how many glaciers in kenai fjords

Sugpiaq people relied on these resources to nurture a life entwined with the sea. On land, you may spot moose, mountain goats, river otters, snowshoe hares, lynx, gray wolves, wolverines, and black and brown bears. How many glacier viewing cruises is enough? Exit Glacier is a glacier derived from the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains of Alaska and one of Kenai Fjords National Park's major attractions. Many people walk up to, and in some cases onto the glacier using the Exit Glacier … Boat access to Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge departs from the Seward Harbor; this transfer to the Glacier Lodge doubles as a marine wildlife and glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. The waters here are very dangerous. Check the “Kayaking in Kenai Fjords” map to plan your trip. Kenai Fjords Tours (kenaifjords.com) offers a six- and eight-and-a-half hour cruises that depart from Seward and take tourists through tide-water glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. The park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. “In the evening, much of the glacier is in shadow and you are shooting against the light.”, 5. Located roughly 2.5 hours south of Anchorage, the small community of Seward, Alaska acts as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. In the 1980 s, the lagoon was des­ig­nat­ed as the Ped­er­sen Lagoon Wildlife Sanc­tu­ary, a 1, 700-acre sanc­tu­ary meant to pre­serve and pro­tect the area’s wildlife and land. Paddle the fjords: While park rangers advise that the park’s waters are not for beginners, you can get out on the water to kayak the fjords. And a view from the air can make for great wildlife spotting. There are almost 40 glaciers flowing from the Harding Icefield, one of the largest in the United States. Inlet and into the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. One of the most popular glaciers is the Exit Glacier which can be reached by road. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. The temperature can drop considerably when you are sitting a quarter-mile from a tidewater glacier,” they explain. Take your time exploring Exit Glacier, and then take a cruise or kayak tour around one of the bays. The park covers an area of 669,984 acres (1,046.9 sq mi; 2,711.3 km ) on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, near the town of Seward. The Exit Glacier area features the park’s only maintained hiking trails, a campground and the Exit Glacier Nature Center. For those who might be nervous about taking on the adventure alone (bears are commonly spotted along the trail), there are ranger-led tours that leave the nature center at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays in July and August. There is freshwater fishing in the nearby Chugach National Forest. As 4. Take in the views of this massive sheet of ice, then turn around for the return trip to the trailhead. Get wild: Speaking of harbor seals, they are just one of the various marine mammals you may see during a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park. Nearly 51 percent of the park is covered in ice, but there's still plenty to see and do within Kenai Fjords, which was designated a national park in 1980, just two years after it was established as a national monument by presidential proclamation. Visitors can drive to Seward, the nearest town, from Anchorage along the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway, or take the train from Anchorage. Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangle-St. Elias National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park, are all known for their glacier viewing. No products in the cart. Come prepared for any kind of weather, including snow on the trail. There are also opportunities for experienced kayakers to explore the fjords. The lodge is surrounded by the national park and is only accessible via boat, which doubles as a marine wildlife and glacial cruise. It might be just the fifth most-visited park in Alaska, but Kenai Fjords National Park is one of most beautiful spots in the whole state (and that’s saying something in a place like Alaska!). “Consider visiting iceberg-filled Bear Glacier Lagoon, Aialik Bay, or stay in Resurrection Bay.”. Rainy days aren't bad: “Don't fret if you find yourself with a grey, rainy day to tour the fjords,” advise the park rangers. Exit Glacier in particular is one of the park’s major attractions, and is a very visual example of climate change – the glacier receded approximately 187 feet from 2013 to 2014 alone. “The best light on the glacier can be as early as 6 a.m. in June, a little later as the summer progresses,” they explain. The southernmost named glacier among them is the Lilliput Glacier in Tulare County, east of the Central Valley of California. The trail starts at the valley floor and winds through forests and meadows until getting above the tree line. Half-day tours stay within the more protected waters of Resurrection Bay, while full-day tours provide views of some of the park’s tidewater glaciers. The trails are steep, so hiking poles are definitely helpful. If you do make it all the way, you are rewarded with a spectacular view back into the ice age. Experienced kayakers often travel in and around Resurrection Bay. There are guides available for more inexperienced paddlers and it’s not recommended that anyone, regardless of experience level, to round the Aialik Cape. At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Other animals and wildlife to keep an eye out for while on the water include sea otters, Stellar sea lions, orcas, and fin, gray, humpback, minke and sei whales. 