Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.
Road to Exit Glacier Closed to Automobiles
The Alaska Department of Transportation has closed Herman Leirer Road for winter. Therefore, the road to Exit Glacier under the National Park Service is closed as well. Reopening is typically in mid to late-May, with variation due snow and weather.
Use Caution in and around Pedersen Lagoon
On August 7, 2024, a landslide triggered tsunami washed over portions of Pedersen Lagoon near Aialik Bay (59.8842N, -149.7309W). We recommend caution for those visiting the area in and around Pedersen Lagoon. Click more for additional information.
Canyon from Toe of Exit Glacier to the Outwash Plain
The canyon from the toe of Exit Glacier to where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain is susceptible to sudden outburst flood events. These events produce sudden surges of water, ice and rock. The canyon is dangerous and travel is not recommended.
Toe of Exit Glacier, Ice Fall Hazard Zone
An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Please do not continue past ice fall hazard signs and see photo for more details.
At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests along the fjords once carved by the vast ...
A flat, open dirt area after emerging from a forest. There is a small median of rocks and shrubs in the center of the dirt area. In the middle of that island is a sign that reads 1926. The area is next to a creek. There is a steep drop down to the creek. On the other side of the creek is a forest.
A rocky, open area overlooking a glacier. There are two wayside signs in this area. The land rise sharply on one side of the area, and falls steeply down the other. It is often windy due to the katabatic winds from the glacier.
A narrow, rocky path leads to the end of the trail here. The ground is mostly barren. There is a small wooden sign that reads 2010. In the distance Exit Glacier is retreating in the valley between two mountains.
A rocky, open area along a mountainside. The area overlooks Exit Glacier on one side, and the Exit Glacier Outwash Plain on the other side. On one side of the path the land slopes up a mountainside, and on the other is a steep drop off.
A mixture of plant life and open, sandy areas. Water from Exit Creek runs through the Outwash Plain. There are multiple game trails through the trees and shrubs. The has fewer plants closer to the running water.
An open area above a creek. In the distance is a glacier flowing down between two mountains. In front of the open area is a wide, flat plain filled with sediment from the glacier. In the distance is a forest.
A large, wooden structure that is open on all sides. The ground outside of the Pavilion is packed gravel, and underneath it is concrete. Underneath the covered building are two rows of wooden benches. There is an aisle three feet wide between the rows of benches. Outside of the structure is a metal container for storing food.
A wooden display panel at the start of the Harding Icefield trial. The panel is roughly 8 feet tall, and 10 feet wide. There is information about hiking the trail and wildlife you might encounter. There is also a registry for hiking the trail in the center of the sign.
An open area 1.3 miles up the Harding Icefield Trail. The trail is steep and narrow to get here. Marmot Meadows is covered with shrubs, small trees, and flowers during the summer months. It offers opportunities to view Exit Glacier from above it.
An open area 2.4 miles up the Harding Icefield Trail. It is 0.9 miles up the trail from Marmot Meadows. The trail is steep and narrow to get here, and requires using "switchbacks" to reach these heights. Top of the Cliffs is covered with small shrubs and flowers during the summer months. It offers opportunities to view Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield.
The Exit Glacier Nature Center is the trailhead for all that the Exit Glacier area has to offer, including the Harding Icefield trail. The building includes exhibits about the Exit Glacier area, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area.
The main park visitor center is located in the Seward small boat harbor. The visitor center provides opportunities to view the park film, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area.
Boat tours depart Seward's small boat harbor daily during the summer months, making it easy to travel deeper into the park.
Kayak in Kenai Fjords
Explore Kenai Fjords by kayak. Paddling in Kenai Fjords can be a once in a lifetime experience. By dipping your paddle into these waters, you're participating in the long history of human powered travel along the Kenai Peninsula coast.
Snowmobile in Kenai Fjords National Park
Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by snowmobile. Once the road to Exit Glacier is snow-covered and closed to cars, it is accessible by snowmobile,
Experience Kenai Fjords National Park in winter
Once the road to Exit Glacier is snow-covered and closed to cars, it is accessible by fat bikes and cross-country skis,
Explore the Exit Glacier area in a couple of hours
Would you like to visit the Exit Glacier area, but only have a couple of hours? These are some suggestions for what you might do with that time.
Explore Kenai Fjords by air
Overflights also provide dramatic views of the park's glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. You may catch a glimpse of a mountain goat traversing a rocky ledge or peer down at a brown bear fishing in a salmon-choked stream. Flightseeing is one of the best ways to get a sense of the vastness of the Harding Icefield
Become a Fjord Junior Ranger
A junior ranger walk focused on fjords. Join a ranger to learn about these amazing ecosystems
Become a Glacier Junior Ranger
Earn a Glacier Junior Ranger patch by checking out a Discovery Backpack or an Art for Parks backpack and completing some activities.
Fish in the Seward Area
The area surrounding Kenai Fjords has outstanding opportunities for both fresh and salt water fishing
Stay in a Public Use Cabin
Consider staying in one of the park's three public use cabins. These cabins provide a great opportunity to stay overnight in Kenai Fjords. You can experience the solitude and enjoyment of your park, no matter the season, while still enjoying a roof over your head.
Hike the Harding Icefield Trail
The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike. Travel from the valley floor, through forests, meadows and the alpine, finishing with a breath-taking view of the Harding Icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages - a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak, or lonely peak.
