EMMA LUCK KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK & STATE WILDERNESS PARK Kachemak Bay State Park encompasses nearly 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests, beaches, and rivers. It is Alaska’s first state park and the only designated wilderness park. Locals and visitors alike enjoy backpacking, berry picking, beachcombing, bird watching, camping, canoeing, glacier traversing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, photography, packrafting, rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing all in this phenomenal wonderland. If you choose to spend time in the park, which we highly recommend, be prepared for a truly remote experience. The park is accessible by plane or a short and scenic water taxi out of Homer. If you want to hike, the park has more than 80 miles of trails. Be sure to talk with a local guide about the various hikes as each offers different views and levels of challenge. Depending on the time of year, you could be hiking among black bears as they forage for blueberries in the alpine ridges. If you choose to sea kayak, you’ll likely be among sea otters and sea birds flying by. If you’re lucky, you may see humpbacks or a pod of orcas. You’ll find many coves and bays to explore and stay protected from the weather. For the more adventurous travelers, consider getting dropped off by a local pilot for a multi-day hiking and packrafting trip along the Wosnesenski River (The Woz). For a more family-friendly hike, we suggest hiking the Glacier Lake Trail. Pack a lunch, even some pack rafts or stand up paddle boards, and enjoy a day at the lake in front of the massive Grewingk Glacier. Twenty-one campsites are scattered around Kachemak Bay State Park with no reservation required, and 6 public-use cabins can be reserved up to 7 months in advance. Eight private yurts also are available to reserve at AlaskanYurtRentals.com. Whatever you choose, book early. For more information on popular hikes and attractions, visit p. 40 or FriendsofKachemakBay.org. around here AROUND HERE 71 around here
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==