Explore the Kenai Fjords This Summer
The summer season has brought beautifully bright scenes to Alaska. If you haven’t got out to explore these gorgeous vistas, then you’re certainly missing out. Alaska is one of those rare places that is absolutely, incredibly gorgeous regardless of the season and we find solace in the natural landscape. One landscape that we positively must recommend is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Make sure to pack a lunch and some hiking gear in your Alaska SUV rentals when you head up to the Kenai Fjords.
The glaciers of the fjords
First off, you absolutely must see Exit Glacier. This glacier is one of Alaska’s most beautiful, and offers a stunning glimpse of the variety of Alaskan wildlife and nature. Unfortunately, Exit Glacier is receding. Because of this, we advise our Alaska SUV rentals clients to see the glacier while it remains.
One to two hour long ranger-led hikes around the glacier are offered daily. These walks will offer you insight on the surrounding landscape and wildlife of the area, while also showing you the best and safest hiking trails in the glacier. From the Exit Glacier Nature Center, you also have the option of taking a Harding Icefield Trail tour to see the place from which the glacier derived.
If you’re bringing your Alaska SUV rentals from Seward, you’re most likely to see the Aialik Glacier – the largest glacier in Aialik Bay. In fact, this glacier is so close to Seward (only 15 miles) that you can kayak from the city to the glacier. This is a lovely outdoor trip for anyone who loves water sports. If not, you can also take a cruise from Seward to the glacier.
The fjord boat tour
There are several boat tours available to let you see the fjords by water. These offer stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and of the fjords. If you’ve never seen fjords before, the Kenai fjords are beautiful starters. These spectacular mountain topped lakes and rivers will take you into another world. A world that is peaceful, filled with wildlife, and clean from the pollution of the urban settings.
Also available are combination hiking and boating tours. This is the option we’d recommend. Get out and stretch your legs after driving in your Alaska SUV rentals, while enjoying the Kenai Fjords the way they were meant to be enjoyed. The hike around the Kenai Fjords National Park isn’t too challenging, so you certainly don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the Kenai Fjords National Park by foot. You’ll still want to make sure you have comfortable shoes, though!
Marine and land wildlife
The Kenai Fjords are bursting with all kinds of wildlife, both land-based and marine. The wildlife in the fjords is one of the many things that brings so many people to the Kenai Fjords. Many tourists are stunned to discover orcas, and humpback, fin, and minke whales in the fjords, swimming gracefully past the boats. You’re also likely to spot cute little otters playing through the shores, sea lions, seals, beavers, porpoises, and even a dolphin or two (always a favorite of the kids’!). It’s lovely to see the marine life living in harmony with one another and with nature in such an awe-inspiring setting.
Turn your eyes to the sky to spot eagles and falcons, puffins and murre, black-billed magpies and Steller’s jay. By land, watch out for Canadian lynx and wolves, coyotes and brown and black bears. You may even spot a few porcupines waddling past, or mountain goats trotting through the brush. Have your camera ready in case you spot a moose!
There’s no question that the Kenai Fjord’s National park is a top spot to visit in your Alaska SUV rentals. Reserve your Alaska SUV rentals today to begin your wildlife adventure.