Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska Alaska Listed in the table below are Kenai Fjords National Park's current plans or projects. Snow and ice cover 60 percent of the park: lining the edge of the park is the vast 936-square-mile Harding Icefield. In summer, the Alaska Railroad serves Seward from Anchorage (with connections to Fairbanks and Whittier). Alongside the above opportunities, you may want to consider looking into experiencing Kenai Fjords (the park and surrounding area) through such experiences as, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Where Seward ends this wonderful park begins. So keep following that dream, and remember to be patient. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice. Usually summer. Negotiations between the Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and the Chugach Alaska Corporation resulted in a decision by the Department of the Interior to make the Park Service the lead agency for the Kenai Fjords area. [9] Mining activity centered on Nuka Bay. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Harding Icefield Trail: The Ultimate Hiking Guide. #Seward #SewardAlaska #visitseward #Alaska #alaskastartshere #Fishalaska #Kenaifjords #tightlines #SharingAlaska #organic #liquidadventures #TheKenai #resurrectionbay #millerslanding #vacation #family #saltlife #fishing #freerange #cabins #kayak #alaskafishing #halibut #salmon #adventures #charter #familyrunbusiness #Thomasea #FoxWillie #fishon SeekerRods AccurateFishing Yeti, The Fourth is right around the corner, join us millerslanding for our very special Fourth of July Paddle and enjoy fireworks on the water. Kenai Fjords National Park The park is bordered on the west by Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and on the south by Kachemak Bay State Park. Land Based Trip Bears, Whales and Glaciers: Lake Clark and Kenai Fjords National Parks Explore two of Alaska's most stunning National Parks Kenai Fjords and Lake Clark and discover a deep connection to nature in some of North America's wildest places. Kenai Fjords National Park Valdez Portage Glacier & Whittier Homer Kenai Fjords is an Aquatic Wilderness There's a lot to discover in some of the most incredible, protected wilderness in Alaska at Kenai Fjords National Park. The captain was excellent, both with his commentary and pointing out wildlife throughout the day. Our Exit Glacier guides raved about this hike. Resurrection Lodge on the Bay. [6] It is the only Alaska national park that did not originally allow subsistence use by Native Americans, but native village corporations continue to have interests in inholdings within the park,[7] and have since established subsistence rights on those properties. Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Where Mountains, Ice, and Ocean Meet At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. . Most of this park is ice and water, so it is not the type of place where you drive from viewpoint to viewpoint. Further directions and maps can be found at Getting to Kenai Fjords. The road to Exit Glacier generally opens in May and closes with the first snowfall, usually in October. The Harding Icefield crowns the park and is the source of at least 38 glaciers that flow over the land, sculpting as they go. Wondering where to eat and sleep during your stay? How vulnerable are we? The day starts off with a short but tough hike up a portion of the Harding Icefield Trail. [60], Birds that nest in this park include bald eagle,[61] the Peale's subspecies of peregrine falcon,[62] black-billed magpie,[63] and Steller's jay. [71], Archeological sites were also affected by the oil. Willows also appear at this stage. [27] Cruise tours originating from Seward provide access to the park via Resurrection Bay. ALASKA ITINERARY: Take the guesswork out of planning your trip to Alaska with our Alaska road trip itineraries. The park protects the icefield, a narrow fringe of forested land between the mountains and the sea, and the deeply indented coastline. From Anchorage, it takes about two and a half hours to drive to Seward. From this road, you also get a great view of the Exit Glacier. #wildlifephotography #wildlifeaddict #stellersealion #sealion #marinemammals #science #sciencefacts #sciencephotography #kenaifjordsnationalpark #kenaifjords #alaska #youneedalaska #alaskaadventure #alaskaphotographer #yourshotphotographer #wonder #beauty #ocean #blue, Let's continue with the parks recap Our 14th was also in #Alaska, with the impressive glaciers, wonderful landscapes, and wildlife of #KenaiFjords national park. Alaska blogs will be coming, but until then our adventures are saved in our Alaska highlight on our profile lovehardtraveloften, The Aurora Burealis in Alaska lesson! Sugpiaq people relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. While in Kenai Fjords National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Mount