Kenai Fjords National Park
Glaciers, icefields and fjords form the majestic tapestry of Kenai Fjords National Park, located on the Kenai Peninsula of southern Alaska.
Plan Around Kenai Fjords National Park
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Kenai Fjords National Park Details
Kenai Fjords National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located in south-central Alaska, making it the closest national park to Anchorage. The park is known for its spectacular glaciers, icefields, and fjords, making it a unique destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One of the most notable features of the park is its glaciers. The park is home to over 40 glaciers, with the Harding Icefield being the most well-known. The icefield is the birthplace of the park's glaciers, and can be experienced by air or on foot via the strenuous 8.2-mile Harding Icefield Trail. Overflight tours are also popular, offering visitors a bird's eye view of the icefield and surrounding area. Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park can also explore the park's fjords and icefields via boat tours. While Exit Glacier can be reached by road, the rest of the park can only be seen by boat. Boat tours offer visitors the opportunity to see Steller sea lions, puffins, Dall's porpoises, and humpback and orca whales, making for an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience. The park is not only home to stunning natural features, but also has a rich human history. The land was originally inhabited by the Sugpiaq people, who relied on the sea and land for their subsistence. Later, the area became a hub for commercial fishing and whaling. Visitors can learn about the park's history at the Kenai Fjords Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on both the natural and human history of the area. There are many facilities available for visitors to the park, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park also offers ranger-led activities and programs, such as guided hikes and wildlife viewing tours. For those looking to explore the area further, there are many nearby attractions. The town of Seward is just a short drive from the park, offering visitors a chance to explore the small coastal community and take part in a variety of outdoor activities. Other nearby attractions include the Chugach National Forest, the Kenai River, and the Kenai Peninsula.
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Alaska
Nearby Parks Around Kenai Fjords National Park
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Kenai Fjords National Park
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Kenai Fjords National Park while the map context is still fresh.
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Exit Glacier Nature Center
The Exit Glacier Nature Center is located close to Exit Glacier and offers visitors expansive information on the park.
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Outwash Plain to the Toe Trail
Although it's a short distance, the hike to the toe of Exit Glacier involves crossing the glacial outwash plain without a distinct trail.
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Edge of the Glacier Trail
This moderate trail gets you close to the blue face of Exit Glacier.
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Glacier View Trail
This one-mile loop trail offers breathtaking views of Exit Glacier.
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Harding Icefield Trail
A full-day hike, this out-and-back trail climbs to expansive views of the icefield.
