Kenai Fjords National Park, just outside the town of Seward, offers a rugged playground for hikers and wildlife watchers eager to engage with Alaska’s coastal wilderness. The trails here weave through forested slopes, rocky ridges, and glacier-sculpted valleys—each step a direct conversation with nature’s fierce independence. Whether you’re aiming for panoramic viewpoints or hoping to spot sea otters and black bears, these routes challenge you to move purposefully and stay alert to the land’s subtle cues.

Begin with the Harding Icefield Trail, the park’s signature trek. It covers 8.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain near 1,700 feet. The path starts as a quiet forest track where spruce and hemlock stand like watchful guardians, before spilling out onto open ridges, where glacial winds dare you forward. The view from the top, looking out across the massive Harding Icefield, rewards every ounce of effort. Wear supportive hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and plan to spend 5-7 hours—cloud cover can sneak in fast, so start early.

For a shorter, gentler route, don’t miss the Exit Glacier Trail. This 1.5-mile loop is accessible, with moderate terrain and striking close-up glacier views as the river below pushes steadily downhill. Exit Glacier’s icy face is an ever-moving presence, shifting subtly but powerfully. Interpretive signs along the trail help you understand the glacier’s impact on the land and local wildlife, including marmots and ptarmigans that flit through the brush.

Looking for solitude? The Lost Lake Trail steps away from the crowded paths. At 5.5 miles round trip with a 700-foot elevation gain, this trail ventures into quieter greenery. The lake itself is a reflective pool, framed by spruce and birch, where brown bears visit cautiously and eagles wheel overhead. Prepare your gear for variable weather; the trail can get slippery, and the forest floor holds hidden roots that test your footing.

Finally, the Tonsina Point Trail offers a relatively flat, 2.8-mile hike that edges the coastline. The salty, sharp air couples with the distant sounds of orca calls. This trail is a living gallery of wildflowers and birdlife, ideal for travelers who want moderate exertion without losing sight of the sea’s pulse. Timing here is key—mid-morning light highlights the dramatic views of Resurrection Bay.

Each trail here demands respect and preparation. Carry layers against sudden weather swings, keep your distance from wildlife, and pack snacks to fuel your hike. The Kenai Fjords are fiercely themselves—a place where every trail invites you to step with intent and leave with richer stories.

Use this guide to shape your adventure; from glacier rims to ocean shores, Seward’s trails turn Alaska’s wild heart into an open book you’re invited to read with both enthusiasm and care.