Marathon looms over Seward. Plus, you can bundle a stay here and a cruise on Kenai Fjords Tours for a discount. . Join us to soak up spring! We even saw a black bear walking along the shoreline! On this 2 hour boat cruise we saw puffins, seals, otters, whales and so much more. The cruise into Resurrection Bay is nice, but once you get out into the Gulf of Alaska, you have a great chance of seeing whales and orcas. #Seward #SewardAlaska #visitseward #Alaska #alaskastartshere #Kenaifjords #Kayakalaska #SharingAlaska #kayakadventures #Oceankayaking #TheKenai #resurrectionbay #millerslanding #vacation #kayaktolive #paddle #waterfall #whalewatching #camping #cabins #kayak #destinationwedding #exploreearth #adventures #kayaking #familyrunbusiness #wanderandroam #thenextcorner #kenaifjords #kenaifjordsnationalpark, Spend six unforgettable days exploring the Kenai Peninsula at a comfortable pace on our Alaska family vacation, including expert private guides, luxury hotel accommodations, and all meals: But he was almost bounced from the Manhattan Project entirelywhy? Kenai Fjords National Monument was initially designated by President Jimmy Carter on December 1, 1978, using the Antiquities Act, pending final legislation to resolve the allotment of public lands in Alaska. Join a park ranger for a short walk, interpretive talk, or a day hike and learn more about your park. Its the only glacier that you can drive to. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield is one of only a few remaining icefields in the U.S. and is also the largest icefield entirely within U.S. borders. Note: This post contains affiliate links. . From the terrace, you can look out over Resurrection Bay, for one of the best views from the properties on this list. [10] A 1993 Park Service survey documented several village sites dated between 1200 AD and 1920. We are an Alaskan-family owned & operated Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is located on beautiful and remote Fox Island, a world away from the ordinary. Ozempic was tested on monkeys IUCN listed as endangered, See the microscopic universe that lives in a single drop of water, Rare octopus nursery found, teeming with surprises, How soaring ocean temperatures are affecting corals. The Kenai Fjords were formed by glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, nearly 700 square miles of majestic ice that forms the centerpiece of the national park. The city of Seward is the closest city of size, being adjacent to the park, and serving as the park's headquarters. Cabins feature private bathrooms For Alaska's day-to-day weather, its best to plan for a bit of everything. Alaska was genuinely amazing #TravelAlaska #FindYourPark https://t.co/mzvCFwjhmp, Travelling around Alaska was incredibly beautiful, this has to be one of my favourite places the Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward. How Much Time Do You Need in Kenai Fjords National Park? In 1964 George B. Hartzog Jr., director of the National Park Service, initiated a new study entitled Operation Great Land, advocating the development and promotion of the existing Alaska parks. This experience is definitely one we will be telling our grandkids about one day The park is capped by the Harding Icefield, a relic from past ice-ages and the largest icefield entirely within U.S. borders. There are several tour companies that lead tours onto the Exit Glacier. Experienced mountaineers equipped with skis, ice axes, and crampons can continue on to explore the icefield. We visited Kenai Fjords National Park in early July. Dwarf plants in this region include bog blueberry, partridgefoot, black crowberry and Aleutian mountainheath, all of which are vulnerable to damage from foot traffic. . Distance: 8.2 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 3,500 feet | Time: 6 to 8 hours, Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords, Top of the Harding Icefield Trail | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords. Exit Glacier, a half-mile wide river of ice, is the easiest section of the park to access. A RV trip gives you that freedom! Some rooms have a kitchenette and some rooms have views of Resurrection Bay. On March 15, 1972, four areas of the Kenai Peninsula were set aside under the ANCSA for federal protected areas. And the landscapes are breathtaking. Julie Last updated: March 21, 2023 United States Leave a Comment. With more time, you can also hike the Mount Marathon trail or Lost Lake Trail, spend some time in Seward, go fishing, glacier kayaking, or go flightseeing. Sweeping from rocky coastline to glacier-crowned peaks, Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses 607,805 acres of unspoiled wilderness on the southeast coast of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward - Book Tickets & Tours [24], Under the provisions of ANILCA the park included 119,000 acres (185.9sqmi; 481.6km2) of "native selected lands," property that was taken out of federal ownership and conveyed to Alaskan native corporations. Kenai Fjords National Park Visit Seward Alaska You can also charter a flight from Seward or Homer directly to the park. Steller Sea lions in kenaifjordsnps This is an exciting time of birth, nursing, and mating. The park has two coastal public use cabins available in summer and one cabin near Exit Glacier in winter. