Kenai Fjords National Park features the best of Alaska’s natural beauty within its rugged expanse. Located at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula the park is crowned by the Harding Icefield which gives rise to 38 glaciers that carve out bowl-shaped, forested valleys on one side and slowly crash into the bays feeding the Gulf of Alaska on the other. You’ll need at least two days to get a taste of what this diverse area has to offer.
To fully experience this landscape you need to head out onto the water. This is most easily done by joining one of the several glacier and wildlife day cruises though more adventurous types can choose a kayak or even a SUP tour. The most popular are the 6 or 9 hour day cruises through Kenai Fjord Tours or Major Marine Tours, both of which offer National Park Ranger guided cruises as well as lunch or dinner included in the price. As someone who has trouble sitting still while travelling I was a little leery at the prospect of sitting on a boat for 6 hours but the higher prices of the kayak tours (not to mention the glacially cold water) and the recommendation of my good friend who lives in Alaska and would be joining us on her third glacier cruise convinced me to give it a go. Let me tell you, the cruise was simply spectacular and the wildlife viewing began before we even pushed off from the dock with several bald eagles perching along the rocky shore to bid us bon voyage.
It was barely 30 minutes into our trip through Resurrection Bay that we encountered these waters’ most famous summer residents, the humpback whale, who spend their winters near Mexico or Hawaii and migrate north for the rich feeding grounds. Pods of orcas and dall’s porpoise are also frequently spotted. It also seemed like each island we came across served as a rookery for a different animal with Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and puffins (my personal favorite) all claiming a small rocky outcrop as their own.
Our main destination for this voyage was Aialik Glacier and there was a marked temperature drop as we approached this massive wall of ice. Glad we brought winter gear and gloves to Alaska in June we sat transfixed as the groaning and creaking lead to a sizable chunk calving from the glacier and forming Aialik Bay’s newest iceberg. In addition to glaciers the return journey featured unique rock formations such as the aptly named Three Hole Island. The boat pulled into to port at about 9 pm but with Alaska’s midnight sun there wasn’t even a hint of dusk as we returned from our adventure.
Day two brought us to the land side of Kenai Fjords National Park to explore Exit Glacier. As you drive up to the visitor’s center signs point out where the glacier used to be and I was struck by how far it has receded. Experts have measured over a 1.5 mile retreat in the past 200 years with a staggering 1000 feet disappearing in just the last 10 years. It really highlights just how fragile the glacial ecosystem is. Now if you’re doing any hiking around the glacier you need two things; sturdy footwear with good traction and bug spray. The glacial runoff and moss can make for slippery footing in some spots and Alaskan mosquitoes are the size of helicopters and not at all shy of making you their snack. You’ve been warned. Day long guided treks of the Harding Icefield are available for the more adventurous and the National Park Service advised against doing any off-trail backcountry hiking due to treacherous terain.
Located 125 miles south of Anchorage the town of Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Most visitors arrive by driving the Seward Highway from Anchorage (easily one of the most scenic drives in North America), but you can also get here by train. Seward is also a popular port of call for Alaskan cruises.
Per the Kenai Fjords National Park website “Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. The park’s coastal backcountry is also inaccessible late fall through early spring due to rough seas.” Be sure to check the website for current visitor center hours, the schedule for ranger led hikes and safety information such as recent bear sightings.
TammyOnTheMove says
Wow, this looks absolutely stunning! The glaciers are so pretty!
Brianna says
It’s even more impressive in person!
Ashley says
Amazing pictures, and what a great post. Thankyou.
Brianna says
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Shaun says
Wow, awesome post with great pictures. Loving the blog buddy
Brianna says
Thanks Shaun, Alaska was such an awesome trip! Glad you could check it out!
Tracie Howe says
Looks like an amazing park! It’s always sad to see how much ice has disappeared from glaciers. 🙁
Brianna says
It really hits home once you see it in person.
Claudia says
Alaska has always been on my “must visit” list. Even more so after reading this!
Brianna says
I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of Alaska, it’s big in every conceivable way!
