National park · Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park

Built around the Harding Icefield, where roughly 40 glaciers grind down to the Pacific in fjords carved into the south-central Alaska coast.

Entrance
No fee listed by NPS
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Open Year-Round
Established
December 2, 1980
Region
Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park
Photo: NPS · Public domain
The Kenai Fjords National Park patch

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History

Kenai Fjords National Park is significant for its protection of the Harding Icefield and the unique ecosystems of coastal fjords and glaciers in Alaska. It serves as a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife and reflects the ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

Key events

  1. The park was initially designated as Kenai Fjords National Monument by President Jimmy Carter on December 1, 1978.
  2. December 2, 1980Established as Kenai Fjords National Park by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
  3. 1909First scientific exploration of the Harding Icefield (named for President Warren G. Harding) was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Trails

  • Harding Icefield Trail 8.6 mi · Hard
  • Exit Glacier Overlook Trail 1 mi · Easy
  • Edge of the Glacier Trail 2.2 mi · Easy
  • Glacier View Loop 1 mi · Easy
  • Resurrection River Trail 16 mi · Hard

Plan your visit

Hours · Open Year-Round

Open 24 hours, every day

The park is open year-round. The primary months to visit are June, July, and August. There are reduced services in the area during the months of May and September. The road to the Exit Glacier area is not plowed during the winter months, and is closed to vehicle traffic once it is covered in snow and ice. The park's coastal backcountry in also largely inaccessible late fall through the early spring due to rough seas.

Entrance fees

NPS lists no entrance fee for this park.

Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Summer. Best weather, up to 19 hours daylight, peak wildlife viewing
  • Late Spring. Baby wildlife, fewer crowds, services beginning
  • Early Fall. Fewer crowds, fall colors, still good weather

Wildlife

Humpback whalesOrcasSea ottersSteller sea lionsHarbor sealsPuffinsMooseBlack bears

Nearby patches

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