The Kenai Fjords reflect scenic icebound landscapes in which salt spray mixes with mountain mist. Located on the southeastern Kenai Peninsula, the national park is a pristine and rugged land supporting many unaltered natural environments and ecosystems.

The fjords are long, steep-sided, glacier-carved valleys that are now filled with ocean waters. A mountain platform, one mile high, rises above this dramatic coastline. The mountains are mantled by the 300-square mile Harding Icefield, 35 miles long and 20 miles wide. Only isolated mountain peaks interrupt its nearly flat, snowclad surface. Exit Glacier spills off the massive Harding icefield and is accessible by road.

The park's wildlife includes mountain goats, moose, bears, wolverines, marmots and other land mammals who have established themselves on a thin life zone between marine waters and the icefield's frozen edges. Bald eagles nest in the tops of spruce and hemlock trees. Thousands of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and murres seasonally inhabit the steep cliffs and rocky shores. Kayakers, fishermen, and visitors on tour boats share the park's waters with stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall porpoises, sea otters, humpback, killer and minke whales.


Basic Information on Kenai Fjords National Park

Operating Hours and Operating Season for Kenai Fjords National Park

The visitor center in Seward offers exhibits, slide programs, maps, publications and information. It is open Monday through Friday year round, and Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with extended hours. There is a ranger station at Exit Glacier which offers exhibits and information about the glacier and the Harding Icefield, interpretive programs and talks. Rangers provide information daily during the summer months.

How to Get to Kenai Fjords National Park

Closest Airports to Kenai Fjords National Park - Commuter flight services link Seward and Anchorage.

How to Drive to Kenai Fjords National Park - The park lies 130 road miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. The park's headquarters and visitor center is located on Seward's small boat harbor.

Weather & Climate
Overcast and cool days are frequent in this maritime climate of abundant rain. May is the driest month; successive months see increasing precipitation. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid-40s to low 70s (F). The wet, stormy fall begins in September. Wool or synthetic clothing and sturdy rain gear - pants, coat and hat - are essential

Accessibility
The park visitor center and the exhibit area near the Exit Glacier Ranger Station is wheelchair accessible. The first 1/4 mile of the Exit Glacier Trail is fully accessible. Contact the park for details.


Where to Stay at Kenai Fjords National Park

Camping at Kenai Fjords National Park


Exit Glacier Campground and Back Country Cabins
Open All Year
Exit Glacier has 12 walk-in summer camping sites. Three back country cabins for summer visits along the park's coastline are located in the fjords of Holgate Arm, Aialik Bay, and North Arm. The cabins are accessible by boat, kayak or small plane. In winter, a public use cabin is available at Exit Glacier. Cabin stays are limited to three days. Visitors must obtain reservations and permits in advance. Seward provides full tourist services, including campgrounds.


What to Do at Kenai Fjords National Park

Activities and More Information
Authorized commercial guides provides camping, fishing and kayaking services. Air charters fly over the coast for flight seeing and access to the fjords. Boat tours and charters are available from Seward. In summer, boat tours ply the coast, observing calving glaciers, sea birds, and marine mammals.

Boat charters offer overnight fjord trips and fishing trips to the fjords and Resurrection Bay (saltwater fish include halibut, lingcod cod, and a variety of rock fish; freshwater fish include Dolly Varden and silver, red, chum and pink salmon).

Interpretive talks, exhibits, slide program at the visitor center and Exit Glacier Ranger Station.

Getting Around
In summer, Exit Glacier can be reached by car on a gravel road (approximately 9 miles), and a short trail. Exit Glacier is the only portion of the park accessible by trail. A gravel road at mile 3.7 of the Seward Highway leads 9 miles to the Exit Glacier Ranger Station. An easy 1/2 mile walk will take you to the glacier's terminus. The first 1/4 mile of this trail is completely accessible. A steeper trail continues across moraines and bedrock. Visitors may return to the Ranger Station via a nature trail. The Harding Icefield can be reached by air or trail. Air and boat charters provide access to the fjords.


US Park Info.com: Kenai Fjords National Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




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Kenai Fjords Info:
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