach State Park. The Chugach Mountains offer a plethora of recreational opportunities, and if you’re still looking for something to do after your vacation to Kenai, here is a terrific place to go. If you have the time, there are a few additional places worth visiting. In this Alaska blog post, I also offer some hiking and backpacking recommendations.
Chugach State Park
Portage Glacier
Girdwood
Skilak Lake
Lost Lake Trail
What to Pack
Summer in Alaska is unexpected, and it was freezing for this Texas girl! For both warm and chilly days, bring plenty of clothing.
On my journey to Alaska, I found the following to be the most useful:
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Osprey Pack
Rain Jacket
Plant-Based Bug Spray
Refillable Water Bottle
Nikon d3500
Where to stay?
Because many visitors come to the Kenai Fjords National Park via the local port town of Seward, there are plenty of places to stay. Check out Hotel Seward, Trailhead Lodging, or the Sea Treasures Inn Hotel for a budget-friendly stay; the Breeze Inn or the Best Western for a mid-range stay; and the Harborview Inn or VAN Gilder Hotel for a little more money. There are three public cabins in the park – two on the shore, open during the summer, and the Willow, open during the winter – and 12 campsites near Exit Glacier, however they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.