Alaska Hiking
From Homer to Seward on the Kenai Peninsula
Lace up those hiking boots and join us on the Kenai Peninsula to discover a wonderland of colossal mountains, sparkling glaciers, protected forests and bountiful wildlife. Experience stunning Kachemak Bay by kayak before hiking in its namesake state park. Trek in the shadow of ice-carved peaks across wildflower-filled meadows and expansive tundra to reach clear blue lakes and ever-creeping glaciers. In Kenai Fjords National Park, behold towering chunks of blue and white ice at Exit Glacier. And all the while, the local residents - from moose and sea otters to bald eagles - are never far away! Come nightfall, bed down in comfortable retreats tucked into magnificent Alaskan wilderness.
- The hike of a lifetime along Exit Glacier to staggering views of Resurrection River Valley and Harding Icefield
- Boat across Kachemak Bay, then trek to amazing Grewingk Glacier
- Coastal towns of Homer and Seward
- Watch for black bears, mountain goats and salmon swimming upstream
- Discover Ptarmigan Lake's alipine splendor
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Homer
Meet in Homer 
Hike along bluffs overlooking Homer and dramatic Kachemak Bay Travel by water taxi across the bay, looking for bald eagles, sea otters and dolphins Explore Kachemak Bay State Park, trekking through forests to Glacier Lake and the spectacular 13-mile-long Grewingk Glacier, where you may spot mountain goats and even black bears.
Day 3 Cooper Landing
Hike the Russian Lakes Trail through a wide open valley to the Russian River, where salmon fight their way upstream through a fierce current.
Days 4-6 Seward
Enjoy the wildflowers on a steep but rewarding hike to Carter Lake 
Wander in the picturesque town of Seward Head to Kenai Fjords National Park for a challenging and unforgettable trek that skirts Exit Glacier and passes through a dense forest that’s home to mountain goats, moose, black bears and marmots Take in unrivaled views of the Resurrection River Valley and Harding Icefield, a glacier spanning more than 900 square miles Walk through a forested landscape to turquoise Ptarmigan Lake.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Yellowstone Walking Canadian Rockies Walking Glacier WalkingOther National Parks Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
A phenomenal experience filled with sensory awe and everlasting memories. The local guides and leaders were more than simply competent - they were effervescent personalities that precisely complemented the experience. We trekked to locations that we could not have imagined, enjoyed vistas that no camera picture will ever fully capture. It was, quite simply, the best.- Oceanside, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Alaska Hiking
KENAI COMFORT: Casual Inns
Land's End Resort
Homer (2 nights) You’ll hardly believe the spectacular views at this charming hotel, perched at the tip of Homer Spit in the middle of Kachemak Bay.
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Cooper Landing (1 night) Bungalow-style rooms with vaulted ceilings and wood-burning stoves, set in the lush Kenai River Valley.
Seward Windsong Lodge
Seward (2 nights) Nestled in the woods near Exit Glacier with expansive vistas of the striking Resurrection River Valley.
Alaska Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 4, 10 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- 6.5 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 6, 8 miles
- 2000 - 3200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 7 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain