Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most breathtaking and unique natural attractions in Alaska. With its glaciers, fjords, and diverse wildlife, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and majesty of the great outdoors. While there are many ways to explore this incredible national park, one of the most thrilling and memorable ways is by taking a flight over it.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of flying over Kenai Fjords and what you can expect from this incredible experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a new way to explore the park, a flight over Kenai Fjords is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Why Kenai Fjords Is So Popular
Only 2.5-hours south of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska.
This national park got its name for its towering fjords, but it’s better known for the slow-moving glaciers that etched out the fjords over millions of years. The national park began gaining it’s popularity in the 1980s due to the Harding Ice Field, which is more than 700-square-miles in size and feeds more than 40 glaciers.
You can experience parts of the park by vehicle and hiking or cover more area and get up close and personal by boat and airplane tour. Half or full day boat cruises are available from the harbor in Seward from mid-March to mid-October or you can enjoy the park’s majesty from above via a helicopter or airplane tour. For a real treat, you can take off from the icy blue glacier waters of Upper Trail Lake on a float plane and get a magnificent view of most of the park in a one hour floatplane tour.
Why Fly Over Kenai Fjords National Park?
Even from the ground, Kenai Fjords is magnificent and beautiful. From the air, you will get to experience a whole new world.
There are many reasons why flying over Kenai Fjords is a must-do for anyone visiting the park.
Here are just a few:
Unobstructed Views
When you’re flying over the park, you’ll have an unobstructed view of its breathtaking landscapes. From glaciers to fjords to wildlife, you’ll be able to see everything in a way that’s simply not possible on the ground. The unobstructed views provide a sense of openness and expansiveness that is visually stunning and awe-inspiring. You will find no better source of beauty and inspiration anywhere in the world.
Did you know that unobstructed views can actually have psychological benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood? Studies have shown that exposure to natural views can improve mental health and well-being.
Convenient
Flying over Kenai Fjords is a convenient way to see the park’s many attractions. In just a short flight, you’ll be able to see more of the park than you would in a full day of hiking. Flight tours allow park visitors to quickly and easily access remote or hard-to-reach areas that may not be accessible by ground transportation or on foot. This makes it possible to see and experience some of the most spectacular and isolated areas of the world.
Not only does flying over the Kenai Fjords offer convenience by making it possible to view areas you wouldn’t be able to otherwise see, flight tours save time compared to ground transportation or hiking, allowing you to see and experience a much wider area in a shorter amount of time. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited time or for those who want to maximize their sightseeing experience.
Thrilling Experience
Flying over the park is an exciting and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re soaring above glaciers or flying over the park’s rugged coastline, you’ll be left with memories that will last a lifetime. Viewing Alaska by airplane can give a sense of freedom that is hard to replicate in other sightseeing activities. The ability to soar through the skies offers a unique and often spectacular perspective of the world, with stunning views of landscapes, coastlines, and wildlife.
What to Expect on a Flight Over Kenai Fjords National Park
When you take a flight over Kenai Fjords, you can expect a truly breathtaking experience. Here are just a few of the things you can expect to see and experience:
Stunning Views of Glaciers
One of the highlights of flying over Kenai Fjords is the chance to see the park’s many glaciers up close. From above, you’ll be able to see the intricate patterns and crevices of these massive ice formations.
Wildlife
Kenai Fjords is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, and bald eagles. From the air, you’ll have the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitats, giving you a unique and intimate look at their lives.
The Fjords
Of course, one of the main attractions of Kenai Fjords is its stunning fjords. Flying over these deep valleys and inlets will give you a completely new perspective on their beauty and scale.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, a flight over the park is a must-do. With its stunning views, convenient travel, and thrilling experience, it’s an unforgettable way to explore Alaska’s natural wonders. So why wait? Book your flight today and experience the beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park like never before.
Looking for a place to stay while visiting the park? Your best bet is to find a place to stay in Seward or the small nearby town of Moose Pass.
Facts About Kenai Fjords National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park is located in Alaska and covers an area of 669,984 acres.
- The park is home to over 40 glaciers, including the Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest ice fields in the United States.
- Kenai Fjords is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, whales, and bald eagles.
- The park was established in 1980 and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
- The park’s fjords were formed by glaciers carving deep valleys into the coastline over thousands of years.
- In the early 20th century, the park was used for commercial fishing and gold mining.
- The park is home to a variety of plant life, including glaciers, rainforests, and alpine tundra.
- The park has a rich cultural history, with the indigenous Alutiiq people having lived in the area for thousands of years.
- Kenai Fjords is considered one of the best places in the world for observing glaciers and their impact on the surrounding landscape.
- The park receives over 400,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular national parks in Alaska.