Most visitors reach the park
via the city of Seward, 130 miles south of Anchorage, either by car or using the Alaska Railroad
. Many one-way Alaska cruises begin or end in Seward as well, so check the schedule on your voyage and plan some extra time to explore the park and nearby cities.
What is so special about Kenai Fjords National Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. It became a national park in 1980 to
preserve the fjord and rainforest ecosystems, Harding Icefield, abundant wildlife, and historical and archeological remains
.
Is Kenai Fjords National Park worth visiting?
Kenai Fjords National Park is a uniquely wild place and
definitely a must-visit destination in Alaska
. It was one of our favorite national parks from our trip to visit all of them in 2017.
How many days do you need in Kenai Fjords?
Kenai Fjords National Park can be easily seen in
two full days
or can be enjoyed for as long as a week, depending on your style of travel. We stayed two nights and enjoyed two days that were jam packed with amazing mountain views, glaciers, and so much wildlife!
Can you drive through Kenai Fjords National Park?
It's possible to drive up to where Exit Glacier is; that's the only part of the park accessible by car
. The only way to explore the rest of Kenai Fjords is by boat and the Aialik Glacier is a popular destination. There are also opportunities for experienced kayakers to explore the fjords.
Do you need a car in Kenai Fjords National Park?
Getting around Kenai Fjords
Exit Glacier is the only area of the park accessible by car
. If you are here without a car, shuttle and taxi services are available between Exit Glacier and Seward. Boat tours provide day trips to view the fjords, tidewater glaciers, and marine wildlife.
Are there bears in Kenai Fjords National Park?
Kenai Fjords is home to both brown and black bears, although black bears are far more common
. Bear and human interactions may occur but are not generally common. Black bears are generally timid and will usually leave an area to avoid a threat.
What county is Kenai Alaska?
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Is Kenai Fjords National Park free?
No entrance fees are charged at Kenai Fjords National Park
. No camping fees are charged at Kenai Fjords National Park. There is a 12-site, tent-only campground available at the Exit Glacier Area.
When can you see whales in Kenai Fjords National Park?
Kenai Fjords National Park offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in Alaska. Whales can be seen in the area year-round, but the best time for whale watching is
March through October
.
What is there to do in Kenai Fjords in the winter?
- Boat Tours.
- Harding Icefield Trail.
- Ranger Programs.
- Flight Seeing.
- Kayaking. Bear Glacier Lagoon. Camping & Landing Beaches. Kayak Guides.
- Fishing.
- Mountaineering.
- Winter Activities.
What animals live in Kenai Fjords?
The following land mammals can be found at Kenai Fjords National Park: black bear, brown bear, beaver, coyote, mountain goat, river otter, snowshoe hare, little brown bat, lynx, hoary marmot, marten, mink, moose, meadow jumping mouse, northern bog lemming, porcupine, shrew (5 species), red squirrel, vole (4 species), …
Is Seward worth visiting?
Seward Alaska is a unique and bustling small town that is a perfect stop on your Alaska vacation! From outdoor adventure in national parks featuring wildlife and glaciers to local art and delicious food,
Seward is a wonderful town for visitors
and you'll find plenty of Alaskans visiting too.
How many nights does Seward Alaska have?
For most visitors interested in seeing Seward, we recommend spending at least
one or two nights
in town. There are as many lodging options as there are activities.
Do you need a car in Seward Alaska?
If you are visiting Seward and do not have a car, do not worry
. Downtown Seward Alaska has many tours operating to take you to see the glacier and even has reliable bus service.
Can you walk on a glacier?
Safety.
A person should never walk on a glacier alone
. The risk of slipping on the ice and sliding into an open crevasse, or of breaking through and falling into a hidden crevasse is too great.
Can you drive to fjords?
Driving through the fjords of Norway is an adventure and you should be prepared for narrow roads and steep inclines
. I enjoyed travelling through the fjords by car and will do it again. It is easy, enjoyable and gives you the feeling of a total freedom.
How many bears are on the Kenai Peninsula?
The population on the Kenai Peninsula is estimated at
250-300
bears.
What plants live in Kenai Fjords National Park?
The understory of the spruce-hemlock forest is usually comprised of shade-tolerant plants such as devil's club (Oplopanax horridus), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Alaska blueberry (Vaccinium ovalifolium),watermelon berry (Streptopus amplexifolius), baneberry (Actaea rubra), elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), and a …
Are there grizzly bears in Seward Alaska?
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) are an increasingly controversial species on the Seward Peninsula and in other parts of coastal Alaska
; generally, residents of these areas believe that bear numbers as well as bear-human conflicts have increased in the past several decades (Appendix).
