Kenai Fjords National Park: Hike to Exit Glacier

Date Visited: 5/13/16

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip

Trailhead: Exit Glacier Parking Area

After our 3 day/2 night kayaking excursion to the Northwestern Fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park Alex and I decided to stop at Exit Glacier. Since it was so early in the season the Harding Icefield Trail was closed but we could still access the glacier via a short trail. The trail was well-marked and easy to follow. Along the way we saw signs that have a year on them. These signs mark where the glacier was during that year and it was astonishing to see just how far and how quickly the glacier has receded. Even the year 2010 was far from where the toe of the glacier lands now and in a few more years it will inevitably retreat even further. This area will, unfortunately, never look the same again so if you get the chance to visit Exit Glacier and see the affects of climate change I highly recommend taking it!