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Just
a short water-taxi ride across the
bay from Homer lies Kachemak Bay State
Park, Alaska's first state park, and
only wilderness park. Here' you'll
find some 400,000 acres of mountains,
glaciers, forests, and ocean, along
with cool twisted rock formations-evidence
of movement in the earth's crust.
You'll also find some 80 miles of
trails. Enjoy hikes along the shoreline
and in the surrounding forests and
mountains. Above timberline, glaciers
and snowfields stretch for miles. Access
is by boat or airplane, as there's
no road here-all the better to leave
the crowds behind.
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Three Hikes Across Kachemak Bay
Glacier Lake Trail
Length: 3.7-mile loop via Saddle Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Time: 3-5 hr, including time to look at the glacier
This popular hike serves up spectacular scenery just 30 minutes from Homer by water taxi. Land at Rusty's Lagoon (a great spot for tidepooling), and take the Glacier Spit trailhead. The trail passes through spruce and cottonwood, then opens up to glacial moraine with a view of mountains and ice and ends at the lake, where Grewingk Glacier calves icebergs. A short backtrack leads you to the Saddle Trail, a mile from your pickup point in sheltered Halibut Cove. Privies are available at the trailhead and the lake. Camp overnight at Rusty's Lagoon, at Rusty's Campsite (watch for the short spur trail less than half a mile in), or backpack in and camp on the beach at Glacier Lake.
» More hiking in Grewingk Valley
CAUTION: Attempting to access the glacier along the south end of the lake is both dangerous and difficult. Take the Alpine Ridge Trail for a glacial overlook instead.
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Alpine Ridge Trail
Length: 5 miles out and back, plus Glacier Lake Trail loop (3.7 mi)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (long, steep climbs)
Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet
Time: 7-9 hr
For a longer day hike, add this popular route to the Glacier Lake Trail loop. You'll pick up the trail heading south down the Saddle Trail, then climb a steep ridge above treeline to alpine tundra, with great views of Kachemak Bay, Grewingk Glacier, and the glacial valley. In August, you'll find ripe blueberries. Retrace your steps and continue down the Saddle Trail to the Halibut Cove pickup. |
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Grace Ridge Trail
Length: 8.2-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (long climbs)
Elevation Gain: 3,145 feet
Time: 6-8 hr from drop-off to pick-up
This popular trail begins at Kayak Beach Campsite, accessible by water taxi, between Tutka Bay and Sadie Cove. Head up through spruce and alders, and stop at the alpine knob at 1,745 feet for great photo opportunities of Eldred Passage, Sadie Peak, and Cook Inlet volcanoes. Watch for mountain goats, black bears, and golden and bald eagles. For a shorter out-and-back, turn around here, at mile 2.9. Or, continue on through the trees, cross a saddle, and climb the alpine ridgelines to the peak. On a clear day you can see Kachemak Bay and the Gulf of Alaska. The trail down the mountain isn't well-marked, but it's easy to follow the knife-edge of the ridge. This one-way hike puts you about 6 miles into Tutka Bay for pickup at South Grace trailhead. |
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