Exit Glacier
Kenai Fjords National Park

Exit Glacier is the easiest to reach of the more than 23 named glaciers that twist off in all directions from the Harding Icefield.

The Exit glacier Bridge provides vehicle access to within one-half mile of the glacier. Nine miles from the Seward highway, the Exit Glacier Ranger Station and picnic site are located next to the parking lot which can accommodate large motor homes and trailers.

A half-mile trail takes you to the base of Exit Glacier. Approximately two to three miles of nature trails provide good views of the glacier and surrounding area. Pets are not allowed on the Exit Glacier and Harding Icefields trails.

Be careful! The glacier is active. Be on the lookout for falling rocks and ice, and observe all warning signs.

A 3 mile steep, rough-cut, Harding Icefield trail follows the glaciers flank providing breathtaking views of the ice field, Exit Glacier and the valley below. Allow all day for this hike. This is day use only. Overnight backpacking is prohibited.

The Harding Icefield Trail started out as a primitive route for mountaineers and in recent years has been overwhelmed by the number of hikers scrambling up it. The trail traverses fragile alpine areas and some hikers have caused severe damage to the trail and surrounding environment by taking shortcuts and tramping vegetation. During periods of rainy weather the trail must sometimes be closed to prevent catastrophic damage.

The glacier is active and calving is dangerous. Be sure to heed the warning signs.

The entire Kenai Fjords National park encompasses approximately 580,000 acres of spectacular scenery and diverse wildlife. To the west, it shares a boundary with the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and also abuts Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park at its southwestern end.

You can explore the fjords by boat. A seaworthy craft and rough water boating experience are required. The area is exposed to the sometimes tempestuous Gulf of Alaska, and few landing sites exist.

Many people choose to ride a charter boat. Day-long trips are scheduled during the summer season.

Be prepared for cool, wet weather. The driest month is May but June normally begins the travel season as spring storms cease and temperatures rise into the 50s and 60s.

From a boat, look for:
• icebergs calving form tidewater glaciers in Aialik Bay, Northwestern Lagoon and Nuka Bay;

• bald eagles and their nests in spruce and hemlock trees;

• mountain goats on rocky slopes;

• sea otters throughout the fjords;

• harbor seals in water, on rocks or riding on icebergs;

• Stellar sea lions on rocky islands at the entrance of Aialik Bay and Nuka Bay;

• porpoises and whales in the water;

• countless seabirds - puffins, kittiwakes, gullsmurres, cormorants, auklets and others.