Things to do nearKenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is a dramatic coastal wilderness defined by tidewater glaciers, abundant marine wildlife, and rugged fjord scenery.
Kenai Fjords National Park was established in 1980 and encompasses more than 669,000 acres of coastline, ice field, and mountain terrain on the Kenai Peninsula. At its heart sits the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the United States, feeding dozens of glaciers that carve their way toward the sea. Exit Glacier, the park's only road-accessible glacier, offers trails ranging from a flat loop through cottonwood and alder to a strenuous climb up to the icefield itself, where panoramic views reward the effort.
The coastal fjords, accessible primarily by boat from the town of Seward, reveal a living marine ecosystem that few wilderness areas can match. Dall's porpoises ride bow waves, black-and-white tufted puffins nest on sea stacks, and Steller sea lions haul out on rocky outcroppings near Resurrection Bay. Gray whales and humpbacks feed in the nutrient-rich waters, particularly during summer months.
The park's visitor center in Seward provides orientation to both the glacial and marine zones, and ranger programs run throughout the season. Seward itself, the gateway community, offers fresh seafood, lodging, and a harbor culture shaped by commercial fishing and decades of adventure tourism. The combination of accessible infrastructure and genuinely remote wilderness makes Kenai Fjords National Park a rare destination where the full scale of Alaska's natural forces feels immediate and unhurried.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Kenai Fjords National Park
Visit during late May through early September for the best weather, longest daylight hours, and peak wildlife activity along the fjords.
Take a day cruise from Seward to reach the remote tidewater glaciers and spot humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, and puffins from the water.
Bring waterproof layers regardless of the forecast, as coastal weather shifts quickly and sea spray is constant on boat tours into the park.
Hike the Exit Glacier Nature Trail for an accessible close-up view of glacial ice and interpretive signs marking the glacier's retreat over past decades.
Arrive in Seward the evening before any boat tour departure, as morning sailings are early and parking near the harbor fills quickly in summer.
Top tours & experiences near Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward Kayak & Exit Glacier Hike
Paddle Resurrection Bay, then hike to Exit Glacier in one active day
Guided Bear Glacier Heli-Kayak Tour
Fly over Kenai Fjords National Park and paddle among Bear Glacier icebergs
Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Kayaking Cruise
Paddle Aialik Bay after a Kenai Fjords wildlife-viewing cruise
Guided Salmon Shore Fishing in Seward
Learn shore-fishing techniques and pursue seasonal salmon in Resurrection Bay
Expert-Guided Snowmobile Adventure to Glaciers
Ride into snow-covered backcountry for glacier views and local insights with an expert guide.
Guided Ice Climbing at Exit Glacier
Scale Exit Glacier's icy walls with expert instruction
Snowmobile & Snowshoe Tour in Seward Backcountry
Combine snowmobiling thrills with a guided snowshoe trek through the scenic backcountry near Kenai Fjords.
Fish Salmon & Halibut in Seward Full-Day Charter
Fish for salmon and halibut, then cruise Kenai Fjords scenery in one full-day trip
Seward Kayak & Exit Glacier Hike
Paddle Resurrection Bay and hike near Exit Glacier in one guided day
Guided Exit Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park
Follow a forest trail to views of Exit Glacier and its changing landscape
Exit Glacier Guided Hike & Gold Panning
Pair an Exit Glacier overlook hike with hands-on Alaska gold panning
Exit Glacier 2.6-Mile Guided Hike
Take on a steep trail to Marmot Meadows for elevated Exit Glacier views
Exit Glacier Shuttle From Seward
Door-to-door Seward shuttle service to Exit Glacier Nature Center
Guided Harding Icefield Trail Hike in Seward
Hike to Harding Icefield viewpoints with a pro guide in Kenai Fjords National Park
Guided 6-Hour Hike in Kenai Fjords Near Seward
Hike the backcountry near Seward with a guide and small group
Hike Exit Glacier Ice in Kenai Fjords National Park
Hike Exit Glacier ice with a guide in Kenai Fjords National Park
Guided Resurrection River Rafting Tour in Seward
Raft Class II–III rapids with Exit Glacier views in Kenai Fjords National Park
Bear Glacier Full-Day Heli-Kayak Tour
Paddle among icebergs after a helicopter flight to Bear Glacier Lagoon
Seward Halibut, Salmon & Rockfish Fishing Charter
Target halibut and salmon in Kenai Fjords waters, with rockfish and lingcod opportunities
Seward Rockfish Fishing Charter
Cast for seasonal rockfish and salmon with fish filleting included
Guided Kayaking Tour of Northwestern Fjord
Reach a remote Kenai Fjords lagoon for guided tandem kayaking
Kenai Fjords Guided Salmon Fishing Charter
Private Gulf of Alaska fishing with supplied tackle and a heated cabin
Sightseeing & Fishing Full-Day Charter in Seward
Fish Alaska waters while exploring Kenai Fjords glaciers and coastline
Private Kenai Fjords Charter From Seward
Customize a private fjord adventure with fishing, paddling, and onboard meals
Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Scenic Flight
Fly above Tustumena Lake, the Harding Icefield, and Alaska glaciers
Guided Glacier Kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park
Paddle beside tidewater glaciers with a guide in Aialik Bay
Guided Kayaking Tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
Paddle remote fjords and glacier shores on a guided day from Seward
Guided Glacier Kayak & Fishing Charter in Seward
Paddle beside tidewater glaciers, sightsee Kenai Fjords, and fish in one full day
Wildlife & Glacier Cruise in Kenai Fjords
Explore Resurrection Bay’s fjords, glaciers and Alaska wildlife
Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Cruise
Explore glaciers, wildlife, and coastal history with live captain narration
5-Hour Salmon Fishing Charter in Seward
Cast for salmon on a Seward cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park
Halibut & Salmon Fishing Charter in Seward
Fish for Halibut and Salmon Through Kenai Fjords
Full-Day Salmon Fishing Charter in Seward
Cruise Kenai Fjords waters on a private salmon outing
Full-Day Halibut Fishing Charter in Seward
Private Alaska halibut fishing with a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward Halibut & Salmon Fishing Charter
Private full-day fishing through Kenai Fjords National Park
Seward Half-Day Salmon Fishing Charter
Private summer salmon fishing through Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife & Glacier Cruise
Cruise Alaska's coastline for glacier views and wildlife watching in a small group
Glacier Kayak & Fishing Charter in Kenai Fjords
Paddle by tidewater glaciers, then fish Kenai Fjords waters
Half-Day Fishing Charter in Seward
Fish Seward waters for seasonal species with gear and catch cleaning included
Catch Lingcod & Salmon on a Seward Fishing Charter
Fish for lingcod, salmon, and rockfish through Kenai Fjords
Kenai Fjords National Park 6-Hour Tour
Explore Resurrection Bay’s mountains, glaciers, and wildlife
Captain's Choice Fishing Charter in Seward
Fish for halibut and a captain-selected in-season species from Seward
Kenai Fjords Halibut & Salmon Fishing Charter
Fish for halibut and salmon on a private Kenai Fjords charter
5-Hour Rockfish Fishing Charter From Seward
Fish Alaska rockfish grounds via Kenai Fjords National Park
5-Hour Rockfish Charter From Seward
Private rockfish fishing through Kenai Fjords National Park