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound from this Leave the crowds behind, small group adventure and private charters is what we do. [28] Seward is a destination for cruise ships. It is located just outside of Seward, on Exit Glacier Road. A beach site near MacArthur Pass was discovered during cleanup operations. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Are the Kenai Fjords on your bucket list?? No matter your age, we've got a program for you, including our new Explorer App. [65][68], Kenai Fjords features an unusual estuary formed from the mix of glacial fresh water and seawater. This is one of three national parks in Alaska that you can drive to (Denali and Wrangell St. Elias also make the list). On this trail, you will see more number signs indicating the year when the terminus of the Exit Glacier was at this point. Recent locally acquired cases in Florida and Texas have raised concerns about a rise in mosquito-borne diseases. You can really get a good idea of how much this glacier has shrunk in the last 100 years. 9) south from Anchorage. Mount Marathon Race. Its a good option for those who get seasick since you stay in the calmer waters of Resurrection Bay. You can hike several trails to viewpoints of this glacier, as well as hike on it or go ice climbing, with an experienced guide. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. hiking one of the many trails in the park. In 2022, 390,000 people visited this national park, making it the 18th least visited national park that year. Approximately 27 land mammals and 10 marine mammals, including harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and sea otters, live here. BEST OF DENALI: Eielson is one of the most spectacular areas in Denali to visit since it offers some of the best views of Denali. Cellular Service: There is no cellular service in Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail heads up alongside the Exit Glacier, offering views of this glacier, the valley, and the surrounding mountains along the way. become a Junior Ranger On the Water: Kenai Fjords. Sail through Resurrection Bay, into the Gulf of Alaska, and then into Aialik Bay to Holgate Glacier or Aialik Glacier. A 2003 follow-up survey indicated that one site was occupied between 950 AD and 1800. The fun starts next Friday! Would you visit this park? Kenai Fjords National Park is a land dominated by glaciers, massive rivers of ice that flow out from the Harding Icefield. For an easier, more accessible hike, take the one-mileGlacier View Loop Trailfrom the Exit Glacier Nature Center to view Exit Glacier from the valley floor. Exit Glacier Road is generally closed to vehicles from fall through spring (this road is not plowed when it snows). [5] It is a relatively small and accessible park by Alaskan national park standards, about 88% as big as Yosemite National Park. For the safety of all, pets are only allowed in select areas. We went ice climbing with Exit Glacier Guides and it was a blast! This trail is a little hillier than the loop, as you hike up onto the hills near the terminal moraine. Learn About the Park - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Hours of Operation: Open all year. Passenger traffic through Seward is projected at 68,000 for 2013. [41], Kenai Fjords National Park is dominated by a glaciated landscape. #travelalaska #explorealaska #visitalaska #kenaipeninsula #kenaifjordsnationalpark #alaska #fog #mountains #trees, Witness the amazing annual migration of California Gray Whales, traveling 5,000 miles to Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. Exit Glacier Road | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords. Exit Glacier | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords, The view from the Exit Glacier | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords. Once at the Exit Glacier, you will put on a harness and helmet, strap on some crampons, and head off onto the glacier. Learn more about what to expect, how much it costs, and see more photos in our article Ice Climbing on the Exit Glacier. The dramatic coastal fjords and valleys of the park reveal a long history of glaciation. Cruising the fjords is one of the best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park. Find out how to access various locations in your National Park depending on your needs. It has three different departures, some