Kenai Fjords National Park - Alaska

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.