Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is located on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska. Situated near the coastal town of Seward, the park covers an area of approximately 669,983 acres. It was established as a national park in 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, making it one of the newer additions to the National Park System.

The park's name, "Kenai Fjords," is derived from the numerous glacially-carved fjords that define the park's rugged coastline. These fjords offer breathtaking scenic beauty, with towering cliffs, sparkling blue waters, and massive glaciers. Harding Icefield, a remnant of the Ice Age covering 700 square miles, forms the centerpiece of this stunning landscape. Nineteen glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, some reaching the sea.

Besides its natural wonders, Kenai Fjords National Park also has a rich historical background. Indigenous people, such as the Alutiiq and Athabascan, have lived in the region for thousands of years. Russian explorers and fur traders were the first Europeans to settle in the area in the 18th century. In the late 19th century, gold prospectors and ice harvesters arrived, bringing more attention to the region. Today, the park preserves this historical heritage and offers opportunities to learn about Alaska's past.

Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park can partake in a range of activities. One of the most popular attractions is the park's boat tours, which take visitors through the fjords to witness calving glaciers, marine wildlife, and stunning vistas. The Exit Glacier area provides opportunities for hiking, including the accessible and scenic Harding Icefield Trail. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy spotting sea otters, seals, whales, and numerous bird species, including puffins.

Nearby attractions that complement a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park include the Alaska SeaLife Center, an educational facility dedicated to researching and rehabilitating marine wildlife. Additionally, Prince William Sound is a short distance away and offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Overall, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska offers a unique experience, showcasing awe-inspiring fjords, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. With its historical significance and a variety of outdoor activities, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Kenai Fjords National Park is situated in the southern part of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. This stunning national park stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, encapsulating an area of approximately 669,984 acres. Its remarkable location boasts an array of breathtaking glacier-carved fjords, towering snow-capped mountains, and pristine coastal landscapes. The park acts as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the Harding Icefield, from which countless glaciers descend, carving their way through the rugged terrain into the icy waters of the fjords. With its unique geographical position and awe-inspiring scenery, Kenai Fjords National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, inviting them to explore and immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of Alaska's wilderness.

Address & Contact

411 Washington Street
Seward, AK 99664
Driving Directions
Phone: 9073182040
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park would be in May, June, July, or August. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 53°F to 63°F, providing relatively pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time ranges from 2.3 to 5.6 inches, which is moderate compared to other months. These months also attract the highest number of visitors, indicating that the park is likely to be more crowded. However, to avoid both extreme weather conditions and large crowds, May and September could be considered as good options, as they offer relatively milder temperatures and fewer visitors.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Kenai Fjords National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Dog Sledding Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Boat Tour Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Mountain Climbing Saltwater Fishing Flying Fixed Wing Flying Ice Climbing Helicopter Flying

Topics

Learn about these topics at Kenai Fjords National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Native American Heritage Fish Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Unique Species Wilderness Military US Army Aurora Borealis Watersheds Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Mountains Scenic Views Waterfalls Wars and Conflicts Coniferous Forests Endangered World War II Coasts, Islands and Atolls Maritime Maritime - Military Oceans Estuaries and Mangroves Coastal Defenses Rainforest Whales

Visitor Centers

Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center

The main park visitor center is located in the Seward small boat harbor. The visitor center provides opportunities to view the park film, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Kenai Fjords National Park

Exit Glacier Campground

Exit Glacier has a 12-site, walk-in, tent-campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations or camping fees. There is a fourteen-day stay limit. The campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August. A central food storage, cooking and dining shelter is provided. Cooking and/or storing food in campsites is prohibited. There is a pump for drinking water and pit toilets are available. Pets are not permitted in campsites.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (No Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Kenai Fjords National Park

Hotel Seward

A stay at Hotel Seward places you in the heart of Seward, steps from Alaska SeaLife Center and Seward Waterfront Park. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Planning an event in Seward? This hotel has 600 square feet (56 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 221 5th Ave, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Sauerdough Lodging

When you a stay at Sauerdough Lodging in Seward, you'll be in the business district, just steps from Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center and Seward Waterfront Park. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 225 4th Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Edgewater Hotel

With a stay at Best Western Plus Edgewater Hotel in Seward, you'll be just steps from Alaska SeaLife Center and Seward Waterfront Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 200 5th Ave, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay LLC

Located in Seward, Angels Rest on Resurrection Bay LLC is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Lowell Point State Recreation Site and Caines Head State Recreation Area. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 13730 Beach Drive, Lowell Point, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Van Gilder Hotel

A stay at Van Gilder Hotel places you in the heart of Seward, within a 5-minute walk of Seward Museum and Seward Waterfront Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. A bus station shuttle is provided at no charge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 308 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments

With a stay at Brown and Hawkins Historical Apartments in Seward, you'll be just steps from Seward Waterfront Park and Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 209 Fourth Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Orca Island Cabins

With a stay at this cabin in Seward, you'll be just steps from Sandspit Point State Marine Park and Safety Cove State Marine Park.
Address: Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Resurrection Lodge on the Bay

Located in Seward, Resurrection Lodge on the Bay is by the sea, a 1-minute drive from Lowell Point State Recreation Site and 8 minutes from Alaska SeaLife Center. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. A cruise ship terminal shuttle is provided at no charge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 13970 Beach Drive, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Northern Nights

When you stay at Northern Nights in Seward, you'll be in the historical district, just steps from Seward Waterfront Park and Alaska SeaLife Center. Featured amenities include express check-out, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 225 Sixth Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link

Front Row Townhouse

Located in Seward, this vacation home is just steps from Seward Waterfront Park and 3 minutes by foot from Alaska SeaLife Center. Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 223 Ballaine Blvd, Seward, Alaska 99664
Web: Link