Kenai Fjords National Park - map, photos and other informations
Table of Contents
Description
Kenai Fjords National Park is a beautiful and diverse park located in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and part of the only Arctic National Park in the United States. The park was established in 1980 and covers nearly 700,000 acres, making it one of the largest parks in the United States. It is also one of the wildest and most remote parks in the nation.
The park is home to the famed Harding Icefield, a 1,130-square-mile expanse of ice and snow that has remained largely unchanged since its discovery in 1907. In Kenai Fjords National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, and camping. The park also offers recreational opportunities for birdwatchers, anglers, and wildlife viewers.
The park boasts a rich array of wildlife, from marine mammals like humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and seals to terrestrial animals such as black and brown bears, moose, ptarmigan, and eagles. The vegetation includes a variety of plant species such as Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and alpine wildflowers.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Kenai Fjords National Park, with trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous treks. Some of the trails lead to glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and stunning shorelines. Visitors can also explore the park by boat, taking in breathtaking views of the wildlife and rugged coastline.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kenai Fjords National Park also has an interesting history. The area was inhabited by Native Americans long before the park was established, and today interpretive programs are offered by the park to explore the park’s cultural significance. The park is also home to the abandoned Kenai Fjords Historic Cannery, a testament to the industry that once flourished in the region. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities and educational opportunities. Visitors can explore the park by means of ranger-guided programs, nature walks, and other interpretive activities. Staff from the park also provide programs in ecology, biology, and photography to help educate and increase appreciation of the park.
Kenai Fjords National Park is an incredible place to explore, offering something for everyone. With stunning scenery, fascinating wildlife, and unparalleled recreation opportunities, Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see destination for your next Alaskan adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Kenai Fjords National Park
How to get to Kenai Fjords National Park?
The nearest town to access the park is Seward, Alaska. The park can be accessed by car in approximately 3 hours by taking the Sterling Highway, or 2.5 hours by taking the Seward Highway. Trains and buses also run daily from Anchorage to Seward. Ferry transportation also runs daily from Seward to the park’s visitor center in Fox Island.
Where is Kenai Fjords National Park located?
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Southcentral Alaska, near the town of Seward. It is 156 miles southeast of Anchorage, 65 miles south of Soldotna, and 79 miles southwest of Homer.
What to do in Kenai Fjords National Park?
Visitors to Kenai Fjords National Park can take a ranger-led tour, go kayaking, wildlife viewing, glacier hiking, backpacking, and sightseeing. Scenic cruises and flights through the park are also available.
What animals live in Kenai Fjords National Park?
Some of the animals that live in Kenai Fjords National Park include sea otters, bald eagles, porpoises, sea lions, whales, Stellar's sea lions, harbor seals, black-tailed deer, bears, and Sitka black-tailed deer.
Average weather in Kenai Fjords National Park
Temp max | Temp min | Rain | Snow | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | -1 °C 30 °F | -4 °C 25 °F | 123 mm 4.8 in | 189 mm 7.4 in |
Feb | 0 °C 32 °F | -4 °C 25 °F | 38 mm 1.5 in | 175 mm 6.9 in |
Mar | -1 °C 30 °F | -4 °C 25 °F | 43 mm 1.7 in | 134 mm 5.3 in |
Apr | 3 °C 37 °F | -1 °C 30 °F | 77 mm 3.0 in | 106 mm 4.2 in |
May | 6 °C 43 °F | 3 °C 37 °F | 182 mm 7.2 in | 49 mm 1.9 in |
Jun | 11 °C 52 °F | 6 °C 43 °F | 163 mm 6.4 in | 2 mm 0.1 in |
Jul | 14 °C 57 °F | 10 °C 50 °F | 223 mm 8.8 in | 1 mm 0.0 in |
Aug | 13 °C 55 °F | 10 °C 50 °F | 341 mm 13.4 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Sep | 10 °C 50 °F | 7 °C 45 °F | 399 mm 15.7 in | 6 mm 0.2 in |
Oct | 5 °C 41 °F | 2 °C 36 °F | 342 mm 13.5 in | 30 mm 1.2 in |
Nov | 1 °C 34 °F | -2 °C 28 °F | 205 mm 8.1 in | 94 mm 3.7 in |
Dec | 0 °C 32 °F | -3 °C 27 °F | 137 mm 5.4 in | 173 mm 6.8 in |
Other parks nearby
-
Kachemak Bay State Park60.6 mi (97.5 km)|state park
-
Chugach State Park88.9 mi (143.0 km)|state park
-
Shuyak Island State Park138.0 mi (222.0 km)|state park
-
Afognak Island State Park143.2 mi (230.4 km)|state park
-
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve147.5 mi (237.4 km)|national park
User Reviews
Share your experience! Your honest feedback helps others make informed decisions.
Login to add new review