Kachemak Bay State Park
Alaska's first state park encompasses 400,000 acres of pristine wilderness on the south side of Kachemak Bay.

Wilderness Safety
Going outside? Go safely and prepare carefully. Tides are a concern in this part of the world, whether you're on a boat or on the beach. What may appear to be a good place to boat or a beach wide enough to hike may be strongly impacted by the bay's 15- to 28-foot tidal range. Tide books are available at most local businesses. Keep one close at hand.

State Campgrounds
Anchor River - Deep Creek - Kachemak Bay State Park - Ninilchik - Stariski Creek

Bear Viewing
It's not a surprise that brown bears top many visitors' wildlife-viewing wish lists. What may be a surprise, however, is just how easy it is in Homer to get a chance to see one of these magnificent creatures.

birding
Get out your bird guide and tick off a few more lifers. From the Homer hills to across Kachemak Bay, the odds are good to see a possible 241 species of birds over half the possible 471 species in Alaska. Some of those species are pretty odd, too, like the yellow-billed loon or ancient and Kittlitz's murrelets.

Sea Kayaking

National Geographic Adventure magazine said the first introduction to Homer should be by sea kayak.

Riding low in the water, kayaks bring you close to nature. Tidepool by kayak, gliding through crystal clear water over crustaceans, mollusks and starfish in the intertidal zones. Watch flocks of murres fly right around you, or quietly paddle along otters and seals and if you're lucky, near humpback whales.

Hiking & biking trails
The best way to get to know Homer its plants, animals, weather and views is on foot or on a bike. Each of these trails will give hikers and bikers a different adventure into the nature of the area. Bikes are allowed on all trails unless otherwise noted. Remember to bring water, snacks and plenty of bug repellent.<

Flora
Not all the state's treasures are buried below ground. A bounty of wildflowers and other plants offer beauty for all to enjoy. Whether roadside, along streams, near the shore, spread across a meadow, tucked in a forest or on a mountainside, color abounds. Here are a few flowers to be seen.