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Kenai Fjords National Park, located on the opposite side of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, is one of the state's top destinations. The park is known for its outstanding marine and land animals and glacier boat cruises.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
Some of the wildlife frequently seen on Kenai Fjords National Park boat tours are sea otters, porpoises, sea lions, seals, whales, seabirds, eagles, mountain goats, and even bears. Depending on the route chosen, the boats also give guests a wonderful view of the tidal waters of the Piedmont glaciers.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
April and May are particularly popular as the Gulf of Alaska sees an impressive migration of more than 20,000 Californian gray whales heading along the coast to the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Huge humpback whales, minke whales and killer whales are not uncommon throughout the summer.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
Boat excursions in the Kenai Fjords National Park are also suitable for every budget. There are plenty of elections; Three-hour tours, full-day trips with a stop at beautiful Fox Island for baking salmon on the beach are well worth the price, and overnight excursions are offered, with well-appointed accommodations and fine dining included at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
When planning your trip to Kenai Fjords National Park, keep in mind that there is much more to see and do than take an exciting boat ride. The Kenai Peninsula is a true microcosm of the nationwide ecosystem of Alaska. The park is made up of nearly 670,000 acres of unspoiled wildlife, ice fields and glaciers along the rugged southeastern coast of the Kenai Peninsula.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
The park entrance is right behind the quaint old Alaskan town of Seward. Considered the “gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park”; Seward is just 125 miles from downtown Anchorage and is easily accessible by car, train or even airplane. Located in Voskresensky Bay, it is also a common destination for cruise ships. Seward is a great starting point for any number of activities. This small town offers a good selection of dining and accommodations for visitors who don't want to make hiking a part of their experience.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
One of the most spectacular hiking or countryside walks is the Exit Glacier and the 700 square miles Harding Icefield. The huge, almost flat surface of the ice periodically breaks from "nunataks", the local word for "lonely peaks," rising in dramatic contrast.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield located entirely within the United States and feeds the park's 38 glaciers. Over the millennia, these many glaciers have molded deep, lush sea fjords that are home to the many mammals, fish and seabirds that make these fjords their home.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
Visitors to Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park looking for backcountry, roadside wildlife and scenic views will find what they are looking for. Nature walks, interpretation activities such as the Seward Marine Life Center, flight observation booths and public facilities are busy all summer. Sea kayaking is very popular in the steep fjords. Fishing, camping, hiking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available for the more adventurous.
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Kenai Peninsula Alaska |
Kenai Fjords National Park certainly has something for everyone and it is a must-see place when visiting the Kenai Peninsula.