Maps!
Trails Illustrated Map 2 -- Kenai Fjords National Park
Park Details
Location Information
Address:
Kenai Fjords National Park
P.O. Box 1727
Seward, AK 99664-1727
Telephone:
(907) 224-2132 (Recorded Park Information)
(907)224-3175 or fax (907) 224-2144
(907)224-2124 TDY
Location:
The park lies south and west of Seward, Alaska, 130 road miles south of Anchorage, on the Seward Highway.
Directions:
The park lies south 130 road miles south of Anchorage, via the Seward Highway. The park's headquarters and visitor center is located in Seward's small boat harbor.
Transportation:
In addition to accessibility by road via the Seward Highway, bus and commuter flight service link Seward and Anchorage. The Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) System connects Seward with Homer and Seldovia via Kodiak, providing service to Valdez and Cordova. The Alaska Railroad serves Seward from Anchorage during the summer months.
In summer, Exit Glacier can be reached by car on a gravel road (approximately 9 miles), and a short trail. The Harding Icefield can be reached by air or trail. Air and boat charters provide access to the fjords.
Accessibility:
The park visitor center and the exhibit area of the Russian
is wheelchair accessible. The first 1/4 mile of the Exit Glacier Trail is fully accessible. Contact the park for details.
Operating Hours/Seasons
The visitor center in Seward offers exhibits, slide programs, maps, publications and information. It is open Monday through Friday year round, and Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with extended hours. There is a ranger station at Exit Glacier which offers exhibits and information about the glacier and the Harding Icefield, interpretive programs and talks. Rangers provide information daily during the summer months.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Fees:
No admission fees. Donations accepted at each site.
Reservations/Permits:
Reservations for school groups or other educational groups
should be made prior to the visit. Reasonable notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. For additional information concerning reservations or permits call (907) 224-3175.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Overcast and cool days are frequent in this maritime climate of abundant rain. May is the driest month; sucessive months see increasing precipitation. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid-40s to low 70s (F). The wet, stormy fall begins in September. Wool or synthetic clothing and sturdy rain gear - pants, coat and hat - are essential.
Facilities and Opportunities
Lodging and camping facilities:
Exit Glacier has 10 walk-in summer camping sites. Four backcountry cabins for summer visits along the park's coastline are located in the fjords of Holgate Arm, Aialik Bay, Delight Spit and North Arm. The cabins are accessible by boat, kayak or small plane. In winter, a public use cabin is available at Exit Glacier. Cabin stays are limited to three days. Visitors must obtain reservations and permits in advance.
Seward provides full tourist services, including campgrounds.
Food/supplies:
Food and supplies can be obtained at local restaurants, grocery stores.
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
A bookstore is located in the park visitor center.
Trails, Roads:
Exit Glacier is the only part of the park accessible by trail. A gravel road at mile 3.7 of the Seward Highway leads 9 miles to the Exit Glacier Ranger Station. An easy 1/2 mile walk will take you to the glacier's terminus. The first 1/4 mile of this trail is completely accessible. A steeper trail continues across moraines and bedrock. Visitors may return to the Ranger Station via a nature trail.
The 3-mile Harding Icefield trail, which follows the galcier's flank to an overlook of the icefield, is day use only. Overnight backpacking is prohibited. Check bulletin boards for current trail conditions
The glacier is active, and calving ice is dangerous. The area beyond the signs is strictly off limits. Stay off the ice!
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The two major sites are the main visitor center, located on Seward's small boat harbor, and the Exit Glacier Ranger Station.
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Authorized commerical guides provides camping, fishing and kayaking services. Air charters fly over the coast for flightseeing and access to the fjords. Boat tours and charters are available from Seward. In summer, boat tours ply the coast, observing calving glaciers, sea birds, and marine mammals.
Boat charters offer overnight fjord trips and fishing trips to the fjords and Resurrection Bay (saltwater fish include halibut, lingcod, and a variety of rockfish; freshwater fish include Dolly Varden and silver, red, chum and pink salmon).
Interpretive talks, exhibits, slide program at the visitor center and Exit Glacier Ranger Station.
Special Events Programs
Regularly scheduled tours, guided walks and educational programs by rangers at major sites in season.
Additional Information
Write park headquarters, Kenai Fjords National Park, P.O. Box 1727, Seward, AK 99664-1727 or call (907) 224-3175.
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