Overnight Experiences in Kenai Fjords National Park

Just a two-hour drive south from Alaska’s biggest city is the majestic Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is renowned for its calving tidewater glaciers, dramatic fjords, abundant marine wildlife and, inland, the sweeping expanse of the Harding Icefield. Icebergs released from calving tidal glaciers bob in protected bays, and sea otters, puffins, seals, and several species of whale populate the park’s waters. 

Many travelers spend only a day exploring the closer reaches of the park on a day tour from the gateway community of Seward, but an overnight journey offers you opportunities for bigger adventures, deeper solitude, and better access to raw wilderness. Following are options for overnight and multi-day adventures into the park, including accommodations, guided trips, and transport services. 

Public Use Cabins

A wonderful way to enjoy a rustic Alaska experience is by staying a night or two in a public use cabin. A step up from camping, these shelters are equipped with bunks, a table, and some form of heat source (gas or wood-burning stove). You’ll need to bring sleeping gear as well as food, cooking equipment, and fuel for the fire. 

There are three cabins within the borders of the park, and several more just outside it in Caines Head State Recreation Area. Most require a water taxi or kayak to reach, though two in Caines Head are reachable by foot. These cabins need to be reserved online well in advance, as reservations fill up quickly. 

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Private Lodges, Cabins, & Yurts

If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, you’ll have many choices for private cabins and lodges. The Alaska Native-owned Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge sits in a stunning location in Pederson Lagoon and offers direct views of Pedersen Glacier. There are private, eco-friendly cabins with en-suite bathrooms and access to activities such as sea kayaking, interpretive nature walks, and hiking. The lodge also features a cedar sauna, an expansive deck with glacier views, and gourmet dining. Access is via a wildlife and glacier cruise from Seward.

The Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is equally stunning, as it’s situated on a private island overlooking Resurrection Bay. The accommodation is solar powered and there’s no internet or phone service, encouraging guests to foster a deep connection with nature. And once you’ve worked up an appetite on the guided kayak or beach walks, gourmet meals ensure you’re properly nourished for your next adventure. 

You'll also find several cozy yurts in scenic locations in and around Kenai Fjords National Park. Just before the bounds of the park are Orca Island Cabins, where a handful of yurts perch in a tranquil setting above Humpy Cove. Mossy rainforest walks, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and fishing are all on offer at this all-inclusive mini-resort, accessibly by boat from Seward. A little farther out are the oceanfront yurts of Shearwater Cove, nestled in a stunning cove in Resurrection Bay. Enjoy some peaceful time off-the-grid while exploring the area by kayaking, hiking, and beach walking right from the property. Across the bay are the Bear Glacier Lagoon Yurts, located on the edge of the iceberg-studded Bear Glacier Lagoon and accessible by helicopter ride from Seward. 

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Camping

There are a variety of options for camping in the park, from one designated campground to informal backcountry sites. Inland, Exit Glacier Campground is the park’s sole designated campground, and is also road accessible. It’s free to camp here, and you’ll wake to views of Exit Glacier and the sounds of the river rushing just below you. 

For those who are kayaking or simply wish to take a water taxi to a more isolated area, popular backcountry sites include Holgate Arm near Holgate Glacier, the sandy beaches on Aialik Bay, and the secluded, rocky beaches and spits of Northwestern Fjord. Note that some areas, such as Pedersen Lagoon, are private and require permits. 

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Multi-Day Kayaking

With all of its coves, glacial bays, and abundant marine life, it’s no surprise that Kenai Fjords National Park is a world-class kayaking destination. An overnight trip lets you spend extended time in deep wilderness, visiting less-frequented spots and having closer encounters with wildlife. There are several companies in Seward that will guide an overnight or multi-day trip and have guides with expertise in navigation, safety, and the biology and geology of the area. Outfitters can also offer trips tailored to specific interests, such photography, birdwatching, or glacier exploration. If you’re an experienced kayaker, you can rent gear and set out on your own. 

Most overnight trips will involve camping, but you can also reserve a public use cabin. Rather than setting off by kayak from Seward, consider taking a water taxi – you’ll start out much closer to the park’s best locations. 

Popular overnight destinations include Aialik Bay, Northwestern Fjord, and Bear Glacier Lagoon. Each offers unique features, from tidewater glaciers and icebergs to serene coves and dramatic fjord landscapes. Be particularly cautious when close to calving glaciers and icebergs, as their action can cause very large waves.

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Water Taxis 

Water taxis are a great way to access the park for overnight journeys; even if you’re kayaking, a taxi will save you a day’s worth of paddling just to reach the park boundary. Water taxi services can deliver you to campsites and public use cabins, and are a great way to curate an independent adventure.

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