The best family-friendly hikes and walks in the Kenai Mountains

Unfortunately closed at the beginning of September.

This is the terminus of the Harding Icefield Trail. The massive sheet of ice that spreads out to the horizon from here is the birthplace of more than 35 glaciers — the headwaters of those slow-flowing rivers of ice, if you will. You earned these views, so look your fill — but don't venture onto the ice unless you have the proper equipment and training for glacier travel, and are ready to deal with rapidly changing weather. In fact, the weather up here can be so changeable that there's an emergency shelter.

The hike to Russian River Falls on the Kenai Peninsula takes you through Alaska's impressive nature on a well-developed and mostly flat path. The approximately 2-mile trail starts at the Russian River Campground and runs through dense forests that offer you a view of the native flora and fauna. The hike is relatively easy, making it ideal for relaxed exploration. At the end of the trail, two observation platforms await you, perfectly placed to experience the impressive waterfalls up close. This place comes alive especially during salmon season in summer. Thousands of salmon fight their way upstream here, and with a little luck you can even watch bears fishing - a unique spectacle of nature that will stay with you for a long time. Other wildlife, such as eagles and the occasional fox, also take advantage of the abundance of fish and make the scenery even more impressive. The chance of seeing animals is particularly high early in the morning or towards the evening. The Russian River Falls Trail is more than just a hike; It gives you the feeling of diving deep into Alaska's wild nature and offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.

In any case, always check there before you go on a trail. Current Ingos, e.g. regarding bears

The Exit Glacier is perfectly framed by the shoulders of the mountain across the water. An informational signboard tells you about the view. There are trails up to the Exit Glacier—if you are hiking the Harding Icefield on your visit, this overlook puts the trail in context.

The rangers at the Nature Center are super friendly and can give you information about the current weather forecast and bear sightings on the day of your hike. You will also find interesting information about the glacier theme and small souvenirs.

A wonderful viewpoint, but every step further to the Harding Icefield will be so worth it. If you have the time, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to walk the path all the way to the end!!!

The Harding Icefield is a huge field of ice and snow. And when I say huge, I mean that it goes beyond your imagination. This icefield "feeds" around 40 glaciers that "emerge" from it. The hike there is the icing on the cake of a trip to Alaska. It takes you over 15 kilometers (there and back) and 1000 meters in altitude through the most beautiful picture-book landscape. Magnificent views motivate you from the start to definitely walk the trail to the end. When you arrive at the Harding Icefield, you are simply overwhelmed by this place, which seems as if you are standing at the end of the world. Everything becomes quiet. Everything is perfect. You absolutely have to do it!!!