Alaska's first state park encompasses 400,000 acres of pristine wilderness on the south side of Kachemak Bay.
The bay is a critical habitat area, famous for its abundant marine life. Visitors often see sea otters, seals, porpoise and whales. Intertidal zones bring out the best in marine studies, and land mammals include moose, black bear, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves. The many species of birds that inhabit the bay, including eagles, gyrfalcons and puffins, also make it a popular area for bird watching.
In the summer, hiking the park's more than 80 miles of trails provide amazing access to varied ecosystems and different elevations.
Hikers can choose their own adventure in the park. From a relatively flat and easy walk to Grewingk Glacier Lake to an adventurous climb up Poot Peak, magnificent views, abundant wildlife and plenty of good, clean air await.
Campers along the shoreline can easily find solitude. Kayakers can explore the natural bounty of the park's coves and bays. Hikers and skiers above tree line will find glaciers, snowfields and unparalleled vistas of the Kenai Mountains.
There are no roads to the park, making boat or air travel necessary for access. Charters, water taxis and boat rental companies in Homer know the area and can point you in the right direction.
Camping is permitted in most of the park and a number of sites have been developed to include fireplaces, picnic tables and tent platforms.
Public use cabins and yurts throughout the park are available to rent on a reservation basis as well.
Several mooring buoys throughout the park are available for boaters. The dock at Halibut Cove Lagoon provides access to a ranger station, public restrooms, three public use cabins and a major trailhead.
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The mountains, forests and glaciers of
Kachemak Bay State Park not only provide
Homer its magical view, they give residents and visitors alike an
adventurer's playground.
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Remember, any trip into a wilderness area like Kachemak Bay State Park requires preparation. The weather can change quickly and cause delays in transportation. Water is available from streams, but should be treated or boiled for 10 minutes before drinking. Encounters with bears and other animals happen frequently enough that hikers and campers should store food in caches or bear-proof containers and make plenty of noise while traveling through the park.
Also make sure to bring along a first-aid kit and a cell phone or a VHF radio as help is rarely available. In most areas of the park, you are on your own during emergencies.
In the winter months, high winds and snow team up to knock may dead trees across hiking trails, making them impassible. Each spring, crews and volunteers begin the summer-long chore of clearing them.
For a list of hiking trails and their current condition visit www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/asp/trailcondition.htm or talk to any of the local water taxi services.
