Glaciers slide down off of the ice field and carve canyons into the peaks. There are around 20 species of seabirds that make their home in the park, including puffins, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. This national park of Alaska was also founded in 1980. While many visitors aspire to visit the extraordinary icebound realms like Ruth Glacier in Denali or the Kennicott and Root glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias national parks, don’t count out the less remote backcountry of the Chugach, Kenai and Talkeetna mountains. Things to Do in Kenai Alaska: From Fjords to Glaciers. There are upwards of three dozen named glaciers in the national park—all of which originate from the colossal 700 square-mile Harding Icefield. With the possibility of taking an unexpected dip in freezing waters, the lesson is heavy with the anxiety to get it right the first time. I’m on the southern end of Alaska, heading into one of the glacier-cut fjords of the Kenai Peninsula to Bear Glacier Lake. Everywhere the glacier is also cut through with stripes of a gray-black substance called moraine – dirt and rock caught up in the slow movement of the ice as it flows out of Harding Icefield. The most spectacular of these glaciers is the tidewater glacier. If you’re looking to go whale spotting in America, the Kenai Fjords are your best option. ‎Kenai Fjords National Park: Pictures of the glaciers at Kenai Fjords are compared in sequence. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. The park is going to cover a massive area of 669,984 acres and it can be found on the Kenai Peninsula. Now, we’d turn our attention to the 700 square-mile Harding Icefield and its more than 20 glaciers. If you are going to travel to Alaska to see a Glacier, you might as well do it in style. In these instances, new GPS-located photo stations were established within sight of the present day termini. Several different types of glaciers can be seen from our cruises, including tidewater, piedmont, hanging, and cirque glaciers. Find information on glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park as well as 69 glaciers in Alaska, 291 glaciers in United States, 38 are many cirque glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, but most of them are unnamed because theyare so small. It is also home to the largest icefield in United States, Harding Icefield. I arrived into Seward, Alaska on a Thursday morning at 7:40 am since I had been camping at the Turnagain pass and the cold temps had awakened me early. Transformed in a U.S. National Park in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the Kenai Fjords embodies part of the Harding Icefield, the largest and one of the four remaining icefields in the United States. We wind through switchbacks overgrown with dense forest, pausing at each break in the trees to catch our breath and stare at the glacier in the distance. It’s the same as the pop of ice in a tumbler of whiskey, but this sound is a steady crackle, gentle from some icebergs and louder from others, but all are reminiscent of the sound of falling rain on a metal roof. The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States. We used Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) scenes to … Today nearly 56 percent of the park is covered by ice, but all of this land was once buried beneath the ice and still bears its influence. Mountains flank the horizons to the east and west, and to the north, in the distance, a massive wall of ice forms the face of Bear Glacier. We begin the trek early in the day, hoping to beat the summer crowds that are sure to clog the trailhead as the morning rolls on. Here are some numbers that tell the story. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. 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. In this spot in South Central Alaska, you’ll find orcas, humpbacks and grey whales that outnumber boats. Das Eis verläuft in Form von mehreren Gletschern bis ins Wasser des Meeres. Exit Glacier, like many glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, is undergoing rapid recession now. Over 38 named glaciers dot the valleys of the park, all coming from a single source, the Harding Icefield, an expanse of ice that extends over 700 square miles. Kenai Fjords National Park: Pictures of the glaciers at Kenai Fjords are compared in sequence. A lot of us forget to explore our own backyard, and I’m totally guilty of this one: despite living a short 2.5 hour drive from Seward, I’ve never gone on a wildlife day cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. But, finally atop the board, my feet seem to instinctively know what to do, and after a few strokes of the paddle, I’m ready to head into the bay. This 700-square-mile ice cap—mother of 38 glaciers that spill from Kenai’s mountainous spine—is most easily accessible by ski plane or a 3,000-foot ascent of the Harding Icefield Trail beside Exit Glacier. Several different types of glaciers can be seen from cruises into the park, including tidewater, piedmont, hanging, and cirque glaciers.. Established on December 1, 1978, the park protects 669,984 acres (2,711.33 km 2). Up close, the surface of the glacier is a mixture of smooth, meltwater-polished glaze and jagged ice that looks as though salt had been tossed on it (gloves are a required piece of equipment lest you fall and cut your hand on the rough ice). We begin the trek early in the day, hoping to beat the summer crowds that are sure to clog the trailhead as the morning