Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park sits at the edge of the North Pacific Ocean,
where storm patterns develop and feed a land of ice. The Harding Icefield
crowns the park and is the source of at least 38 glaciers that flow over the
land, sculpting as they go. These gigantic rivers of ice have shaped the
terrain and are now receding to reveal their work. As ice melts, rock is
uncovered and the process of succession begins to take place. Scientists in the
park investigate such diverse topics as newly colonized nunataks, black bear
genetics, and the reproductive success of shorebirds.
The jewel of Kenai Fjords National Park is the magnificent Harding
Icefield. From this massive 700-square-mile icefield, countless tidewater
glaciers pour down, carving fjords and icebergs. Over 30 glaciers of different
size and type flow from the Harding Icefield, with some terminating in lakes
(e.g. Skilak Glacier), some ending on land (e.g. Exit Glacier), some ending in
lagoons (e.g. Bear Glacier), and some being tidewater (e.g. Aialik Glacier).
This is probably the biggest attraction in the park, and for good reason.
Taking a boat tour out to see the giant glaciers entering the ocean is
something you are sure to remember forever. You might also be lucky enough to
spot wildlife while on the boat, including whales, harbor seals, bald eagles,
sea lions, sea otters, and other marine mammals.
Located in Seward, Alaska….
Seward is a port city in southern Alaska, set on an inlet on the Kenai
Peninsula. It’s a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers flow
from the Harding Icefield into coastal fjords. Surrounded by peaks, the fjords
are a whale and porpoise habitat. The city’s Alaska SeaLife Center has seals
and puffins, and fishing boats fill Seward Harbor. To the west, a trail leads
to the summit of Mount Marathon. The
City of Seward has multiple waterfront camping sites to accommodate the large
amount of RV and tent campers that frequent the area.
Taking a boat tour of the National Park and the glaciers is probably the biggest attraction in the park, and for good reason.
Taking a boat tour out to see the giant glaciers entering the ocean is
something you are sure to remember forever. You might also be lucky enough to
spot wildlife while on the boat, including whales, harbor seals, bald eagles,
sea lions, sea otters, and other marine mammals.
Exit Glacier is another of the most popular spots in Kenai National Park.
In the summer months you can drive right up to the base of the glacier… well,
kind of. Due to our warming climate and the recession of the glacier, you will
now need to walk a short distance to the base from the parking lot, but it’s
not very far and the views are incredible!
Kenai Fjords doesn’t have a lot of “maintained” hiking trails.. in fact
there are only two official trails listed by the National Park Service:
Exit Glacier Trail: 2.2-mile roundtrip walk from the Exit Glacier Nature
Center parking lot. Hike it on your own or get adventurous and book this hiking
tour on the actual glacier!
Harding Icefield Trail: 8.2 mile round-trip adventure with 3800 feet of
elevation gain. Leaves from the Exit Glacier parking lot. Hike it on your own
or take this guided tour.
FUN FACTS ABOUT KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
Roughly 50% of Kenai Fjords National Park is covered in ice.
The highest point in Kenai Fjords National Park is Mt Truuli at 6,612
feet.
Kenai Fjords is one of the few National Parks with no entrance fee.
Kenai Fjords is quite famous in the birding community, and many flock
(pun intended) to this region for the sole purpose bird viewing.
At the time Kenai Fjords was first designated a national momument, only
one ranger was assigned to protect its lands.
The name ‘Kenai’ originated from the word ‘kena’ which means ‘open area
with few trees, flat, meadow’.
Kenai Fjords National Park covers a total area of 699,983 acres
The number of people visiting Kenai Fjords in 2019 was 356,601 (All
Years)
The lowest elevation found in Kenai Fjords is 0 feet at the Pacific Ocean
The highest elevation found in Kenai Fjords is 6,612 feet on Mt. Truuli
There is no entrance fee for Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park lies in the Alaska time zone
Random Facts About Kenai Fjords
On November 16, 1978, Kenai Fjords National Monument was created along
with 15 others. On December 2, 1980, the monument was changed to a national
park, along with all other Alaskan national parks, by the Alaska Native Interests
Land Conservation Act.
Kenai Fjords has a large variety of birds, especially along the coastal
areas. Many people come here and take the cruises for the sole reason of bird
watching. Puffins are particularly popular to look for.
51% of the land in Kenai Fjords National Park is covered by ice.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in 1989 in Prince William Sound had a
large effect on Kenai Fjords. Oil can still be found on the coastline today.
