State Parks and National Parks

Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park

Kachemak Bay State Park and Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park, on the lower Kenai peninsula near Homer, contain 375,000 acres of mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests and ocean. With the 2-million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the 670,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park right next door, the wilderness appears to go on forever.

Like much in Alaska, Kachemak Bay's natural attractions come on a grand scale. Here, for example, one finds the second largest tides in the world, with a 15-foot average between high and low and an extreme of 28 feet.

Hiking and camping along the shoreline is often rewarded with glimpses of marine life, such as sea otters, seals, porpoises, puffins and whales.

Those who venture inland to the forests, mountains and alpine lakes may see moose, black bears, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves. Eagles and gyrfalcons - large arctic falcons - soar overhead.

More than 70 miles of trails offer easy-to-difficult hikes. Poot Peak has some of the best views on the trail system, but hikers must work for the reward, climbing steep, rugged terrain.

Cross-country and telemark skiers and ice climbers pursue their sport above the timberline on miles of glaciers and snowfields.

Hunting and fishing for salmon and rainbow trout are also popular.

The park has primitive campsites and five public-use cabins. Backpackers are encouraged to camp at designated sites because of the potential for bear encounters.

No roads lead to the park, so most visitors come between spring and fall. Access is by boat or airplane, with charters and rentals available in Homer, 15 miles across Kachemak Bay. Kayaking across the bay is not recommended.

The park is not staffed in winter, but public use is permitted.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Robert Angell, courtesy of Alaska