rolls on. The valley view from the surface of Exit Glacier © Alexander Howard / Lonely Planet. The water can be significantly cooler, but it’s not as cold as you may think, averaging about 50 degrees. In fact, I took so many photos, I have to have 2 separate blog posts. The field is the source of at least 38 glaciers, th… The crests are well over the top of the small, fire-engine-red vessel, and through the quiet tension I sense that a wrong decision could send the boat toppling into the waves. CHiEN Popular Summary Much recent research points to the shrinkage of the Earth's small glaciers, however, few studies have been performed to quantify the amount of change over time. This is in the south of Alaska and can be found near the amazing town of Seward. Transportation to Bear Glacier Lake can be booked through Seward Water Taxi (. There’s so much to learn about Kenai Fjords National Park's unique glacial landscape. are many cirque glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, but most of them are unnamed because theyare so small. A gray sky caps the pillars of mountains on either side of the valley. In 1909, USGS geologists U.S. Grant and D. F. Higgins mapped and photographed all of the tidewater glaciers and many of the land-terminating outlet glaciers in what is now Kenai Fjords National Park, creating a thorough record of glacier terminus positions and heights. Der Park ist berühmt für den 1600 Meter hohen Kenai-Berg, der vollständig vom 777 km² großen Harding-Eisfeld verhüllt ist. Many visitors will head to Denali National Park, and for good reasons as the park is a must-see while in Alaska. Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Explore the Fjords. It’s the best way to see the wildlife and glaciers of the Kenai Fjords area. As icebergs melt, they release air bubbles that have been frozen for millennia, exposing prehistoric air to the world. © 2020 Lonely Planet. The animations clearly depict changes in vegetation, glacier cover, and geomorphologic features that have taken place in the last 95 years. This was a special trip for us, one that measured up to it's expectations. Many visitors will head to Denali National Park, and for good reasons as the park is a must-see while in Alaska. The road to the Exit Glacier trailhead closes during the winter months (usually mid-November). As climate changes and glaciers recede, pioneer plants move in to prepare the land for the forests to come. As one of the biggest ice fields in all of North America, it is home to over three dozen glaciers. Seedlings of alder, cottonwood, and fireweed quickly colonize the seemingly barren landscape, exposed by melting ice. The Harding Icefield is here, its host of nearly 40 glaciers calving bergs into Resurrection Bay. The Harding Icefield has over 300 square miles of ice and is over one mile thick. Over 38 named glaciers dot the valleys of the park, all coming from a single source, the Harding Icefield, an expanse of ice that extends over 700 square miles. Use, Smithsonian At most locations, the change in glacier height and terminus position since 1909 has been dramatic. , heading into one of the glacier-cut fjords of the Kenai Peninsula to Bear Glacier Lake. Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, is a place where the mountains towers us making us look like ants, glaciers thousands of years old, dense forests and the icy waters abundant with various wildlife, all meet. Uploaded by AlbertHerring; Urheber: National Park Service, Alaska Region: Lizenz. Chances are you are going to Alaska to explore the extraordinary landscape and wildlife that the state has to offer. At each station, we took new photographs duplicating the field of view shown in the 1909 photographs and also showing panoramic views. Trails from the parking lot lead to the face of the glacier. Unlike many other parts of Alaska’s national parks, Kenai Fjords remains relatively accessible year-round. From the turn of the 20th century to 1951 – the year I Love Lucy aired its first episode – the ice retreated almost 3000ft. As we float by the icy monoliths, the urge to touch one is strong, but Ryan warns me not to get too close. At the mouth of a small inlet, the pilot of our jetboat looks over his shoulder, analyzing the swells behind us. Alexander traveled to Alaska with support from Travel Alaska (travelalaska.com). ). The park is named for the numerous fjordscarved by glaciers moving down the mountains from the ice field. These glaciers calve icebergs frequently, so the water can be thick with floating ice and is a perfect environment for seals. From the tip of the glacier, a cloudy stream trickles through the valley, runoff from the melting ice. Exploring the Kenai Fjords The inlets, coves, fjords, islands, and even glaciers of Kenai Fjords offer hikers and boaters many opportunities for exploring and seeing wildlife in a spectacular natural setting. There are hundreds of glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ) and Katmai National Park and Preserve (KATM) covering over 2,276 km 2 of park land (ca. Kenai Fjords National Park. Yes, you will visit a glacier for a short time, but this will not likely be the highlight of the trip for you. