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aerial image of Bear Glacier
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Kenai Fjords National Park

AK

kayakers in front of a tidewater glacier
a humpback whale breaches
aerial view of Bear Glacier from Harding Icefield
visitors at accessible overlook of Exit Glacier and Exit Creek.

Park Alerts (2)

Canyon from Toe of Exit Glacier to the Outwash Plain: The canyon from the toe of Exit Glacier to where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain is susceptible to sudden outburst flood events. These events produce sudden surges of water, ice and rock. For ...
Use Caution in and around Pedersen Lagoon: On August 7, 2024, a landslide triggered tsunami washed over portions of Pedersen Lagoon near Aialik Bay (59.8842N, -149.7309W). We recommend caution for those visiting the area in and around Pedersen...

About Kenai Fjords National Park

At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests along the fjords once carved by the vast expanse of ice.

Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate.

Things To Do

Showing 6 of 12

Available Activities

Astronomy
Stargazing
Boating
Boat Tour
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Climbing
Mountain Climbing
Ice Climbing
Dog Sledding
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Food
Flying
Helicopter Flying
Fixed Wing Flying
Guided Tours
Boat Tour
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Paddling
Canoe or Kayak Camping
Kayaking
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Weather

The weather in Kenai Fjords is difficult to predict and can change rapidly. The area generally enjoys a relatively temperate maritime climate, primarily due to the influence of warmer ocean currents that flows through the Gulf of Alaska. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid 40s°F to the low 70s°F.

Overcast and cool rainy days are frequent. Winter temperatures can range from the low 30s°F to -20°F.

Getting There

Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside the town of Seward in south-central Alaska, 126 miles south of Anchorage. Even though the park is often inaccessible during the winter months, Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway. Follow the Seward Highway (AK-1) south from Anchorage.

It will become AK-9 around mile 35 (87 miles from Anchorage) with AK-1 heading to Homer and Kenai. Continue on AK-9 to Seward.

Plan Your Visit

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Hours

Open Year-Round

The park is open year-round. The primary months to visit are June, July, and August. There are reduced services in the area during the months of May and September. The road to the Exit Glacier area is not plowed during the winter months, and is closed to vehicle traffic once it is covered in snow and ice. The park's coastal backcountry in also largely inaccessible late fall through the early spring due to rough seas.

Location

AK

59.8180, -150.1065

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