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Kachemak Bay State Park
and Kachemak Bay State Wilderness Park
Located on the lower Kenai peninsula, Kachemak Bay State contains 375,000 acres of
mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests and ocean. With the
2-million-acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the
670,000-acre Kenai Fjords National Park right next door, the
wilderness appears to go on forever.
Like much in Alaska, Kachemak Bay's natural attractions come on
a grand scale. Here, for example, one finds the second largest
tides in the world, with a 15-foot average between high and low
and an extreme of 28 feet.
Hiking and camping along the shoreline is often rewarded with
glimpses of marine life, such as sea otters, seals, porpoises,
puffins and whales.
Those who venture inland to the forests, mountains and alpine
lakes may see moose, black bears, mountain goats, coyotes and
wolves. Eagles and gyrfalcons - large arctic falcons - soar
overhead.
More than 40 miles of trails offer easy-to-difficult hikes. Poot Peak
has some of the best views on the trail system, but hikers must
work for the reward, climbing steep, rugged terrain.
Cross-country and telemark skiers and ice climbers pursue their
sport above the timberline on miles of glaciers and snowfields.
Hunting and fishing for salmon and rainbow trout are also
popular.
The park has primitive campsites and public-use cabins.
Backpackers are encouraged to camp at designated sites because
of the potential for bear encounters.
No roads lead to the park. Kayaking across the bay is not recommended. Captain Dick and staff will be happy to suggest accomodations and camping spots as well as coordinating transportation.
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