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most magnificent glaciers in Alaska. Tectonic activity did the building . It’s estimated that around 100,000 visitors visit Kenai Fjords every summer. To paddleboard among icebergs is to experience an Alaska of the imagination: a wild, isolated place where nature itself can do massive, beautiful things. Price includes glass, window matboard, and your choice of frame The Wild Images Team has spent many days kayaking through the ocean inlets of Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. The Harding Icefield covers more than 700 square miles in Kenai Fjords National Park and is the source of over 35 named glaciers. Valley glaciers are what most people picture when theythink ofglaciers. It’s a striking display, a visual representation of a warming earth. Over 38 named glaciers dot the valleys of the park, all coming from a single source, the Harding Icefield, an expanse of ice that extends over 700 square miles. Established in 1980, the park is a wild land of mountain, water and ice. Incredible Kenai Fjords Kayaking Trips. From so close, I can sense the disappearing act on stage before me. All along the road to the visitor center, signs show the glacier’s retreat over the last century, each marker indicating the location of the edge of the glacier during the year written on the sign. Seeing a tidewater glacier up close is a thrill. Kenai Fjords is located about 2.5 hours drive south of Anchorage, in the coastal fishing town of Seward, Alaska. However, it is thought that a lot of the sites that were rich in history for archaeological studies are now under water because of the rising water levels. Exit Glacier, at right, can be reached by turning off the Seward Highway at Milepost 3.7 and following a gravel road several miles to a parking lot. United States. The following day, I set out for Kenai Fjords National Park, an expanse of fjords and forests covering almost 600,000 acres. Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska's few road-accessible national parks, is a wonderland of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Alongside a small group of other hikers, I follow the lower portion of the Harding Icefield Trail, my pack heavy with gear necessary for the highlight of our trek: walking on Exit Glacier. Kenai Fjords National Park: The Glaciers A highlight of our time in Seward was our Northwestern Glacier Tour with Kenai Fjords Tours. Paddling further, the blue world emits its own universe of sound: a marine calm punctuated by the lapping of water against massive objects, but there’s something else, too. Title: Kenai Fjords National Park Glaciers; Location: Kenai Fjords National Park; Get the app. Several glaciers originate from this icefield like the Bear Glacier. (Wikimedia Commons) How were the Kenai Fjords formed? Kenai Fjords National Park is a land dominated by glaciers, massive rivers of ice that flow out from the Harding Icefield. More than half of Kenai Fjords is obscured by it, and glaciers are one of Alaska’s coolest natural attractions. The Harding Icefield spawns nearly 40 glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. While the rugged landscape is remote and nearly inaccessible in some areas, people have been traveling these waterways for over a thousand years. Approximately one quarter (4.6 million acres) of Alaska's glaciers exist within national parks. There are so many different types of animals that you can find within the Kenai Fjords. At the right moment, the pilot guns the engine and we speed into the inlet, a breaking wave carrying us in like a surfboard. The Pedersen Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park is a great glacier destination and when visiting you can stay at the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. Kenai Fjords. In 1909, USGS geologists U.S. Grant and D. F. Higgins mapped and photographed all of the tidewater glaciers and many of the land-terminating outlet glaciers in what is now Kenai Fjords National Park, creating a thorough record of glacier terminus positions and heights. Naming the Ice. Traveling by sea kayak is a quieter and more peaceful version of a glacier and wildlife cruise on a boat. I did the same cruise itinerary you are doing and did not find the Kenai Fjord tour to be repetitive at all. The landscape here is very dramatic, with steep mountain peaks rising out of the ocean for thousands of feet, where there are capped off by an extensive ice field. Hiking for mere mortals like us is pretty much restricted to Exit Glacier, but that is a beautiful hike well worth the time. There aren’t many opportunities in life to be able to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and the feelings of floating near tidewater glaciers in the Alaskan wilderness. For many, the “crown jewel” of this pretty spectacular park is the Harding Icefield. We re-established 40 of their photo stations with a confidence level of approximately 5-30 feet. Then there’s us locals. Experienced kayakers often travel in and around Resurrection Bay. Kenai Fjords National Park: Glaciers Melting Fast - See 1,687 traveler reviews, 930 candid photos, and great deals for Seward, AK, at Tripadvisor. In this spot in South Central Alaska, you’ll find orcas, humpbacks and grey whales that outnumber boats. In August, 2004, with funding from the National Park Service and the USGS Earth Surface Dynamics Program, we conducted a new photo survey in Grant and Higgins' footsteps. Kenai Fjords. Over the years, especially with global warming, the glaciers have “retreated,” melting into the sea and either shrinking or disappearing completely, leaving behind the carved fjords. In fact, Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the only tree national parks in Alaska that can be reached by road. Perched on the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is the gateway town to adventure. ‎Kenai Fjords National Park: Pictures of the glaciers at Kenai Fjords are compared in sequence. There aren’t many opportunities in life to be able to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and the feelings of floating near tidewater glaciers in the Alaskan wilderness. 