The pristine beauty of the Kenai Peninsula’s fjords, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, rushing rivers and mighty glaciers are some of the most spectacular landscapes in Alaska. While Denali is certainly the marquee attraction, the Kenai Peninsula is a close second. This wonderland and its inhabitants are breathtaking, yet fragile, today.
The Kenai Peninsula extends approximately 150 miles into the Gulf of Alaska south of Anchorage, separated from the mainland on the west by the Cook Inlet and on the east by Prince William Sound. The towering Kenai Mountains form its southeast spine. But the region’s crown jewel is the Kenai Fjords National Park where 40 glaciers flow to meet the water.
The Kenai Peninsula is one of the great wildlife centers of the world. Boisterous gulls and puffins nest, colonies of sea lions bask in the sun, eagles soar, humpbacks and orcas slip gracefully through the waves and sea otters float on the water protecting their pups.
Fingers of ice spilling out of the Chugach Mountains mark Alaska’s rapidly changing landscape. There are approximately 500 miles of ancient ice covering Kenai Fjords National Park, most of which is in continuous retreat. Exit Glacier outside Seward, is one of the most accessible by car and hiking. It is a finger of cracked blue-white ice that drops off of the Harding Icefield. It is 14 square miles and is an icon for climate change today. Its accelerated retreat up the valley is closely monitored. President Obama visited Exit Glacier in 2015 at the glacier’s melting terminus.
This trip includes three days in Kenai National Park out of Seward. Cruise through the fjords, observe wildlife, hike, kayak and learn with our two award-winning Alaskan guides. Discover Alaska through their experienced eyes!
Seward, Alaska