4 Beautiful Hikes To Take in Kenai Fjords National Park

The Alaskan landscape is both beautiful and untamed 

Traveling to Alaska is a bucket-list item for many people. The state is known for its natural beauty, and Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Established as a national park in 1980, Kenai Fjords is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the U.S. While the park was initially created to protect the ice field and land on the Alaskan coast, the wildlife in the area has also seen a boost in numbers due to the restrictions on hunting.

The park is home to various fauna, including bears, moose, eagles, and humpback and killer whales. Kenai Fjords is also a popular destination for birdwatchers. The park has more than 300 species of birds, including puffins, cormorants, and oystercatchers.

Getting to experience the awesome beauty of the park through a few of the hiking trails is a must if you are planning to visit, so here are four hikes that Parks and Landmarks recommends you check out.

1. Exit Glacier View Loop

Looking to grab a peek at a stunning view from one of the larger glaciers but don’t want to go on a long, slogging hike? The Exit Glacier View Loop is the perfect spot.

With tons of informational signs lining the trail, you can learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and the changes the land has seen over the past 1,000 years. The trail is short, making it great for families with small children or those who want to add a little something extra to their day without tiring themselves out too much.

Total Distance: 0.99 miles

Elevation Gain: 85.3 feet

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Dogs must be leashed when on the trail.
• This trail is partially paved and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• The road leading to this trail is closed to cars during the winter months.

2. Exit Glacier Overlook Trail

If you want to add a bit more of a hike, the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail is the next step up. This hike will take you to a viewing area above the treeline for an even more expansive and unobstructed view of Exit Glacier.

This trail is considered easy with a few steeper sections, so it’s still doable for most people. It’s about twice as long as the View Loop, so keep that in mind when planning your hike. This is the perfect trail to catch a glimpse of some of the park’s diverse wildlife, taking you through a lush forest and an expansive, open valley. 

Total Distance: 2.17 miles

Elevation Gain: 308 feet

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail.
• The road leading to this trail is closed to cars during the winter months.
• This trail is partially paved and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• The trail can get muddy, ensure you bring good hiking footwear.

3. Rainforest Nature Walk

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world is one of the best parts about national parks. The Rainforest Nature Walk lets you do just that as you immerse yourself in the serene Alaskan forest.

This short, easy hike is great for all ages and abilities. The trail is well maintained and takes you through a dense, Alaskan forest that you won’t believe until you see it yourself. The trail also takes you right to the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge where you can stay overnight if you’re looking for a longer adventure.

Total Distance: 1.11 miles

Elevation Gain: 45.9 feet

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Dogs must be leashed when on the trail.
• This is a trail that takes you to the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. You must book your stay ahead of time to use the lodge.
• Bug spray is recommended during the hotter months on this trail.

4. Harding Icefield Trail

If you want to walk directly onto the ice field and truly experience what it’s like to be on a glacier, the Harding Icefield Trail is the longest and most strenuous hike in the park. This trail will give you an up-close and personal experience with one of the largest ice fields in North America.

This is a difficult hike, with a high risk of discomfort, overexertion, or injury if you don’t have the proper knowledge or experience with backcountry hiking. Be sure to come prepared with the right gear and food, and know your limits before attempting this hike.

Total Distance: 9.19 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,641 feet

Difficulty: Hard — Walking, Running, Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• No dogs allowed on this trail.
• The road leading to this trail is closed to cars during the winter months.
• Be aware of the upcoming weather when hiking this trail, as it can change very fast.
• This trail is only recommended for those with technical hiking experience.
• Snow can remain on this trail year-round, so ensure you bring proper footwear.
• Avalanches are common on this trail. Avalanche safety training is recommended before hiking this trail.

Your trip to Kenai Fjords National Park is not complete until you have hiked at least one of these trails. The views are breathtaking, and the experience is unforgettable.

Remember that most of Alaska’s national parks are backcountry parks. This means there is little to no cell service, and you should always be prepared with the proper equipment, food, and water for your hike. Come prepared, keep an eye on your surroundings, and you will have a fantastic time hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Happy hiking!