Discover Alaska's wild beauty with Bay Excursions’ Glacier Lake Hike, featuring a water taxi ride and a thrilling journey through Grewingk Glacier Trail. Ready for stunning views and wildlife encounters?
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, able to hike uneven terrain and handle steady elevation gain with some breaks.
Wildlife
History
The Grewingk Glacier and surrounding lands have long been part of the traditional territories of the Alutiiq people, who have lived in this region for thousands of years.
Conservation
Kachemak Bay State Park is protected to preserve its unique ecosystems, with visitors encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
Bay Excursions
Discover Alaska's wild beauty with Bay Excursions’ Glacier Lake Hike, featuring a water taxi ride and a thrilling journey through Grewingk Glacier Trail. Ready for stunning views and wildlife encounters?
Bay Excursions is a small, locally operated tour company based in Homer, Alaska, offering guided marine wildlife and glacier lake experiences in Kachemak Bay and Kachemak Bay State Park.
The company focuses on safe, educational trips that highlight Alaska’s coastal ecology and glacial landscapes. Tours include a naturalist-guided Marine Wildlife Tour that visits Gull Island Seabird Rookery and searches for humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins, and a Glacier Lake Hike that combines a scenic water taxi ride with a self-guided hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake. Bay Excursions uses experienced local guides and established routes, and operates from Homer, a recognized gateway to Kachemak Bay. Safety briefings, sensible group sizes, and appropriate equipment recommendations are part of each itinerary to ensure guests are prepared for variable Alaskan weather and terrain. The Marine Wildlife Tour emphasizes wildlife viewing etiquette and ecological interpretation at key sites, including observation of nesting seabirds on Gull Island and marine mammals in their natural habitat. The Glacier Lake Hike provides access to alpine scenery, glacial river crossings using a hand tram, and viewpoints overlooking icebergs and the Grewingk Glacier. Bay Excursions works with local harbor and park authorities for transportation and trail access, and provides clear pre-trip information to help visitors plan clothing, footwear, and timing. Travelers seeking immersive wildlife viewing or accessible glacier scenery from Homer will find these curated day trips focused on natural history, outdoor experience, and practical safety. Booking information, schedules, and seasonal availability are published through Bay Excursions' reservations online directly.
Base
Homer, AK
Gateway to Kachemak Bay
Glacier Hike
Grewingk Trail
Water taxi to trailhead
Wildlife Tours
Sea otters & puffins
Includes Gull Island rookery
Tour Types
2 experiences
Wildlife and glacier trips
Reserve a spot on a Marine Wildlife Tour or Glacier Lake Hike today — check schedules and availability.
Arrive Early for the Water Taxi
Water taxi departures are limited, so arriving early secures your preferred time and ensures a smooth start.
Wear Layered Clothing
Alaskan weather can change quickly; dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the hike.
Flashlight for the Hand Tram
Bring a small flashlight or headlamp to cross the glacial river safely, especially if hiking late in the day.
Pack Snacks and Water
There are no facilities on the trail, so bring enough food and water to stay energized and hydrated.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Protect your feet on wet, uneven trail sections and river crossings.
Layered Clothing
Adapts to fluctuating weather conditions during the hike.
Insect Repellent
Keep pesky mosquitoes and blackflies at bay during warmer months.
summer
Headlamp or Flashlight
Useful for additional lighting when crossing the glacial river hand tram.