Is Kenai Fjords National Park Worth Visiting?

Kenai Fjords National Park can be easily seen in two full days or can be enjoyed for as long as a week, depending on your style of travel. We stayed two nights and enjoyed two days that were jam packed with amazing mountain views, glaciers, and so much wildlife!

What is so special about Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. It became a national park in 1980 to preserve the fjord and rainforest ecosystems, Harding Icefield, abundant wildlife, and historical and archeological remains.

Why should I visit Kenai Fjords National Park?

Vast mountain ranges, stunning fjords and coves, rock spires, waterfalls, islands, and rugged coastlines all provide a stunning backdrop to the wildlife and glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. Rain or shine, the scenery in the park does not disappoint.

Are there bears in Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords is home to both brown and black bears, although black bears are far more common. …

Are there whales in Kenai Fjords National Park?

Fin whales, gray whales, minke and sei whales have also been seen in the waters off the coast of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Can you drive through Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords National Park is found in south central Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. … It’s possible to drive up to where Exit Glacier is; that’s the only part of the park accessible by car. The only way to explore the rest of Kenai Fjords is by boat and the Aialik Glacier is a popular destination.

Is Kenai Fjords National Park free?

No entrance fees are charged at Kenai Fjords National Park. No camping fees are charged at Kenai Fjords National Park. There is a 12-site, tent-only campground available at the Exit Glacier Area.

Do people live in Kenai Fjords?

The story of the Kenai Fjords is not just one of geology and landforms, but also of people. Archeological evidence indicates the region has been home to Alaska Natives for thousands of years. In more recent times, hunters, fishermen, fox farmers, miners, and more have made use of the fjords.

How do you get around Kenai Fjords National Park?

Getting around Kenai Fjords

Exit Glacier is the only area of the park accessible by car. If you are here without a car, shuttle and taxi services are available between Exit Glacier and Seward. Boat tours provide day trips to view the fjords, tidewater glaciers, and marine wildlife.

What animals live in Kenai Fjords?

The following land mammals can be found at Kenai Fjords National Park: black bear, brown bear, beaver, coyote, mountain goat, river otter, snowshoe hare, little brown bat, lynx, hoary marmot, marten, mink, moose, meadow jumping mouse, northern bog lemming, porcupine, shrew (5 species), red squirrel, vole (4 species), …

How long is Exit Glacier hike?

Exit Glacier Overlook Trail is a 2.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Seward, Alaska that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.

Which is better Seward or Whittier?

Seward’s day cruises will usually have a better wildlife experience. Whittier’s will usually offer smoother water and better glaciers.

How long is the Harding Icefield Trail?

The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area.

How many glaciers are in Kenai Fjords Seward Alaska?

Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords’ crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice.

What are Fjords in Alaska?

Fjord is an Old Norse word for a long, narrow, deep body of water bordered by high cliffs or slopes and created by glaciers. Though you can find them in different parts of the world, from New Zealand and Chile to Greenland and Canada, the fjords in Alaska are special. Fjords are formed by the movement of glaciers.

Can you walk on a glacier?

Safety. A person should never walk on a glacier alone. The risk of slipping on the ice and sliding into an open crevasse, or of breaking through and falling into a hidden crevasse is too great. … To keep from slipping on ice, they wear crampons, which are steel spikes attached to the bottoms of their boots.

What kinds of whales are mostly seen at Kenai Fjords National Park?

In the Kenai Fjords National Park region, Humpback, orca (killer whale), fin whale and gray whales are the most commonly sighted species.

Can you walk on Exit Glacier?

The Exit Glacier area is the only part of the park accessible by road. … Here you can explore the trails, walk very close to an active glacier, or take a ranger-led walk.

What is the best month for whale watching in Alaska?

If it’s whales you want, it’s whales you’re gonna get. The best time to whale watch is from April to November, when approximately 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau and near Glacier Bay.

Can you see blue whales in Alaska?

Blue Whales

(100 feet long and 200 tons!) They can be seen in open waters of the northern and eastern portions of the Gulf of Alaska in July and August before wintering in Mexico, Central America, and the western and central Pacific.

Can you whale watch in Fairbanks Alaska?

Alaska Saltwater Small Group Tours

Alaska Saltwater’s small-group whale watching, wildlife, and glacier tours offer daily excursions into the pristine Kenai Fjord National Park.