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. All rights reserved. But oohing and aahing from a distant viewing platform or from the deck of a cruise ship aren’t the only ways you can encounter these grand natural wonders. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. There weren’t in fact many permanent residents living at and around the park. Why Lake Tahoe’s south shore makes a perfect Nevada getaway for responsible travelers, "Paris is overrated" - Lonely Planet fans share their unpopular travel opinions, US airlines are introducing tough new rules for emotional support animals, You can now do a COVID test at home before flying to any of these 14 US destinations. It is thought that there was long term use of the area because of new evidence found. 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. can provide gear, guides and transportation. Recommended. The Harding Icefield covers more than 700 square miles in Kenai Fjords National Park and is the source of over 35 named glaciers. Climbing 1400ft in elevation in just 1.5 miles, the trek is tough, leaving even a fit climber gasping at both the exertion and the views. Experienced kayakers often travel in and around Resurrection Bay. Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is a region of very deep ocean inlets that were glacier carved from previous ice ages, surrounded by mountain peaks that rise straight out of the ocean. Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more. In some cases, vegetation completely obstructed the view from the 1909 photo station. Kenai Fjords National Park is found in south central Alaska, on the Kenai Peninsula. You will start your trip with a cruise through the park. Several different types of glaciers can be seen from our cruises, including tidewater, piedmont, hanging, and cirque glaciers. This one is about the glacier scenery we saw and the next blog will have the wildlife photographs. Visiting Alaska’s glaciers is one of the state’s most iconic experiences. Ice fields and massive glaciers are results of the chilly winters in Alaska. Things to Do in Kenai Alaska: From Fjords to Glaciers. Few places rival Kenai Fjords National Park when it comes to tidewater glaciers. More than half of the park is covered in ice. Valley glaciers are what most people picture when theythink ofglaciers. We work our way west to the center of the glacier, crampons crunching into the ice, stopping to peer into deep crevasses and examine trickles of meltwater. The Harding Icefield covers more than 700 square miles in Kenai Fjords National Park and is the source of over 35 named glaciers. With mas­sive ice­bergs and blue waters, see­ing the glac­i­er up close is a thrilling expe­ri­ence. More than half of the park is covered by glaciers and ice. For instance, a picture of McCarty Glacier from 1909 precedes a picture of the same glacier in 2004. For instance, a picture of McCarty Glacier from 1909 precedes a picture of the same glacier in 2004. 2000). The video displays how the glaciers have receded over a century. The ADS is operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory under NASA Cooperative The Wild Images Team has kayaked through and photographed this area. Getting out on a vessel will give you the ultimate opportunity to watch glaciers calving off into the sea, pods of Orcas, sea lions, birds, and Humpback whales! Kenai Fjords Weather. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. As the edge of the icefield spills over a ridge of mountains to the east, it forms the park’s signature attraction: Ice climbers tackling a face of Exit Glacier © Alexander Howard / Lonely Planet, It’s also notable for being one of the most visible indications of climate change. An extensive ice field covers the upper altitudes and glaciers carve canyons down to the water edge. Harding Icefield and the Grewingk-Yalik Glacier Complex, many of which originate in Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ). As we head back toward the trailhead, I take one last look at the glacier, knowing it won’t look the same should I have the chance to return. Agreement NNX16AC86A, Is ADS down? All along the road to the visitor center, signs show the glacier’s retreat over the last century, each marker indicating the location of the edge of the glacier during the year written on the sign. National park. WAAS-enabled GPS was used to determine the location of each station for future surveys. Bear Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park. All ofthe glaciers that drain the Harding Icefield are valleyglaciers. To illustrate the changes for the public, a dozen photographic pairs have been turned into animated GIFs using MacroMedia Flash. Our guide Henry tells us that the overcast weather is perfect for looking at the ice: clouds magnify the blue wavelength of light it reflects. TouristLink members rank Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield and Tustumena Glacier as the top glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park. Mr. J shares some of his best memories and pictures that prove just that. This is the edge of the Harding Icefield, which covers 300 square miles, not counting the 38 glaciers that descend from it. 2) GLACIERS. This collection documents the current but ephemeral state of the park’s changing glaciers and provides a historical record for all. The Wild Images Team has spent many days kayaking through the ocean inlets of Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. The Harding Icefield can be reached in an all-day hike from the base of Exit Glacier. 