splendid spot to spend a night or two, and camping at Bear Creek RV Park is always a magnificent experience. The annual rain here at Kenai Fjords National Park is about average; the month with most of the rain is October, and May on the other hand is the driest.
All through
the summer months here at Kenai Fjords National Park, high temperatures ordinarily reach the 60's with overnight lows in the 40's. During the winter highs are in the 20's, and after the sun is down through the winter temperatures at Kenai Fjords National Park drop into the 10's.
There are lots of enjoyable pastimes for everybody.
The Kenai Fjords reflect scenic icebound landscapes in which salt spray mixes with mountain mist. Located on the southeastern Kenai Peninsula, the national park is a pristine and rugged land supporting many unaltered
natural environments and ecosystems. The fjords are long, steep-sided, glacier-carved valleys that are now filled with ocean waters. A mountain platform, one mile high, rises above this dramatic coastline. The mountains are mantled by the 300-square mile Harding Icefield,
35 miles long and 20 miles wide. Only isolated mountain peaks interrupt its nearly flat, snowclad surface. Exit Glacier spills off the massive Harding icefield and is accessible by road. The park's wildlife includes mountain goats, moose, bears, wolverines, marmots and other
land mammals who have established themselves on a thin life zone between marine waters and the icefield's frozen edges. Bald eagles nest in the tops of spruce and hemlock trees. Thousands of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and murres seasonally inhabit the steep cliffs
and rocky shores. Kayakers, fishermen, and visitors on tour boats share the park's waters with stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dall porpoises, sea otters, humpback, killer and minke whales. CONTACTS Email - KEFJ_Superintendent@nps.gov
Fax- 907-224-2144 Write to
National Park Service
PO Box 1727
Seward, AK 99664 Phone
Visitor Information Recorded Message - 907-224-2132
Headquarters - 907-224-3175
TRAVEL BASICS
Operating Hours,
Seasons
The visitor center in Seward offers exhibits, slide programs, maps, publications and information. It is open Monday through Friday year round, and Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with extended hours. There is a ranger station at Exit Glacier
which offers exhibits and information about the glacier and the Harding Icefield, interpretive programs and talks. Rangers provide information daily during the summer months. Getting There
PLANE - Commuter flight services link Seward and Anchorage. CAR - The
park lies 130 road miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. The park's headquarters and visitor center is located on Seward's small boat harbor. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - The Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) System connects Seward with Homer and Seldovia via Kodiak, providing
service to Valdez and Cordova. Bus services are available between Anchorage and Seward. The Alaska Railroad serves Seward from Anchorage during the summer months. Weather & Climate
Overcast and cool days are frequent in this maritime climate of abundant rain.
May is the driest month; successive months see increasing precipitation. Summer daytime temperatures range from the mid-40s to low 70s (F). The wet, stormy fall begins in September. Wool or synthetic clothing and sturdy rain gear - pants, coat and hat - are essential Accessibility
The
park visitor center and the exhibit area near the Exit Glacier Ranger Station is wheelchair accessible. The first 1/4 mile of the Exit Glacier Trail is fully accessible. Contact the park for details. Getting Around
In summer, Exit Glacier can be reached by car on a
gravel road (approximately 9 miles), and a short trail. Exit Glacier is the only portion of the park accessible by trail. A gravel road at mile 3.7 of the Seward Highway leads 9 miles to the Exit Glacier Ranger Station. An easy 1/2 mile walk will take you to the glacier's terminus.
The first 1/4 mile of this trail is completely accessible. A steeper trail continues across moraines and bedrock. Visitors may return to the Ranger Station via a nature trail. The Harding Icefield can be reached by air or trail. Air and boat charters provide access to the fjords.
FEES/PERMITS
Entrance Fee
CAR
$5.00 for 7 Days
$15.00 for Annual
There are user Fees at Exit Glacier. Individual Hikers/bikers may enter for $2.00. Commercial fees depend on number in vehicle.
CAMPING
Exit
Glacier Campground and Back Country Cabins
Open All Year
Exit Glacier has 12 walk-in summer camping sites. Three back country cabins for summer visits along the park's coastline are located in the fjords of Holgate Arm, Aialik Bay, and North Arm. The cabins are accessible
by boat, kayak or small plane. In winter, a public use cabin is available at Exit Glacier. Cabin stays are limited to three days. Visitors must obtain reservations and permits in advance. Seward provides full tourist services, including campgrounds.
FACILITIES
Ranger
Stations
EXIT GLACIER RANGER STATION
Location - 9 miles down Exit Glacier Road off the Seward Highway.
Special Programs - There is a ranger station at Exit Glacier which offers exhibits and information about the glacier and the Harding Icefield, interpretive
programs and talks. Rangers provide information daily during the summer months.
Visitor Centers
KENAI FJORDS VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year
Location - The center is located on Seward's small boat harbor.
Special Programs - The visitor center
in Seward offers exhibits, slide programs, maps, publications and information. It is open Monday through Friday year round, and Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with extended hours.
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