National Parks Journal
Photo: USGS/Bruce Molnia
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.
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
Programs at Exit Glacier are offered twice a day from May 23 through September 7, 2026. Lasting about 1 hour, 30 minutes, the walk will follow the trail to the Glacier Overlook. The first part of the program will follow the trail to the Glacier View lookout, and is wheelchair accessible. The second part climbs ~200 feet in elevation over uneven terrain.
Programs at Exit Glacier are offered twice a day from May 23 through September 7, 2026. Lasting about 1 hour, 30 minutes, the walk will follow the trail to the Glacier Overlook. The first part of the program will follow the trail to the Glacier View lookout, and is wheelchair accessible. The second part climbs ~200 feet in elevation over uneven terrain.
Join a park ranger on an Exit Glacier adventure and earn your Junior Glacier Ranger patch! Programs are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:00 AM from June 2 to August 13, 2025. Lasting about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, the walk will make multiple activity stops along the lower trails of the Exit Glacier area.While the program is ideal for those with school-aged visitors, all ages are welcome! Kids must be accompanied by an adult. When offered, you can sign up same day at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. Due to limited supplies and ranger capacity, there is a cap on the number of groups that can join.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: May, September
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
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.