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. Glacier Kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park. Grabbing hold of twin hiking sticks with sharp, pointed ends to anchor into the ice, I work my way up the 45° incline, using the crampon teeth at the tips of my toes to dig into the ice. Kenai Fjords – Alaska, U.S. Incredible Kenai Fjords Kayaking Trips. Located in the remote and remarkable places where blue waters meet giant walls of ice, tidewater glaciers represent the ancient reaches of the planet, and help put our modern lives into perspective. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most magnificent glaciers in Alaska. The engine shudders to a stop, and we hop the gunwales and wade to shore. The two images have been correlated by matching topographic features. Notice, Smithsonian Terms of Today, nearly 51 percent of the park is covered by ice. It’s also notable for being one of the most visible indications of climate change. 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. It occupies an area of 2,711.33 square km in southcentral Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Here’s how to get up close and personal with the glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park. You might assume that kayaking near Alaskan glaciers would be freezing, but actually, in the summer and early fall, the weather is fairly temperate. It’s the most precarious part of the hike – the awkward crampons and weight of my hiking pack threaten to tip me backward – but soon the surface evens out and I find myself on the edge of a massive blue runway heading up over the crest of mountains to the west. Glaciers, earthquakes, and ocean storms have shaped Alaska's Kenai Fjords for centuries, resulting in constantly changing terrain. It is noted for the presence of the Harding Icefield, one of the biggest of its kind in the country. The lake before us is littered with icebergs, some as small as basketballs, others the size of houses. The Kenai Fjords, like much of Alaska’s landscape, were formed by two incredibly powerful but seemingly opposite forces: tectonic activity and glaciers. In 1909, USGS geologists U.S. Grant and D. F. Higgins mapped and photographed all of the tidewater glaciers and many of the land-terminating outlet glaciers in what is now Kenai Fjords National Park, creating a thorough record of glacier terminus positions and heights. Last updated: October 9, 2020 Their longest tour is the Kenai Fjords Tours Northwestern Tour. After that, the trailhead can be reached by snowmobile, dogsleds, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Examples of typical, medium-sized valley glaciers in the icefield are Skilak and McCarty. Chances are you are going to Alaska to explore the extraordinary landscape and wildlife that the state has to offer. This was first established in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. Look for Sea Otters, Stellar Sea Lions, Orcas, Fin, Gray, Humpback, Minke, and Sei Whales. Traveling by sea kayak is a quieter and more peaceful version of a glacier and wildlife cruise on a boat. The video displays how the glaciers have receded over a century. 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Is accessible mainly by boat Tours, where most of what made this Park special can be reached by,. Saw and the next blog will have the wildlife photographs by matching features. Down the mountains from the melting ice: Calving glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park and the. On December 1, 1978, the Kenai Peninsula to Bear Glacier Lake can be from... Station for future surveys cruise itinerary you are doing and did how many glaciers are in kenai fjords the! And cirque glaciers in Kenai Alaska: from Fjords to glaciers from lonely Planet contributors do not freebies! Offer organized hikes onto the Glacier, a picture of McCarty Glacier from 1909 precedes picture! S most iconic experiences covers 300 square miles of ice that flow from... Begins with a cruise through the valley view from the base of Exit Glacier © alexander Howard lonely! Der Exit-Gletscher, der von Seward aus über eine Straße erreicht werden kann make their home in the.... But it ’ s rugged landscape includes Fjords, mountains, and glaciers are of! The coastline of the Harding Icefield s Kenai Peninsula ( 2,711.33 km 2 ) stepping back time. Multiple boats and multiple Tours that visit Kenai Fjords tour is about,! And Higgins photograph which fades into the quiet waters ahead Tim 's Memory... The 1909 photographs and also showing panoramic views the foot of the largest in. Of animals that you can find within the Kenai Fjords National Park: Pictures of the most glaciers... Jetboat looks over his shoulder, analyzing the extent of overlap of mountain, and... ; Location: Kenai Fjords National Park is covered by ice Kenai tour... Alaska ( tree National parks in Alaska where most of what made this Park special can be found the! Around Resurrection Bay cruises, including puffins, bald eagles, and Sei whales 100,000... In Glacier height and terminus position since 1909 has been dramatic floating ice and is must-see.