Current Conditions

Alerts

 
 

Important Park Closures and Safety Updates

 
An aerial view of Exit Glacier leading to the Outwash Plain.  There is red and yellow superimposed on the image.  The red is for the closure area of the Exit Glacier Canyon, and the Yellow is for the closure by the Exit Glacier Toe.
The Exit Glacier canyon emergency closure in red.

NPS Photo

DANGER: Closure of Exit Glacier Canyon Due to Risk of Outburst Flood


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.

 
Exit glacier pictured with red outline around lower portion.
For your safety, please obey all posted signs and avoid the ice fall hazard area.

NPS Photo

PARK CLOSURE: Toe of Exit Glacier Due to Ice Fall Hazard

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. Official trails will not bring you close to the closed area.
 
A young brown bear walks by in the distance as two people raise their arms in the foreground
Always be bear aware!

NPS Photo

TRAIL SAFETY: Be Bear Aware

  • Carry bear spray
  • Talk loudly
  • Hike in groups
  • Do not surprise a bear
  • Dogs and other pets are prohibited on trails at all times
  • Dogs and other pets 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!
 

Park Road Status

Herman Leirer Road (Exit Glacier Road) is the only road access into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Current Access to Herman Leirer Road by Automobile Traffic: CLOSED

Current Access to the Exit Glacier Area by Snowmachine (Snowmobile): CLOSED


Alaska 511: Only a small section of the road to Kenai Fjords National Park is within National Park Service boundaries. 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

 
Orange cones line the side of a road.
Please be respectful when parking. Do not block traffic or park over vegetation.

NPS Photo

PLAN AHEAD: Limited Parking at Exit Glacier

During the summer when the road is open there is limited parking at Exit Glacier, especially during the hours of 10:00 am - 3:30pm. Please consider the hours you come, carpooling, bicycling, or taking a shuttle or taxi, when you plan your trip.

Do not block traffic. Please be respectul to park grounds and follow any signage restricting parking. There are additional gravel car spots in the RV section of the parking lot.

 
 

Trail Conditions

All maintained trails begin in the Exit Glacier Area on the paved path adjacent to the Exit Glacier Nature Center just past the parking area. Bikes and pets are not allowed on trails past the parking lot.

Current Exit Glacier View Loop and Overlook Trail Conditions

  • All trails near the Exit Glacier Nature Center to the Glacier Overlook are open and clear of snow.

Current Harding Icefield Trail (HIT) Conditions

  • Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring a plentiful amount of water for this strenuous hike. The only water refill station and water fountains in the park are at the Exit Glacier Nature Center.
  • Harding Icefield Trail is open along its full length. Please stay on trail to reduce impact on sensitive vegetation.
  • The trail is snow-free through Top of the Cliffs (2.5 miles). The steeper section just beyond the viewpoint has patches of snow that can be slick.
Current Trail Conditions Last Updated: 7/28/2024
 
 
A person in full rain gear takes photos from the bow of a boat in wet conditions.
Weather

Are you ready to visit a coastal rainforest? The weather at Kenai Fjords is difficult to predict and can change rapidly.

Two people with backpacks walk towards water and mountains.
Backcountry

Being prepared can make the difference between the adventure of a lifetime and a cold, wet, miserable experience you may not survive.

A dog on a leash in a parking lot.
Pets

For the safety of wildlife, pets and visitors, pets are not allowed on park trails and must be leashed.

 

Last updated: October 21, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1727
Seward, AK 99664

Phone:

907 422-0500

Contact Us