Much of Kenai Fjords National Park's 600,000 acres is remote, trail-less backcountry. The vast majority of backcountry users kayak and camp along the coastal fjords. Each year a small number of adventurers also challenge the Harding Icefield - the vast expanse of snow and ice that dominates inland portions of the park.
Inland areas that aren't icebound consist mainly of sheer cliffs, steep gorges, and box canyons, often covered by dense vegetation.
Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles both for the preservation of wilderness and wildlife safety.
NPS Photo
Backcountry Safety
Being prepared can make the difference between the adventure of a lifetime and a cold, wet, miserable experience you may not survive.
Have a Trip Plan
Always let a responsible person know where you are going and when you expect to return. Let them know how long overdue you can be before they should start to worry.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Ocean storms can sweep through the Kenai Fjords any time of year. Good rain gear and extra food supplies are a must since weather may delay a charter pick-up for days. A properly prepared party can usually wait out bad weather and thus may be a few days overdue with no cause for alarm. Travel with a marine radio to stay informed of upcoming conditions. Don’t make your schedule too tight; allow extra time for delays and always have a backup plan. Better to get home late than to risk paddling through potentially deadly seas. When in doubt, stay on the beach.
Avoid landing on beaches within two miles of a tidewater glacier. Sudden waves from calving ice can slam the shore with surprising power, sweeping away kayaks and gear stored well above the apparent high tide line.
When choosing a landing/camping site, use clues such as driftwood accumulation, beach steepness and cobble size to judge what the wave action is likely to be in storm conditions. Make sure you will be able to launch from the beach in the morning if the wind or weather changes overnight.
