Southcentral Community: Halibut Cove
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The community of Halibut Cove is nestled along a 3-mile-wide bay on the east shore of Kachemak Bay. Between 1911 and 1928, the community had 42 herring salteries and a population of about 1,000. Today, the community of 23 is made up of self-employed artists, commercial fishermen and craftsmen.
There are no roads in Halibut Cove, but some 12 blocks of boardwalk run along the water’s edge and provide a scenic and relaxing way to explore this charming community. Stroll the boardwalks for spectacular views of Kachemak Bay, access the only restaurant in town, the Saltry, and visit galleries displaying the work of local artists. Well-known artist Diana Tillion, who is famous for her octopus ink and watercolor paintings, has a gallery. Visitors can also walk down to the floats to see several historic wooden boats.
Bird watching in the area is excellent and there are good hiking trails. Kachemak Bay State Park hiking trails are accessible from Halibut Cove. China Poot Lake Trail begins at Halibut Cove Lagoon. The Lagoon Trail winds along Halibut Cove to intersect with the China Poot Lake trail. The bay shoreline offers excellent kayaking, clamming, tide pool exploration and beach combing.
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The Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay are the end of the road in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
Population: 23
Location: Halibut Cove is in the Kachemak Bay State Park on the Kenai Peninsula. It lies on the south shore of Kachemak Bay, 12 miles across the inlet from the Homer Spit.
Access: Floatplane, boat, private Kachemak Bay Ferry, M/V Danny J, depart Homer at noon and 5 p.m. daily in summer and is a 45-minute ferry ride that includes Gull Island bird sanctuary.
Accommodations: Bed and breakfasts, cabins, one restaurant, limited services.
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