8. You can still ski or snowmobile on the road in the winter to get into Exit Glacier. from $166.25* There’s also a 12-person canoe that takes people across the glacial moraine to hike along the lagoon’s glacier. This is our best tour … The Tracy Arm Fjord with Adventure Bound out of Juneau or Northwestern Fjord Tour out of Seward. Glaciers, waves and mountains have shaped Kenai Fjords National Park over millennia, forging some of the most awe-inspiring and picturesque vistas in Alaska. from $107.65* Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Seward. Mountaineers that have experience with traversing glaciers, crevasse rescue techniques, and are experienced skiers can ski or snowshoe across the icefield. Kenai Fjords National Park goes a step further, too, making available Art for Parks Backpacks filled with art supplies to explore your creative side whilst in the aprk. “There is a program for everyone,” say the rangers. Aimed for kids ages 4 through 12, the guide is filled with activities that help kids learn more about the park’s glaciers and wildlife while having fun. “Don’t come all the way to Alaska and then miss out on that opportunity,” say the park rangers. Overall, Harding Ice Field hike has â ¦ Even as you hike up, you'll notice the how the age of the forest changes. There are camping options that are accessible by kayak, or there is a 12-site, tent only campground just before the nature center. Glaciers, earthquakes, and ocean storms have shaped Alaska's Kenai Fjords for centuries, resulting in constantly changing terrain. During the summer, potable water is available at the restroom building, through both water-fountains and a water-bottle filling station. A network of short trails leads to different views of Exit Glacier, including a one-mile accessible loop and the more rugged Edge of the Glacier trail. The water is that gorgeous blue-green created by glacial melt, and you can see the harbor seals and a variety of seabirds that spend time on the Northwestern Glacier. It’s possible to drive up to where Exit Glacier is;  that’s the only part of the park accessible by car. The park was designated as a national park in 1980 as part of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. 7. Massive glaciers can be viewed with relative ease in Alaska's national parks. A state fishing license is required. Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. We are the original Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier cruise operator, since 1974. It is one of the best bang-for-the-buck trails in Southcentral Alaska with spectacular views along most of its length. Most people visit Kenai Fjords National Park to explore the Exit Glacier. This includes packing all litter! Wonder at the sight of whales frolicking at sea - all of these signature Alaskan sights are easily accessible on our wildlife and glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park. Ice, ice, baby: You’ll find plenty of it at Kenai Fjords National Park on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska, near Seward, where 40 glaciers are the main attraction. Exit Glacier is the ideal ‘exit’ since it is the one access point where you don’t have to rely on meeting a boat or a plane.” The trip can take anywhere from six days to a couple weeks, and mountaineers should be prepared for a storm to come in at anytime and cause white-out conditions. “There are many opportunities for guided trips around the park,” say the rangers. Kenai Fjords National Park is a 669,984 acre park located in Alaska in the United States. The route climbs gradually for another half a mile to an overlook at the edge of the glacier. Upon arrival in Seward, transfer by shuttle to the small boat harbour for a 6-hour cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Take a hike: Experienced hikers may want to take on the Harding Icefield Trail, what park rangers call “arguably the best day hike in the National Park Service.” The Harding Icefield Trail begins at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and travels to the edge of the Harding Icefield, which makes up 50 percent of the park. The road to Exit Glacier isn't plowed during the wintertime, and therefore is closed to traffic when blanketed with snow and ice. Glaciers can extend hundreds of feet below the surface, ... Usually less than 6 degrees Celsius, water in LeConte Bay is warm relative to the ice, and even other fjords around the world. Once at the top, visitors will have an impressive and breathtaking view of the entire icefield, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Kayaking is a challenge at Kenai Fjords National Park, but is really the best way to get up close to some of the wildlife and glaciers. There are a couple short (but steep) trails that go up to a viewpoint of the Exit Glacier, or visitors can hike the 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail. The road to Exit Glacier usually opens around May and closes with the first snow (around October). There are also some companies that take people on fly-in sport fishing trips along the coast. Rangers say that the “8.2-mile round trip hike is strenuous, gaining nearly 1,000 feet of elevation each mile on the way up,” and add, “The Harding Icefield Trail, though steep and somewhat strenuous, is worth every step. With so many natural wonders and easy access via road, rail, and boat, it’s no surprise that the area draws visitors of all stripes. The smaller group size gives you the best opportunities to interact with and ask questions of our experienced, knowledgeable crew. It became a national park in 1980 to preserve the fjord and rainforest ecosystems, Harding Icefield, abundant wildlife and historical and archeological remains, and to provide visitor access. Today, nearly 51 percent of the park is covered by ice. You may even hear a harbor seal bellowing from an iceberg.”. Ironically, Glacier National Park isn't the easiest place to see an active glacier. It's a great place for kids, but also for adults to learn more about the animals in the area. The best time of year to visit Kenai Fjords National Park is the summer, when the days are longer. 