Experience the wonders of Alaska’s wild, water-carved landscapes at an easy, rewarding pace. Lace up your boots for a hike to Exit Glacier, then slip into a kayak to explore the quiet coves of Peterson Bay. Drift along the Kenai River and enjoy a relaxing cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park with glaciers calving nearby, and savor plenty of fresh, local food.
Start - End: Anchorage - Anchorage
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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You'll explore the expansive beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park on our 6-day Kenai Fjords National Park adventure and hiking tour. During the day, you'll get right amongst the beauty of Alaska by foot, kayak, and boat. Hike to Exit Glacier and to a stunning view of Harding Icefield and to the glacial lake at Grewingk Glacier. Kayak the coves of Peterson Bay and raft the Kenai River keeping an eye out for resident wildlife.
Take in spectacular views of the Kenai Mountains and sit back and enjoy a well-earned cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. By evening, enjoy seaside accommodations, sampling fresh seafood and the region's finest gourmet fare. Your guides lead the way into hidden landscapes and take care of all the finer details, making this Alaskan adventure one to remember.
Austin Adventures operates in part under a special use permit with the Chugach National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.
Explore each day and the map below to trace your path through Alaska’s wild coastlines, icy fjords, and open water.
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Hiking: 4 miles (6.4 kilometers)
After a hearty breakfast for the big day ahead, we'll make our way to the Harding Icefield where we'll hike along the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. It's a well maintained, moderately strenuous trail providing expansive views of Exit Glacier in its own glacially carved valley.
From there, you can opt for a more challenging hike to view the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. The trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest and heather-filled meadows, rising through the forest and ultimately ending up well above the tree line to an awe-inspiring vantage point of the icefield. The peak of the trail is a peephole to ice ages past - a horizon of snow and ice stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional lonely peak, known as a nunatak.
We'll head back to Seward after our day's hike and enjoy some time to relax, followed by dining on local Alaskan cuisine.
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)
Today we'll get to explore Kenai Fjords National Park by boat! We'll board a small ship, meeting the captain and crew, and depart for the wilderness of Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is inhabited by a variety of terrestrial and marine mammals, including brown and black bears, moose, sea otters, harbor seals, humpback and killer whales. Checking out tidal glaciers and abundant sea life from the ship’s deck, our naturalist guide will share their expertise on the region as we explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers and remote Alaskan islands.
Lunch will be provided on board. Upon arrival back on shore in the afternoon, we'll have time to relax, or you can visit the Alaska SeaLife Center. Then you can explore the local restaurants and enjoy a meal of your choice!
Accommodation: Harbor 360 Hotel, Seward
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise: 6 hours
Your day begins with an incredible float rafting trip on the Kenai River. We’ll have opportunities to see incredible wildlife with bears, moose, beavers and forest birds (including bald eagles!) frequenting the river banks. and we'll be immersed in the spectacular scenery!
After lunch, we’ll transfer to our accommodations for the next two nights in the quaint town of Homer situated in Kachemak Bay. Homer is quintessential Alaska - and we'll enjoy a delicious meal at one of our favorite local restaurants.
Accommodation: Land's End Resort, Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting: 2 hours
This morning, you’ll water taxi to beautiful protected Peterson Bay to go kayaking for the morning! Keep an eye out for the local wildlife as we paddle our way to the trailhead of this afternoon’s hike!
We’ll have a delicious sack lunch on the beach before hiking 3 miles up to spectacular Grewingk Glacier. There are options to walk shorter distances, or simply hang out and soak up the views on the beach. You’ll then water taxi back to Homer to gather for one last dinner with your travel companions, recounting the amazing adventures you had in the land of the midnight sun.
Accommodation: Land's End Resort, Homer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 250 feet (76 meters) ascent, 250 feet (76 meters) descent
Kayaking: 2.5-3 hours
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short hike to Bishop's Beach for a wonderful views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
To return to Anchorage you can book a short flight back to Anchorage on your own, or hop in the van for a five-hour transfer back to Anchorage. Alternatively, you may want to stay on at Homer for world-class halibut fishing or grizzly bear viewing in nearby Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks – only a short flight away!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers)
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Four Points by Sheraton Anchorage Downtown at 5:30am or Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown at 6:00am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Anchorage, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Homer Airport at 11am in time for flights below, the Anchorage Airport at 5:30pm in time for flights below, or at a hotel of your choice in Anchorage around 6pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Anchorage at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Homer after 12:30pm or Anchorage after 7:30pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Alaska. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Seward on Days 1-3.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
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