State Parks and National Parks

Kenai Fjords is a mountainous coastal region home to nesting seabirds, marine mammals, the Harding Icefield and canyon waterfalls.

Commercial guides provide camping, fishing and kayaking services. Air charters fly over the coast for sightseeing and to deliver wilderness campers to the fjords. In summer, boats carry visitors past calving glaciers, seabirds and marine mammals.

Saltwater fish caught here include halibut, lingcod, rockfish and salmon, while freshwater catches include Dolly Varden.

Exit Glacier is the most accessible area of the park with the easiest hiking trails. It is located eight miles from the turn-off at Mile 3 of the Seward Highway. An easy, half-mile walk from the Nature Center off Seward Highway leads to the glacier's terminus. There are ranger-led, hour-long hikes here during the summer months at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The strenuous seven-mile, round-trip Harding Icefield Trail follows the glacier's flank to a scenic overlook of the icefield. Hikers should wear good hiking boots, carry food and water, dress in layers of protective clothing and be prepared for dramatic weather changes. The trail does not usually open until July. There are ranger-led tours up this trail on Saturdays during July and August.

The park, has 12 walk-in tent campsites at Exit Glacier and backcountry cabins along the coast.

Backcountry travel requires good physical condition, planning and equipment. Free backcountry permits are suggested for all overnight trips into the park. They are available at the visitor center and from water taxis.

During summer, nights are cool and rainfall can be heavy.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service.