Dave Cole says
The wildlife in this park is pretty spectacular! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bald eagle in the wild and would really enjoy having the opportunity to do so. Beautiful shots of the glacier – so sad that it’s receding quickly.
Brianna says
Even though there is a bald eagle nest less than 1/2 a mile from my house and I see them nearly every day its still an amazing site every time I see them.
Calli says
Wow, this scenery is absolutely stunning! I’m so jealous to see that you spotted some puffins too – that’s one animal we really want to see and continues to evade us 🙂
Brianna says
I absolutely love the puffins!
Elena (http://gonewiththebackpack.blogspot.com/ ) says
Gorgeous photos! That glacier looks huge, hiking there must be amazing…and dangerous of course. Alaskan mosquitoes! Never thought they can survive there.
Brianna says
The scenery is larger than life in person and Alaskan mosquitoes? They are no joke.
Paul says
So jealous! It seems like everyone has seen whales except me haha! The scenery and wildlife here looks simply stunning – Love the photos of the glaciers
Brianna says
It was an amazing trip, not a bad view in sight!
Karen Warren says
Great pictures. I love places where you can see wildlife and unspoilt scenery – Alaska has been on my bucket list for a while!
Brianna says
It’s definitely worth the effort to get there.
Alexandra says
That looks amazing! Wow!
Brianna says
One of the best trips I’ve been on
Laura says
woah humpback whales, eagles and sea lions – how lucky are you?!!
Jen Seligmann says
Stunning place and equally stunning photos! I really hope I get to visit Alaska someday. It’s just looks incredible.
Brianna says
I hope you make it there too, there’s no where else on Earth like it!
Anu (Country Hopping Couple) says
Looks lovely. The national park has preserved the wilderness and its unspoilt natural beauty which makes the park all the more beautiful.
Brianna says
This is some of the most unspoiled, rugged wilderness in North America
Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says
How cool to see the glaciers. Thanks for sharing your stunning photos!
Brianna says
There is nothing like seeing the glaciers in person, absolutely breath taking!
Christina says
What an amazing place. I could even endure the long boat trip to see this landscape and the wildlife.
Brianna says
I was amazed at the the wildlife viewing from the boat
Bob R says
Another great spot, looks like an excellent trip. But seeing these massive –and massively receding– glaciers is thoroughly depressing. I’ve seen my share in South America and left glad only because I had made the opportunity to see them while they were still around.
Brianna says
I’m always amazed at the people who still deny climate change.
Michael Huxley says
Looking at the pictures I’m just blown away, being there and seeing it first hand must have been absolutely amazing! The landscape there is changing so fast, I need to get my backside in gear if I want to see it! I’ll be packing plenty of DEET though! ;D
Brianna says
It’s amazing how fast the polar landscapes are changing
Els says
Wow! The wildlife seems amazing! Love the puffins, so cute! 🙂 The whole area seems just so unspoilt, wonderful!
Brianna says
I love puffins, they are like little black and white flying footballs!
Jessica (Barcelona Blonde) says
Nice pictures! I love all the shots of the sea lions, they are such funny animals.
Brianna says
and that was just one sea lion island, there were several with easily over 100 animals!
Bryan@GreenGlobalTravel says
I have been dying to go to Alaska for a while now. Mostly because of their excellent wildlife and landscape. These photographs just prove the land’s sheer beauty. It is awesome that you encountered all of that wildlife and got it all on camera!
Brianna says
There was not a bad shot to be had. I was surprised by both the amount and variety of wildlife, it remains one of my favorite tours I’ve taken. Thanks for stopping by!
Hannah says
Whales, and seals, and puffins! Sounds like an incredible adventure!
Brianna says
Oh my! Yes, the wildlife and scenery was just spectacular!
The Wandering Wanderluster says
Stunning pictures. I am a little jealous. Alaska along with Canada have long been on my list of places to visit. I have a lot of places on my list for 2015 so I need to narrow it down! What time of year would you say is best to visit Alaska?
