The BEST three days at Kenai Fjords National Park! (Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, + BOAT tour!)

📚 Video Chapters (11 chapters):

• Introduction - 00:00
• Driving to Seward, Alaska - 00:30
• Coffee at Barrio Cafe & Kitchen near Seward! - 01:40
• Heading to Kenai Fjords National Park - 03:05
• About the park - 03:21
• Hiking the Exit Glacier Overlook - 03:56
• Our amazing FREE campsite outside of the park! - 07:08
• Seward, Alaska - 09:30
• Major Marine 7.5 hour tour - 09:51
• Failed BBQ attempt - 23:02
• Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail - 24:22

📹 Video Information:

Title: The BEST three days at Kenai Fjords National Park! (Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield, + BOAT tour!)
Duration: 33:27

Overview

This video documents a multi-day adventure exploring Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, with a focus on Kenai Fjords National Park. The creators share their experiences hiking, camping, and taking a wildlife-filled boat tour, while offering practical advice on travel logistics, camping, and maximizing the park experience.

Main Topics

• Exploring the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park
• Traveling with a dog and related logistics
• Camping options and finding free campsites
• Coffee and food stops in the Seward area
• Hiking to Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield
• Boat tour with Major Marine to view tidewater glaciers and wildlife
• Observing glacier calving and marine animals
• Dealing with challenging weather and trail conditions
• Practical tips for national park visits and outdoor adventures

Key Takeaways & Insights

• Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-see for its accessibility to glaciers, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
• Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield are highlights, offering a unique chance to witness the effects of climate change and glacial recession up close.
• Boat tours provide unparalleled opportunities to view active tidewater glaciers and marine life, making them highly recommended.
• Traveling with pets requires extra planning, especially in national parks with trail restrictions.
• Resourcefulness is key: adapting plans for meals, camping, and weather conditions enhances the overall adventure.
• Alaska’s natural beauty consistently exceeds expectations, with ever-changing views and unique wildlife encounters.

Actionable Strategies

• Planning with Pets: Research park restrictions and nearby boarding options if traveling with animals.
• Finding Campsites: Utilize apps like The Dyrt Pro for locating legal, scenic, and free camping spots near national parks.
• Boat Tour Preparation:
• Book in advance; choose from various tour lengths.
• Bring motion sickness medication, especially if seas are rough.
• Tip the boat crew for their hard work.
• Hiking Preparation:
• For challenging hikes (like Harding Icefield), bring layers, rain gear, and consider traction devices for snow patches.
• Use offline maps or AllTrails for navigation.
• Carry snacks, water, and know where emergency shelters are located.
• Adaptability: Have backup meal options for when local restaurants are unexpectedly closed.

Specific Details & Examples

• Exit Glacier: The glacier receded 187 feet between 2013 and 2014; signage along the trail marks past glacier termini.
• Campground Tools: The Dyrt Pro app provides offline maps, legal camping overlays, discounts, and waived booking fees.
• Boat Tour Details:
• Major Marine Tours: 7.5-hour cruise, $200 per person.
• Visited Holgate Glacier (0.5 miles wide) and Aialik Glacier (1 mile wide, 3 miles long).
• Saw whales, seals on icebergs, and calving glaciers.
• Hiking Stats:
• Harding Icefield Trail: ~9–10 miles round-trip, 3,600 feet elevation gain, 7 hours to complete.
• Emergency shelter (hut) near the end of the trail.
• Wildlife: Marmots, seals, whales, and mention of a bear crossing trail (though not seen).
• Weather: Unpredictable, with rapid changes—one day had forecasted 100% rain but was manageable.

Warnings & Common Mistakes

• Traveling with Dogs: Many national parks restrict dogs on trails—plan for boarding in advance.
• Camping: It’s illegal to sleep in park parking lots or outside designated areas; use apps to find legal sites.
• Boat Tours: Rough seas are common; not preparing for motion sickness may cut tours short for everyone.
• Weather Preparedness: Alaska’s weather can change rapidly; always carry rain gear and warm clothing.
• Trail Safety: Be aware of wildlife (bears); make noise and hike in groups when possible.
• Restaurant Closures: Small towns may have limited dining options, especially on weekends.

Resources & Next Steps

• Apps & Tools:
• The Dyrt Pro (camping app; free 1-month trial with code A PLUS K)
• AllTrails (for hike planning and tracking)
• Blog Posts: Linked in video description—how to find free camping and how to plan a camping trip.
• Tour Companies: Major Marine Tours for Kenai Fjords cruises.
• Next Steps:
• Plan Alaska trips with flexibility and preparedness for weather, closures, and wildlife.
• Research local regulations for national parks and nearby amenities.
• Consider extending stays in the Kenai Peninsula area for a more relaxed experience.
• Recommended Viewing: Previous and future videos on Alaska road trips, camping tips, and national park adventures.