Current Conditions

Alerts

 

 

Latest Covid-19 Update

Kenai Peninsula and Burrough, which includes Kenai Fjords National Park, is in LOW community level transmission. Therefore, wearing a mask in federal buildings at Kenai Fjords National Park is not required.

In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.

Mask requirements vary by park based on CDC's COVID-19 Community Level tool. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Facility Updates

Both our Visitor Center by the Seward Small boat Harbor and Exit Glacier Nature Center are closed for the season.

 

Park Information and Current Conditions

Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round; however, the road to Exit Glacier is closed to cars for the winter months and much of the spring. Snow at higher elevations on the Harding Icefield trail can persist into mid-summer. It is always a good idea to check on current conditions before setting out.

This site is updated regularly to reflect the latest conditions, as is the Recorded Information Line at 907-422-0573. If needed, contact the park headquarters directly at [phone], during normal business hours.

 

Road to Exit Glacier (Herman Leirer Road):

The Herman Leirer Road is CLOSED to automobile traffic.

The Exit Glacier Area is currently CLOSED to snowmachine use. Refer to the Exit Glacier Developed Area map and regulations for details on snowmachine boundaries in the Exit Glacier Area.

Note: During the summer when the road is open there is limited parking at Exit Glacier, especially during the hours of 10:30 am - 3:30pm. Please consider the hours you come, carpooling, bicycling, or taking a shuttle or taxi, when you plan your trip.

 

Road to Exit Glacier

During the winter, Herman Leirer Road is unmaintained and inaccessible to automobile traffic due to a state road closure. Traveling beyond the state gate (first gate) to the Exit Glacier Area is another 7 miles (11.5 km), and an additional 1 mile to the Exit Glacier overlook. If continuing to the Exit Glacier Area, it is important to be prepared for minimal daylight and winter weather conditions.

 

For your safety, please obey all posted signs and avoid the ice fall hazard area. NPS Photo

Note: An ice fall hazard zone has been identified at the toe and sides of Exit Glacier, due to tall blocks and slabs of ice, as well as ice caves. For your safety, entry into this zone is prohibited. Please do not continue past ice fall hazard zone signs.

 

The Exit Glacier canyon emergency closure

NPS Photo

Note: A closure is in place from the toe of Exit Glacier to the end of the canyon where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain. The canyon is susceptible to unpredictable glacier outburst flooding events which can produce sudden surges of water combined with large ice chunks, rock, and other debris.

Because glacier outbursts are caused by the hydrology within the glacier, not prevailing weather conditions, a glacier outburst can happen at any time. Visitors accessing the Outwash Plain should be aware that water levels may rise quickly. Outburst flood waters often carry large amounts of ice, rock, and other debris. The entire Outwash Plain is susceptible to flooding. Please be aware of your surroundings and seek high ground immediately if water levels begin to rise.

 

Trail Conditions

The Harding Icefield Trail

• Current Harding Icefield Trail (HIT) Conditions (Updated 9/28/2023).
• HIT is now free of Avalanche Danger
• Trekking poles are highly recommended
• Start of trail up to Marmot Meadows 0% Snow Coverage
  • The trail has a few muddy patches
• Marmot Meadows Top of the Cliffs (mi 2.4) 0% Snow Coverage
  • This section of the trail has some muddy and slippery areas
• Top of the Cliffs to End of the Trail 10% Snow Coverage
  • A few snowy patches on the trail
  • Snow is starting to fall on the Harding Icefield, hikers need to be prepared for snowy and icy conditions-- trekking poles and micro-spikes for boots.
• On sunny days, hikers should bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.
• Trails are open to foot traffic only. No bikes or pets.
• This is a long and strenuous hike and proper preparation is important. Trail and weather conditions can change over the course of a day. Be prepared, and make sure to have food and water, extra clothes, sturdy footwear, and rain gear.
• Hikers should be prepared for a wide range of conditions, including wet, mud, rain/snow and rockfall.

 

Trails near the Exit Glacier Nature Center:

All trails near the Exit Glacier Nature Center are open.

• Trails are open to foot traffic only, no bikes or pets.

 

Trail Safety

BE BEAR AWARE
*Carry bear spray
*Talk loudly
*Hike in groups
*Do not surprise a bear

NO DOGS
*Dogs are prohibited on trails at all times
*Dogs may add to the stress of bears or other wildlife

IF YOU SEE A BEAR
*Back away
*Give it lots of space
*Don't get between a sow and cubs
*Plan to wait if there is a bear near the trail - You are no longer in a hurry!

 

Alaska 511:
Alaska's Department of Transportation website will continuously update the driving conditions on the state's highways. The Seward Highway (AK-9) is the only road that provides access to Kenai Fjords National Park.