Brianna says
June through August is the best time for hiking (and longer daylight hours) though some people like to go in the winter for the Northern Lights, Iditarod and the Fur Rondezvous Festival in Anchorage
Meanne says
Awesome capture
Brianna says
Thanks for stopping by!
zof says
Wow, what a great post. I love all the pictures of the animals.
Brianna says
Thanks for stopping by, it was great seeing them in the wild.
antonette says
One of my fave places in Alaska! Been twice and had gorgeous weather both times though it also rains a lot. Did you hike all the way up on Harding Icefield? We attempted but had to return at two/thirds of the hike because of the pack of snow still there (we went early June). One day I’ll come back and camp up there…
Brianna says
We only made it halfway up due to snow higher up as well. Isn’t it just spectacular?
No-Backpacker says
I love your photoes, especially those with animals on! Must have been amazing to see those animals “in live”!
Brianna says
Thanks for stopping by, it was an amazing experience!
Marie-France (a.k.a. BigTravelNut) says
Wow! Another beautiful area I have yet to see. After 22 years of travels I have yet to see puffins and experience the midnight sun!
Brianna says
Then you definitely need to go north! I love the glacier carved landscapes and all of the wildlife.
Carmen (CarmensTravelTips) says
Beautiful pictures! We are going on an Alaskan cruise in two weeks. I wanted to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park but we aren’t going to have enough time.
Brianna says
Lucky you! Where will your cruise be going?
col says
Wow what a stunning location! Truly breathtaking. The photos are amazing too.
Brianna says
It’s hard not to take great photos with scenery like that. Thanks for stopping by!
Raphael Alexander Zoren says
Love your photos!!! The eagle shot is amazing!
Brianna says
Thanks, its hard to take a bad shot in Alaska with so much spectacular scenery!
Bianca @itsallbee says
Wow! What beautiful views! I dislike the cold but I am willing to suck it up for these views.
Brianna says
It’s definitely worth braving some cooler temperatures for scenery this spectacular
Marie-Carmen says
Gorgeous views and wildlife!
And I could really do with a bit of cold weather right now!
Brianna says
It was an amazing experience!
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
Beautiful post with great wildlife pics! I can’t believe you saw a bald eagle, and I didn’t know puffins lived in North America!
Brianna says
There is a bald eagle nest less than 1/2 a mile from my house but its still breath taking every time I see one. Hopefully I’ll get to see some more puffins on my upcoming trip to Maine.
christine says
You got to see so much amazing wildlife! Very cool 🙂
Brianna says
The viewing there is amazing!
Clay says
Beautiful photos and a great post :)!
Brianna says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by!
Darren says
Wow, sounds like you had a great trip! I don’t think many people would say no to a trip there it’s certainly on my list and even more so now!! Bot only that you got some fantastic picks just to tease people a little more! Great job!
Brianna says
Its not hard to get great shots with so much gorgeous scenery around.
Baskets Life Travel says
This looks gorgeous – at first I thought it was iceland when I glanced at the pics! Beautiful – we sadly have not made it up to Alaska, and now we are in Europe. We need to put this on our list for when we return to the USA. We also love all the National Parks – this is absolutely amazing thank you for sharing!
Brianna says
I haven’t been to a National Park that I didn’t like though I love the parks out west, the landscapes are just so much more grandiose.
Mandie @ RamblingMandie says
OMG PUFFINS! And other beautiful scenery. That settles it. Emailing my friends in Alaska TODAY & setting a flight alert. I’m a Minnesota girl, so I think I can handle the giant, killer mosquitoes. Hopefully…
Brianna says
One of my best friends lives in Anchorage, it’s great having a home base up there!
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey says
Completely, utterly and truly beautiful! Thanks so much for linking up with us for #SundayTraveler
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
These are absolutely spectacular photos of a stunning park. We love Alaska! We’ve done the cruises twice but would love to go spend some time on land other than the day tours. What a wonderful two days for you. I didn’t realize they had puffins up there too. Thanks for the inspiration!
Brianna says
I’ve barely scratched the surface of Alaska but it’s great having a friend who lives up there.
Jessica Pepe says
I’m hoping to finally explore Kenai at the end of the summer – I’ve been there briefly, but it definitely wasn’t enough. The area is amazing!
Brianna says
Have fun, the drive from Anchorage to Seward is absolutely stunning!
Adelina // Pack Me To says
What a cool looking park and so many animals! Those puffins are adorable. Definitely one of my favourites too.
Brianna says
The scenery was amazing!
Christa Thompson says
Alaska is definitely on THE ‘List’. I’ll keep this all in mind. Thanks and great pics! 🙂
Brianna says
Alaska should be on everyone’s list.
Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy says
I love Alaska and I can’t wait to get back. These pictures are beautiful!! Lucky you seeing all that wildlife 🙂
Brianna says
The wild life viewing was amazing, I’ll definitely be back.
Nancie Lee says
Wow, looks so amazing! Seeing humpback whales and glaciers are definitely high on my adventure list. Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing!!
Brianna says
It was hands down one of the best tours I’ve ever taken, thanks for stopping by!
Cristy says
Your photos are simply breathtaking! And oh.. Im seeing ice fields. What a beauty. I’m starting to love Alaska! Thanks for sharing this.. =)
Brianna says
Alaska is breath taking and worth the effort it takes to get there.
Cindy Anning says
This is my dream trip!
Brianna says
Cindy, it was just breath taking!
Michael Huxley says
Unbelievable shots! The US really does have some stunning open spaces!
Brianna says
Alaska is a land all its own, there’s nothing else on Earth like it!
Anda says
Beautiful post and great photos. I hope someday soon I’ll go visit Alaska. It looks without any doubt as a great place to explore.
Brianna says
There’s no place like Alaska, its truly breath taking
Vlad says
WOW, gorgeous place! It must have been breathtaking to see it in person! 🙂
Brianna says
There is no place on Earth like Alaska!
Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe says
Hi Brianna, great to hook up through #TheWeeklyPostcard. Great read and photos, I would love to get to Alaska one day.
Brianna says
Thanks Lyn, I’ve loved my visits to Alaska and I’ll definitely be back.
Teresa Day says
Hi Brianna, I just read you blog. Beautiful!! We will be in Seward in July and are trying to decide what cruise to take Kenai Fjord or Major Marine. Which one did you take and was it the longer one? Thanks so much!
Brianna says
Teresa, thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 We did the 6 hour cruise with Kenai Fjord, though Major Marine is very highly regarded as well, they both have national park rangers on board. We went with KF since we had a coupon for Alaskan residents for my friend. Where else in Alaska are you going?
Teresa Day says
We’re going to a wedding on July 11 in Moose Pass which is about 30 minutes north of Seward. We are coming in a few days early and thought we would do the Kenai Fjord tour and go to Exit Glacier. Any other suggestions are more than welcome. So glad I stumbled upon your blog. Food and travel.
Brianna says
Well Teresa, I’m definitely glad you found me too! I highly recommend both the Kenai Fjord Tour and hiking Exit Glacier. The drive from Anchorage to Seward is just spectacular and the entire Kenai Peninsula is jaw droppingly beautiful. It will be daylight nearly 24 hours that time of year so I would definitely bring an eye mask. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.
Tanj says
Love the pics. I would like to go see Alaska someday… 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks Tanj- Alaska is one of the most stunning places I’ve been, I highly recommend it.
Anda says
I just returned from Alaska and I regret not being able to see the Kenai Fjords, but they were not part of our cruise-and-land itinerary. They seem breathtakingly beautiful. I’ll surely go back to see them. You have some great shots from your trip.
Brianna says
Thanks Anda! Alaska is a land of superlatives and there is just so much raw beauty up there.
Christina says
You saw so much wildlife! Amazing. I previously visited Alaska as part of a cruise but the weather did not cooperate. I definitely want to go back and do a road trip. I will definitely have Kenai Fjords National Park on our list of places to visit.
Agness of eTramping says
This is a truly stunning national park! I would really want to pay this place a visit, Brianna!