Added: 02/24/2006 |
Planning A Great Vacation To Kenai Fjords National ParkThe history of the Americas in general and the United States in particular was written by the brave explorers who pushed ever westward in their quest for discovery, riches and personal glory. Sometimes the explorers found these things, but what they discovered most often was the works of nature of likes most people had never seen; !4,000 foot peaks that jut up without warning from the landscape, vast rivers like the Mississippi, prairie lands that stretch out as far as the eye can see and then some. The United States is genuinely blessed to be home to many of these natural wonders. One of the most stunning examples of natural beauty in the United States resides in the 49th state of Alaska. Kenai Fjords National Park is one of those places that quite simply takes your breath away. Whether going solo, with friends or family, or toting small children, an opportunity to visit Kenai Fjords National Park should not be passed up.
Located about 130 miles south of Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park consists primarily of coastal mountains that buck right up against the ocean. Unlike most places, where there is at least a small buffer zone between the mountains and the ocean, known to geographers as a coastal plane, the mountains in this case dip directly into the water, with the base of the mountains appearing to be under the sea. Another part of the park includes the Harding Ice Field. This ice field is the largest in North America and geologists believe that it is the remnant of the ice field that covered Alaska during the last ice age. There are several areas around the world known for their fjords, like Norway, from which the English language gets the word for these tiny inlets. These fjords are heaven for anyone who likes boating or sea kayaking. Indeed, most Alaska cruises have a trip to Kenai Fjords National park as part of their standard repertoire of places to visit.
Most of the park is only accessible by hiking or boat, or aircraft. Because of this, people who want to visit Kenai Fjords National Park should make sure to make careful plans and reservations well in advance. Most of the major airlines have daily scheduled runs to Anchorage, so getting that far should not be difficult at all. The closest town to Kenai Fjords National Park is Seward, Alaska. Although there is no scheduled air service between Seward and Anchorage, Seward is easily accessible by road, the Seward Highway. During the summer months, there are trains that will take you back and forth between Seward and Anchorage. The Alaska State Ferry System serves Seward all year round. For those who want warmer weather conditions, July and August are seen as being the best months to visit Kenai Fjords National park or any other place in Alaska. Others enjoy the challenge of winter exploring. Note that Alaska, like other cold, snowy places has a mud-season that lasts most of October and April into May, so unless you want to get really dirty, those times of the year should be avoided. More information on planning a trip to Kenai Fjords National Park can be found through the United States National Park Service.
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