Best Hikes on the Kenai Peninsula: Top Scenic Trails for Your Alaskan Adventure
March 4, 2025
The Kenai Peninsula is a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the most breathtaking trails in Alaska. With rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and pristine alpine lakes, this region is perfect for outdoor lovers looking to experience the best of the Last Frontier. Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or a challenging backcountry trek, the Kenai Peninsula has something for everyone.
Here are the top scenic, best hikes Kenai Peninsula has to offer that you won’t want to miss:
1. Harding Icefield Trail
Location: Kenai Fjords National Park
Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,812 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
If you want to witness one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska, the Harding Icefield Trail is a must-do. This strenuous hike takes you from the valley floor through lush meadows and up to panoramic views of the massive Harding Icefield—an endless expanse of ice and snow stretching as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, black bears, and breathtaking glacier views along the way.
2. Exit Glacier Overlook Trail
Location: Kenai Fjords National Park
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 429 feet
Difficulty: Easy
For those looking for a shorter and easier hike, the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail is a fantastic choice. This well-maintained trail leads you up close to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the state. It’s an excellent hike for all skill levels and provides an up-close view of the glacier’s stunning blue ice.
3. Slaughter Gulch Trail
Location: Cooper Landing
Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
This steep but rewarding hike takes you high above Cooper Landing, offering breathtaking views of Kenai Lake and the surrounding mountains. The Slaughter Gulch Trail is a great option for those looking for a workout, as the incline is quite intense. However, the panoramic views from the top make every step worth it.
4. Grace Ridge Trail
Location: Kachemak Bay State Park
Distance: 9 miles point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 3,277 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Accessible by boat from Homer, the Grace Ridge Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the Kenai Peninsula. The trail follows a ridge high above Kachemak Bay, offering jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the ocean below. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales in the bay while you hike.
5. Russian River Falls Trail
Location: Near Cooper Landing
Distance: 5.1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 374 feet
Difficulty: Easy
This easy, well-maintained trail leads to the famous Russian River Falls, where you can watch salmon jump up the falls during the summer months. It’s an excellent hike for families and wildlife enthusiasts, as bears are often spotted fishing in the river.
6. Skyline Trail
Location: Near Moose Pass
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
If you're looking for a short but steep hike with a big payoff, the Skyline Trail is a fantastic choice. This trail climbs quickly to an incredible overlook where you can see the Kenai Mountains and beyond. It’s a great option for a sunrise or sunset hike.
Where to Stay: Baycrest Lodge in Homer, AK
After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than relaxing in comfort—and Baycrest Lodge, a top Homer, AK lodge, is the perfect place to unwind. Located on a bluff overlooking Kachemak Bay, Baycrest Lodge offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views.
Why Stay at Baycrest Lodge?
- Private Hot Tubs: Relax your muscles in a private hot tub while soaking in the stunning ocean and mountain views.
- Luxury Alaska Cabins & Lodges: Choose from beautifully designed cabins and lodges with cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, and spacious living areas.
- Perfect Base for Exploring: Located just minutes from Homer, Baycrest Lodge is the ideal home base for exploring Kachemak Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park, and beyond.
- Peace & Tranquility: Enjoy a serene atmosphere away from the crowds, making it the perfect place to unwind after an adventurous day.
Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an outdoor adventure, Baycrest Lodge provides the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness.
Plan Your Ultimate Hiking Adventure on the Kenai Peninsula!
With breathtaking trails, wildlife encounters, and stunning scenery, the Kenai Peninsula is a dream destination for hikers. And with Baycrest Lodge as your home base, you can explore Alaska in style while enjoying the ultimate in relaxation.
Contact us to book your stay at Baycrest Lodge and start planning your Alaskan adventure!
