Kenai Fjords
National Park

VISITATION:

The park is open year-round. Visitation is highest May through September.

LOCATION:

The park lies south and west of Seward, Alaska, 130 road miles south of Anchorage, on the Seward Highway.

ADDRESS:

Kenai Fjords National Park
P.O. Box 1727
Seward, AK 99664-1727

TELEPHONE:

(907) 224-2132 (Recorded Park Information)

(907)224-3175

or fax (907) 224-2144

(907)224-2124 TDY

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.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

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.

DIRECTIONS:

The park lies south 130 road miles south of Anchorage, via the Seward Highway. The park's headquarters and visitor center is located on Seward's small boat harbor.

TRANSPORTATION:

In addition to accessibility by road via the Seward Highway, bus and commuter flight service link Seward and Anchorage. The Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) System connects Seward with Homer and Seldovia via Kodiak, providing service to Valdez and Cordova. The Alaska Railroad serves Seward from Anchorage during the summer months.

In summer, Exit Glacier can be reached by car on a gravel road (approximately 9 miles), and a short trail. The Harding Icefield can be reached by air or trail. Air and boat charters provide access to the fjords.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

User Fees at Exit Glacier:

On May 22, 1998, Kenai Fjords National Park will begin collecting user fees in the Exit Glacier area. The park has been selected as one of 106 areas nationwide to participate in the Recreation Fee Demo Program established by Congress in November 1996.

Noncommercial Fees:

Single Vehicle...............................................$ 5.00

Individual (hike/bike)....................................$ 3.00

Annual Vehicle Pass....................................$ 15.00

(Bearers of valid Golden Age or Golden Access Passports pay no User Fees)

Commercial Fees (in effect beginning May 1999)

1-6 Passengers.............................................$ 25.00

7-25 Passengers...........................................$ 40.00

26 or More Passengers................................$100.00

(All commercial tour operators MUST have a valid Incidental Business Permit for Kenai Fjords National Park)

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The two major sites are the main visitor center, located on Seward's small boat harbor, and the Exit Glacier Ranger Station.

Trails, Roads:

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 3-mile Harding Icefield trail, which follows the glacier's flank to an overlook of the icefield, is for day use only. Overnight backpacking is prohibited. Check bulletin boards for current trail conditions

The glacier is active and calving - falling ice is dangerous.The area beyond the warning signs is strictly off limits. Please stay off the ice!

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled tours, guided walks and educational programs are conducted by park rangers at major sites in season.

Lodging and camping facilities:

Exit Glacier has 10 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.

Food/supplies:

Food and supplies can be obtained at local restaurants, grocery stores.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore is located in the park visitor center.

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.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Authorized commercial guides provides camping, fishing and kayaking services. Air charters fly over the coast for flight seeing and access to the fjords. Boat tours and charters are available from Seward. In summer, boat tours ply the coast, observing calving glaciers, sea birds, and marine mammals.

Boat charters offer overnight fjord trips and fishing trips to the fjords and Resurrection Bay (saltwater fish include halibut, lingcod cod, and a variety of rock fish; freshwater fish include Dolly Varden and silver, red, chum and pink salmon).

Interpretive talks, exhibits, slide program at the visitor center and Exit Glacier Ranger Station.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups or other educational groups should be made prior to the visit. Reasonable notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. For additional information concerning reservations or permits call (907) 224-3175.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write park headquarters, Kenai Fjords National Park, P.O. Box 1727, Seward, AK 99664-1727 or call (907) 224-3175.

View maps of the park at the NPS Alaska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse!

You are visitor number to this site since May 20, 1997.

Last Updated:Friday, 28-Aug-98 19:45:29
http://www.nps.gov/kefj/