National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo, S. Rainone · Public domain
Kenai Fjords National Park
At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests along the fjords once carved by the vast expanse of ice. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances & departure points
- Directions to Exit Glacier Nature Center (opens in a new tab)
Exit Glacier Nature CenterMain
Seward, AK · Road not plowed in winter (usually closed to cars about Nov–May); nature center open summer
- Directions to Seward Small Boat Harbor (boat tours) (opens in a new tab)
Seward Small Boat Harbor (boat tours)Main
Seward, AK · Commercial tour boats and water taxis · Tour boats mainly mid-March–September
Airports
- ENA
Kenai Municipal Airport · Kenai, AK
ClosestSmall airportCommuter flights from Anchorage (Grant Aviation). Most visitors fly into Anchorage and drive.
- ANC
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport · Anchorage, AK
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
8.2 mi · 3,500 ft gain · out & back
Climb from valley floor through forests and meadows to a vast horizon of ice stretching as far as the eye can see.
Starts at: Exit Glacier Nature Center
1 mi · loop
Accessible loop through cottonwood forest with a panoramic vista of Exit Glacier.
Starts at: Exit Glacier parking lot
3 mi · 269 ft gain · out & back
Follow glacial retreat over bedrock to the edge of Exit Glacier, passing historical markers showing its former positions.
Starts at: Exit Glacier parking lot
1.2 mi · out & back
Short climb to the Exit Glacier Overlook with views of the glacier in its own glacially carved valley.
Starts at: Glacier View Loop
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Kenai Fjords National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Kenai Fjords
Best time to visit: June–August
The best time to visit Kenai Fjords National Park is June–August. Boat tours run their full schedules and the Exit Glacier road is snow-free, with the mildest weather of the year.
In those months, average highs are 62–64°F at Exit Glacier. July is the busiest month on average.
Monthly averages at Exit Glacier (380 ft). Climate normals (1981–2010): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
The weather in Kenai Fjords is difficult to predict and can change rapidly. The area generally enjoys a relatively temperate maritime climate, primarily due to the influence of warmer ocean currents that flows through the Gulf of Alaska. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid 40s°F to the low 70s°F. Overcast and cool rainy days are frequent. Winter temperatures can range from the low 30s°F to -20°F.
