Hey adventure seekers! If you’re heading to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, and looking for some epic hiking trails, yo’ve arrived to the right place. As a local, I’ve handpicked my top 4 favorite hikes for you to explore. Whether you’re up for a day trip or want to combine them for a multi-day adventure, these trails offer stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences. Plus, I’ve kept it easy by focusing on day trips, so you can leave your backpacking gear at home and dive straight into the wilderness. Lace up your boots and let’s hit the trail!
The Top 4 Trails
1. Lost Lake Trail (Seward)
- Distance: 15 miles (point to point or out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 2600 feet
This trail is a must-try! I’ve hiked, biked, and camped here, and it’s truly stunning. Imagine an alpine lake surrounded by rugged chasms and three glaciers – it’s breathtaking. Though popular, there are quiet spots to enjoy. The glacier movements are fascinating for geology buffs. Start at Primrose campground for a gentler climb and great views, then head to the ridge for the main attraction. Beat the crowds with an early start and explore the hidden glacier at the lake’s west end. You’ll love it!
And here’s the kicker – this is also a stellar mountain bike ride if you so choose. Soak up all this beauty while pedaling along the mountain ridge. This is a great hike, but it’s one heck of a bike ride.
Stay: Moby Dick’s (Seward), Resurrection Lodge on the Bay (Seward), Salted Roots Cabins (Seward)
Map: All Trails
2. Grewingk Glacier Trail (Homer)
- Distance (Glacier Lake to Saddle): 8.9 miles (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 1,290 feet
- Distance: (Saddle): 3.0 miles (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 704 feet
A glacier hike near Homer that includes dense rainforest, frequent wildlife sightings, a must-do water taxi ride, and a glacial lake dotted with electric-blue icebergs — the Grewingk Glacier trail is as Alaskan as it gets.
Grewingk Glacier is the most popular trail in 400,000-acre Kachemak Bay State Park (fun fact: it’s Alaska’s very first state park!), but don’t let that deter you. This hike is spectacular, truly, and its remote location means that even when it’s “busy,” it’s not that busy.
Now, since this hike goes from point A to point B, there are a bunch of route options to pick from. But heads up, you can only get to the trailheads by boat. So, a bit of planning ahead is needed. That’s probably why it’s never too packed with folks! We’d recommend Mako’s Water Taxi for your ride from Homer or Halibut Cove.
Don’t let the boat logistics or the remote vibes scare you off. Honestly, we think that’s part of what makes this hike so epic. It’s actually one of our all-time faves! Oh, and if you’re hitting this trail between July and September, keep an eye out for wild blueberries, salmonberries, or cranberries. Seriously, it’s like a berry buffet out there, and they’re super tasty!
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those hiking boots and get ready for an Alaskan adventure you won’t forget!
Stay: Coho Cabana (Halibut Cove), Downtown Bungalow (Homer)
Maps: All Trails, Alaska Hike Search, Topo Map
3. Crow Pass Trail (Girdwood)
- Distance: 22.3 miles (point to point or out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 3,277 feet
Alright, let’s talk about this epic hike that’s part of the historic Iditarod Trail. Trust us, the scenery here is next-level awesome. Think old mine ruins, a rad rock chasm waterfall, Crystal Lake, Raven Gorge, and the jaw-dropping Raven Glacier with its massive cascades. Yup, this hike screams Alaska!
The Raven area and the glacier? Absolutely mind-blowing. Trust me, you’ll see glaciers and landscapes in a whole new light. One of my favorite summer activities? Sledding down the glacier on my raincoat. It’s epic! Plus, if you’re into old mines and mining history, you’ll find tons of old shafts and equipment scattered around the valley. Just a heads up, though – I wouldn’t go into any of the mines (seriously, danger zone!). But the mining history here? Super cool.
Now, most folks hike straight through to Eagle River, with a car waiting at the Eagle River Nature Center. But here’s a tip: why not stop at the gorge? Spend some extra time soaking in the beauty of the Crow Pass area – it’s hands-down the most scenic part of the hike. There’s a ton to see, like ridges, waterfalls, and more glaciers.
If you’re up for it, you can go all the way to the river ford. There are sweet flat campsites with plenty of firewood and killer views of Eagle Glacier. For some added privacy, camp at the lake. Heck, you could even add an extra day to explore this glacier. So, whether you’re all about the hiking or just want to soak up some Alaskan awesomeness, this hike should definitely be on your list!
Stay: Alyeska Resort (Girdwood)
Map: All Trails, Alaska Hike Search
4. Portage Pass Trail (Portage/Whittier)
- Distance: 4.4 miles (out and back)
- Elevation Gain: 1,423 feet
Stay: Alyeska Resort (Girdwood)
Map: All Trails, Alaska Hike Search
Recommended Gear for Day Hiking:
Hiking in Alaska isn’t necessarily tougher than in other mountainous parts of the U.S. But compared to the lower 48, you’re often farther from help and less likely to run into other people. Plus, Alaska’s unpredictable weather can quickly turn a day trip into a risky situation. So, even if you’re just going out for a day hike, it’s smart to pack a bit more than you might elsewhere. Here’s what you’ll want to bring along (I’ve linked to some gear I personally use):
- Map (Kenai Peninsula, Homer area)
- Bear Spray – a must for a hike of any length (buy at Costco in Anchorage)
- Compass
- Flashlight
- Extra Food (check out Packaroons – made in Alaska)
- Extra Clothes – Between rain, fording rivers, and muddy trails, hypothermia is a real concern up here. Always keep rain gear in a quickly accessible place.
- Sunglasses – Remember you may be at a higher elevation and the sun is shining at an extreme angle. With snow, the reflection is blinding.
- First Aid Kit
- Pocket Knife
- Waterproof Matches
- Fire Starter
- Insect Repellant – Do not take this lightly. A swarm of mosquitoes up here can really drive you nuts.
- Sunscreen – Very important if you plan on being above treeline. Once on the tundra, there are few places to get out of the sun. Also consider that in the summer it’s going to be shining on you for 19 hours.
