|
|
Kenai Fjords National Park |
Description:
The Kenai Fjords reflect scenic icebound landscapes in which salt spray mixes with mountain mist. Located on the southeastern Kenai Peninsula, the national park is a pristine and rugged land supporting many unaltered natural environments and ecosystems.
The fjords are long, steep-sided, glacier-carved valleys that are now filled with ocean waters. A mountain platform, one mile high, rises above this dramatic coastline. The mountains are mantled by the 300-square mile Harding Icefield, 35 miles long and 20 miles wide. Only isolated mountain peaks interrupt its nearly flat, snowclad
surface. Exit Glacier spills off the massive Harding icefield and is accessible by road.
The park's wildlife includes mountain goats, moose, bears, wolverines, marmots and other land mammals who have established themselves on a thin life zone between marine waters and the icefield's frozen edges. Bald eagles nest in the tops of spruce and hemlock trees. Thousands of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and murres seasonally inhabit the steep cliffs and rocky shores. Kayakers, fishermen, and visitors on tour boats share the park's waters with stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall porpoises, sea otters, humpback, killer and minke whales.
Accessibility:
The park visitor center and the exhibit area near the Exit Glacier Ranger Station is wheelchair accessible. The first 1/4 mile of the Exit Glacier Trail is fully accessible. Contact the park for details.
Getting Around:
In summer, Exit Glacier can be reached by car on a gravel road (approximately 9 miles), and a short trail. Exit Glacier is the only portion of the park accessible by trail. A gravel road at mile 3.7 of the Seward Highway leads 9 miles to the Exit Glacier Ranger Station. An easy 1/2 mile walk will take you to the glacier's terminus. The first 1/4 mile of this trail is completely accessible. A steeper trail continues across moraines and
bedrock. Visitors may return to the Ranger Station via a nature trail.
The Harding Icefield can be reached by air or trail. Air and boat charters provide access to the fjords.
Activites:
Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Nature Walks | Kayaking | Cross Country Skiing | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Picnic Areas | Groceries or Supplies | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Glaciers | And more.
Directions to Kenai Fjords National Park
Plane:
Commuter flight services link Seward and Anchorage.
Car:
The park lies 130 road miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. The park's headquarters and visitor center is located on Seward's small boat harbor.
Public Transportation
The Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) System connects Seward with Homer and Seldovia via Kodiak, providing service to Valdez and Cordova. Bus services are available between Anchorage and Seward. The Alaska Railroad serves Seward from Anchorage during the summer months.
|
Contact Information for Kenai Fjords National Park
National Park Service
PO Box 1727
Seward, AK
99664
Phone: 907-224-2132
Fax: 907-224-2144
Located in Seward, AK
For more information on Kenai Fjords National Park
Information on this page provided by the NPS.
|
|
|
|
Alaska Road Maps (AK Maps)
Alaska Photos