Can You Drive Through Kenai Fjords National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It's possible to drive up to where Exit 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.

How do I get from Kenai Fjords to Katmai National Park?

There is no direct connection from Kenai Fjords National Park to Katmai National Park. However, you can

take the travel to Homer airport, fly to Port Graham, then take the travel to Katmai National Park

.

How many days do you need in Kenai Fjords National Park?

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, , and so much wildlife!

Is Kenai Fjords 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. In fact, Kenai Fjords ended up ranking at number 2 when we rated all the national parks from best to worst!

What town is closest to Kenai Fjords National Park?

  • Seward, AK. 0.9 mi / 3 mins.
  • Cooper Landing, AK. 47.0 mi / 56 mins.
  • Nikiski, AK. 117 mi / 2 hours 23 mins.
  • Anchor Point, AK. 152 mi / 2 hours 56 mins.
  • Homer, AK. 167 mi / 3 hours 14 mins.

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 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 Seward Alaska 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 long is the hike to Exit Glacier?

Discover this 2.2-mile loop trail near Seward, Alaska. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of

57 min

to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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.

How many days do you need in Katmai National Park?

How Much Time Do You Need at Katmai National Park? Ideally, plan on spending

three days

at Katmai National Park. This gives you plenty of bear viewing time and also gives you enough time to journey out to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, or go fishing, hiking, or kayaking. Most people visit Katmai on a day trip.

Can you drive to Katmai National Park?

Unlike most national parks in the United States, Katmai is almost exclusively accessed by plane or boat.

You can not drive to Katmai, Brooks Camp, or King Salmon from Anchorage, Alaska

.

When should I go to Katmai?

The best time to visit Katmai National Park for bear viewing is from

late June until September

. The bear viewing opportunities are excellent during this period. The salmon run dates in Brooks Falls are in late June, throughout July, and in September.

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

.

Is Resurrection Bay part of Kenai Fjords National Park?

Resurrection Bay Islands Fox Island, Rugged Island, Hat Island, Hive Island, Barwell Island, Cheval Island

How big is Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords National Park Area

669,984 acres

(2,711.33 km

2

)
Established December 2, 1980 Visitors 321,596 (in 2018) Governing body National Park Service

How can I see Kenai Fjords in winter?

During the winter months when the road to Exit Glacier is closed you can

arrange for a shuttle to pick you up and take you to the Exit Glacier Nature Center

, where trails begin, with Adventure Sixty North. Rent a pair of snowshoes and bundle up for a hike to the glacier.

Are there Grizzlies on Kenai Peninsula?

Federal scientists have concluded

there are 624 grizzly bears on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula

, or at least they believe there were 624 bears there at some point in 2010.

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), …

Where is the best place to see bears Alaska?

  • Anan Creek, Inside Passage: Black bears. …
  • Pack Creek, Inside Passage: Brown bears. …
  • Katmai National Park, Southwest: Brown bears. …
  • Lake Clark National Park, Southwest: Brown bears. …
  • Kodiak Island, Southwest: Brown bears. …
  • Denali National Park, Interior: Brown bears.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.