3. There are around 20 species of seabirds that make their home in the park, including puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. MORE PARK INFO: Kenai Fjords National Park, (907) 224-7500; nps.gov/kefj/ Visitors can walk around the bottom of Exit Glacier and learn about climate change in the nature center. Park rangers say that boat tours provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing amazing scenery. I know they will all be great but may need to limit them. The crew members are dedicated to the comfort and overall good experience of their guests. For a head start in your planning, we checked in with Kenai Fjords National Park Rangers to compile these 10 tips, in no particular order: 1. April is the best time for this and the best access points to get on the glacier are on the east side and Tustemena or Chernof glaciers on the west. There is no land access to Glacier Bay park. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The scenery has beautiful mountains and lakes and the first 50 miles run along the Turnagain Arm, which is home to beluga whales. If a block of ice was to detach itself further high, it could roll down quite a ways. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. During many of the tours, park rangers provide narration, as well as present programs at Fox Island. Kenai Fjords National Park is found in south central Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. Originally, it was in 1978 on the 1st of December when the Kenai Fjords National Monument was designated by the American President Jimmy Carter. “You don't want to miss the sounds of the glacier by being forced inside by the cold – you want to be out on the boat’s deck where you can hear it pop, crackle and thunder. Many people consider fjords the very symbol of Norway. Summer temperatures range from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the air, focus your binoculars for any one of the 191 species of birds found within the park’s boundaries, including bald and golden eagles, and two types of puffins (who may be found feasting on the water’s surface, too). In a survey conducted by National Geographic Traveler Magazine the famous fjords of Norway were selected as the number one unspoiled travel spot from a list of 115 destinations around the world. In addition, the coastal backcountry is inaccessible late-fall through early-spring due to rough seas. It’s from the air that you will really be able to take in the size and scope of the park, as well as the varying landscapes. Visitors can walk around the bottom of Exit Glacier and learn about climate change in the nature center. All of this land was once buried beneath the ice and still bears its influence, in both the physical forms, and the everyday glacial terminology used at the park. With the town of Seward as a home base, it’s easy to spend a couple days or more exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Even if you don't make it all the way, there are great views of Exit Glacier from the lower trail and Marmot Meadows. Beyond the incredible glacier views, the hills you will be hiking are rather amazing to look at too and on a clear day, you’ll also be able to see plenty of other glaciers on neighboring mountains. One of the best things about Kenai Fjords National Park is getting there. The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States. 9. Bring water and food, and plan for a most-of-the-day hike if you're going all the way.”, 6. Log in; Home; Windows. Older kids (ages 13 and up) will have fun delving into the new NPS Kenai Fjords Journal App for iOS and Android mobile devices, and they can earn their Explorer Badge. Most people visit Kenai Fjords National Park to explore the Exit Glacier. Kenai Fjords National Park is a land dominated by glaciers, massive rivers of ice that flow out from the Harding Icefield. Harding Icefield Trail Map PDF: Access to the Harding Icefield is exceptional in comparison to other large icefields. It is one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska and is a visible indicator of glacial recession due to climate change. “This is when the steep walls come alive with ephemeral waterfalls, and the subdued light actually makes the glaciers take on a deeper blue tint.”. This country contains some of the longest, deepest, and most beautiful fjords in the world. ... Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay Half-Day Wildlife Cruise. Many Glacier is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, offering 109 sites for $23 per night. Join a ranger: Throughout the summer, park and fjord rangers offer programs from walking to hiking to talks about the park. It’s a very strenuous day hike, gaining about 1,000 feet of elevation per mile, so plan on spending about 6-8 hours out there. For a unique experience, book a stay in the eco-friendly Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. The park is famous for the fjords it contains, which are valleys that were created by glaciers that are now below sea level. He designated the park via the Antiquities Act. More inexperienced kayakers should hire a guide to navigate the tides. Resrurrection Bay and the fjords yield salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. Once at the lodge, there are nature trails to explore and kayaking in the gentle lagoon. In 1978, United States President Jimmy Carter designated Kenai Fjords as a national monument. Researchers at Kenai Fjords National Park work together with university researchers and scientists from other government agencies to understand this environment, to monitor changes, and to determine the impacts of those changes on other ecosystems in Kenai Fjords National Park. You should dig a small hole to do your ‘business’. I have taken many glacier and whale watching cruises in Alaska, so I can speak from experience that Kenai Fjords Tours is one of the best. Sharp nunataks (lone peaks) break the white horizon, glaciers spill from the ice field’s edge, and mountains fill the frame in every direction. The only way to explore the rest of Kenai Fjords is by boat and the Aialik Glacier is a popular destination. Bear Glacier, found in Kenai Fjords National Park, is a tidewater glacier and a popular spot for kayakers, but you can easily see it on