including Fox Island, but they all feature the alpine and tidewater glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, filled with seabird rookeries. Most tours are offered from June through mid-September. ------------------------------- It is believed that coastal subsidence and rising water levels have inundated many sites, as the shoreline was the place richest in resources for early peoples. Kenai Fjords National Park Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ), where mountains, ice, and ocean meet. I did this routine every day, Until the day I finally saw the Aurora Burealis In 1971 the Seward National Recreation Area was proposed for the area between the head of Resurrection Bay and Turnagain Arm, extending east to Whittier and west to Exit Glacier. Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula. New lands exposed in former glacier beds are at first stony, lacking in soil. Incredible scenery abounds, from Alaska's rugged . Once you cross the Kenai Fjords National Park boundary, you will see road signs with four-digit numbers on them. watch wildlife [49][50] Smaller mammals include coyote, beaver and river otter. More about Kenai Fjords. This is the shortest tour, which stays in Resurrection Bay and goes as far as Fox Island. The Kenai Fjords area was not considered to be of the first priority for park designation under the ANCSA. Here the south-central part of the state tumbles into the Gulf of Alaska; here the land challenges the sea with talonlike peninsulas and rocky headlands, while the sea itself reaches inland with long fjords and hundreds of quiet bays and coves. Your email address will not be published. The Vue B&B. Best chance to spot whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins and more. The town of Seward sits just outside of the park, and it makes a great home base for exploring Kenai Fjords. Biking along thundering waterfalls on the Johnson Trail There are two things our guides with Exit Glacier Guides recommend that we do while in Seward. The field is the source of at least 38 glaciers, the largest of which is Bear Glacier. What good things are you working on and have you been patient with yourself? Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park, Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. On a separate day, we also cruised Aialik Bay to go glacier kayaking (the next thing on our list), which is nice, too. Harding Ice Field Trail There are three main companies offering fjord cruises: We chose Kenai Fjords Tours for their great reviews. kayak in the Fjords The Real Alaska Adventure Company provides all inclusive, fully immersive trips primarily on the Kenai Peninsula. Rooms range from queen rooms to three-bedroom apartments. Get a general overview of the park before you start your visit. Learn more Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward By Kenai Fjords Tours 385 reviews Recommended by 92% of travelers Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 0-99, max of 130 per group Duration: 6h Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English What's included What to expect Departure and return Accessibility By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Things To Do - Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service) In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park, with essential tips so you can have the best experience. Whale watching on a Kenai fjords tour by private cruise [12] Another study, funded as part of the Alaska Highway in the 1940s drew similar conclusions to the first study's majority opinion. Exit Glacier Guides offers a backcountry helicopter hiking trip. Is malaria making a comeback in the U.S.? This toad can get you high. Sewards Guest House. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time in our schedule to get to these, but I am listing them so that you know about them. What exactly is lab-grown meat? From half day trips across the bay to all day tours in Kenai Fjords National Park. . . The erosive power of the glaciers produces sediment as rock flour coloring the waters around the toes of glaciers and carrying minerals into the ecosystem that support phytoplankton, which in turn sustain larger animals. We went glacier kayaking at Aialik Glacier with Liquid Adventures. After visiting Kenai Fjords, continue your adventure on the Kenai Peninsula by visiting some of our neighbors! We never take more than six guests per tour so you always get Leave the crowds behind, small group adventure is what we do. These tours range 5-8 hours and get you out to see the . The park covers an area of 669,984 acres (1,046.9 sq mi; 2,711.3 km 2) [1] on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, west of the town of Seward . Heres what you need to know. This proposal allowed logging and mining in the area. The fjords are glacial valleys that have been submerged below sea level by a combination of rising sea levels and land subsidence. From Seward: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch Experience up-close views of the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park on this round-trip cruise from Seward. On the National Park Service map below, you can see that most of the park is either ice or water. Fly into a remote area of Kenai Fjords National Park and spend a few hours hiking with an experience guide. Kenai Fjords National Park Lodging Suggest an Edit Details Phone: 907-224-2125 Website: www.nps.gov/kefj For extended adventures, skiplanes drop off and pick up skiers on the icefield, and floatplanes do the same for kayakers in the fjords, weather permitting. It is home to a vast array of wildlife: whales, puffins, orcas, seals, otters, eagles, moutain goats, bears and much more. #paulapinstheplanet #rvtrip #besttravel #travelblogger #betherenow #alaska #kenaifjords #motorhome #camping #shetravels #travelbabes #cnntraveler #lonelyplanet #cnntravels #earthfervor #earthtraveler #wanderlust #wandergirl #alaskaphotos #instatravel #instaalaska, A sea arch at Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. Headlands were the most affected areas. What is your goal in life? . Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park - Tripadvisor This glacial wonderland features stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and ocean adventures. Sugpiaq people relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. Kenai Fjords National Park Are you interested in? The process has lowered the elevation of the Kenai Mountains, gradually pulling glacial features down into the sea, which is at the same time rising. Over 190 species have been found in the area, including puffins, cormorants, common murres, pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes, and eagles. You will see Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, and have a chance to see sea otters, whales, sea lions, eagles, and puffins. Flight-seeing trips can be arranged in Seward any time of the year, subject to weather. The park is inhabited by a variety of terrestrial and marine mammals, including brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, humpback and killer whales. Secretary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus proposed a 410,000-acre (640.6sqmi; 1,659.2km2) Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail ends at the Harding Icefield. Come discover what makes Kenai Fjords a special place by visiting at least one if not all three main regions of the park. The park is home to only a few trails found at the end of Exit Glacier Road, which spurs off the Seward Highway just outside ofSeward. Climate Normals Quick Access (19812010)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kenai_Fjords_National_Park&oldid=1152936626, Source 1: NOAA (average snowfall/snow days 19812010), This page was last edited on 3 May 2023, at 06:31. Interesting Facts about Kenai Fjords National Park, Overview and Map of Kenai Fjords National Park, Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords National Park, Learn more about what to expect, how much it costs, and see more photos in our article, Our Experience on the Northwestern Fjord Cruise. This property offers a variety of cabins that can accommodate between three and seven people. Seward, Alaska is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park! . TheKenai Fjords National Park Visitor Centeris located near theSewardSmall Boat Harbor and has interactive exhibits, maps and books, and rangers who are happy to discuss the best ways to explore the park. The first season's work stopped in September. [40], According to the Kppen climate classification system, Kenai Fjords National Park has a subarctic climate (Dfc) with cool summers and year-round precipitation. This lodge is part of the Alaska Collection. But that is what makes this park such a wonderful place to visit. This is one of the few national parks in Alaska that you can drive to, but to really experience this park, you will need to hike, kayak, cruise, or see it from the sky. About 50% of this park is covered in ice. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Sea stacks, seen on the cruise to Aialik Bay | Best Things to Do in Kenai Fjords. [10], Several gold mines from historical times have been documented in the park. There are numerous state regulations, and you will need an Alaskan state fishing license. Kenai Fjords National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Mostly popular for: Glacier, National Parks, Entertainment, Hiking, Island Kenai Fjords National Park - Wikipedia The race is open to less than 800 people and so popular that there is a lottery selection process. And just above them, on the treeless slopes, climb surefooted mountain goats.
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