3. Go to Exit Glacier
60.183844,-149.6472933a map
Exit Glacier is the only accessible area in Kenai Fjords National Park. The highlight is the climb to Exit Glacier Overlook, an easy 2.2-mile hike. Now that it has decreased so much, we have to walk further and further. There are markers on the trail that show the year and where the glacier was. Valerie, our new friend from this trip, was showing us photos from 2015 and 2022 (shown below). It's heartbreaking to see how much the glacier has melted.
We recommend taking the right fork on the way to the glacier exit and walking back towards the Bitter Plain. We also looked Harding Icefield Trail for more difficult hikeof which 9.2 miles round trip With an elevation change of 3641 feet, but with limited time, we opted for a shorter hike.
The area is open year-round, but from late October/early November to early May, the road is closed due to snow. You can access it by snowmobiles, dog sledding, snowshoeing, fat bikes or skiing.
Local Council: As you drive towards the exit glacier, there is a pull-off on the left side of the road located here. Stop by to see what the view is like. If you can't see the glacier in the distance, you don't even need to hike.
Pro tip: We didn't encounter mosquitoes in other places, but we did see a bunch of them and get bitten here. Don't forget the bug spray, and if you have some, use this bug repellent. This works best after a bite.
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