Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is located in southern Alaska, USA, near the town of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. This rugged park lies about 130 miles south of Anchorage, where the Kenai Peninsula meets the Gulf of Alaska. The park was established in 1980 to protect its unique coastal and glacial landscapes, including the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in the United States. The park encompasses over 600,000 acres, with stunning fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife. Native Alaskans, including the Alutiiq people, have lived in the area for thousands of years, and the region has a rich cultural history. Parking facilities are available at the Exit Glacier area, the park's most accessible site. The Exit Glacier parking lot provides space for cars and RVs, and there are no fees for parking. However, due to limited space, parking fills quickly during peak summer months. The park has no entrance fee, though certain activities, like camping, may require permits. Kenai Fjords is home to diverse wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and Steller sea lions in its coastal waters. On land, visitors might encounter black bears, mountain goats, and moose. Bird species such as puffins, bald eagles, and kittiwakes are also common. The flora in Kenai Fjords ranges from coastal rainforests of Sitka spruce and western hemlock to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers like fireweed, lupine, and dwarf dogwood. Mosses and lichens thrive in the damp climate. Notable landmarks include the impressive Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier, and the stunning fjords that give the park its name. Public transportation options are limited, but visitors can reach Seward by bus or train from Anchorage. From Seward, boat tours and shuttle services provide access to the park's remote areas.