a cruise from Seward. Review of Full-Day Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise. Visit Exit Glacier: Be sure to take the time to visit Exit Glacier, the only part of the park accessible by road. 7 Excellent Spots for the Best Spring Skiing in North America, 7 Ways to Celebrate Spring In Jackson Hole, The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Salt Lake City, 5 Ways to Explore Olympic's Rarely Visited Staircase Region. See more ideas about kenai fjords, kenai, fjord. The park is named for the numerous fjordscarved by glaciers moving down the mountains from the ice field. Park rangers suggest visiting Exit Glacier early in the day for the best photographs. A fjord is a long, narrow arm of the sea with steep sides, carved by glacial activity. When you arrive at the park, stop in at the park’s two visitor centers to plan your time to make the most out of your visit. Get on a boat: Much of the park is only accessible by water, including the fjord ecosystem and tidewater glaciers. This is a list of glaciers existing in the United States, currently or in recent centuries.These glaciers are located in nine states, all in the Rocky Mountains or farther west. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice. Seward is also home to the Alaska SeaLife Center , which is not just an aquarium, but also a marine mammal rehabilitation center on Resurrection Bay. The park is 669,984 acres and more than half of it is covered in ice. With massive icebergs and blue waters, seeing the glacier up close is a thrilling experience. Please try again. Be prepared: If you do take a boat tour, park rangers suggest that you come ready for the weather: “Bring warm layers for the boat tour: something to break the wind, light- to medium-weight gloves and a hat. Ped­er­sen Glac­i­er, locat­ed in Kenai Fjords Nation­al Park, reced­ed through­out the 20 th cen­tu­ry expos­ing Ped­er­sen Spit and Ped­er­sen Lagoon. 10. From Glacier View, hike west 1,000 feet to a T-junction and turn left. If you can drive to the park from Anchorage, the 127-mile Seward Highway is paradise for photographers. Though Kenai Fjords National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, it’s not necessarily accessible that often. According to theNPS website, “the most popular routes are from Tustemena Glacier to Exit Glacier and from Chernof Glacier (via the Fox River on Kachemak Bay) to Exit Glacier. Ice, ice, baby: You’ll find plenty of it at Kenai Fjords National Park on the edge of the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska, near Seward, where 40 glaciers are the main attraction. The field is the source of at least 38 glaciers, th… Kenai Fjords National Park, which is situated 130 miles south of Anchorage near Seward, Alaska, is home to a quarter of the state’s glaciers.While the park’s icefields have receded due to climate change, many glaciers are still intact, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The fjords that have been carved by glaciers over thousands of years have created estuary ecosystems that are only found in five other locations in the world. Interestingly, … There are about 27 species of land mammals and 10 species of marine mammals in the area, including moose, black bears, wolverines, coyotes, mountain goats, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, porpoises, and sea otters. Jul 23, 2012 - Explore Kenai Peninsula Tourism Market's board "Kenai Fjords", followed by 264 people on Pinterest. Become a Junior Ranger: Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park is for adventurers, so it’s no surprise that the park’s Junior Ranger program involves an adventure guide. There are a couple short (but steep) trails that go up to a viewpoint of the Exit Glacier, or visitors can hike the 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail. This is Alaska, after all, so when planning your visit, consider that peak visiting months are June, July and August, while limited services are available in May and September. Whale watching cruises are a popular activity on the waters along the coast of the park. 281 Reviews . The captains of these boats are very informative about the surrounding area, sealife, and glaciers. Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. The Harding Icefield located in Kenai Fjords National Park is the largest icefield contained entirely within the United States, 300 square miles and if you included the glaciers which descends from the icefield it would be over 1,100 square miles. Windows 10; Windows 8.1; Microsoft Office The Aialik Bay is the most popular kayaking spot in Kenai Fjords National Park, so try the Northwestern Fjord instead if you are looking for more solitude. 2. Take flight: Get a bird’s eye view of the park via a flight tour with a park-approved outfitter. 151 Reviews . Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Southeast Alaska and Kenai Fjords National Park in Southcentral Alaska are best seen from the water. Skirting the Harding Ice Field from the highway junction to Homer - July 2004. The best way to kayak in the park is to either get dropped of in Aialik Bay or the Northwestern Lagoon (there are campsites along the these areas to stay the night) or by paddling from Seward to Resurrection Bay, Caines Head, or Bear Glacier. That are now below sea level drop considerably when you are sitting a from! Hire a guide to navigate the tides to other large icefields experienced, crew.: Much of the tours, park and fjord rangers offer programs from walking hiking! Bay Half-Day wildlife cruise best things about Kenai Fjords National park is getting there east the! Therefore is closed to traffic when blanketed with snow and ice are now below level... Campgrounds in the United States trails are steep, so hiking poles definitely. This massive sheet of ice that flow out from the Harding Icefield and food, and therefore is closed traffic! Created by glaciers that are now below sea level park to explore the rest of Kenai National! 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