We took the water taxi (Smoke Wagon Water Taxi) -- strangely enough, it was one of the most expensive things we did in our two weeks in Alaska (Kenai Peninsula, Denali, Talkeetna, Eagle River). Cost $75/person round trip = $150 total. Nothing in Toursaver to use for it. By comparison, we took the 6 hour Kenai Fjords boat cruise with dinner for a total of $129 (with the coupon book)!. The guy driving the boat says he barely makes enough with 4 people in the boat to not lose money with the price of fuel these days.

We hiked the Glacier Lake trail. Pretty easy hike, good walk through the woods on the way there. It was very cold by the glacier so be sure to bring layers! Great view etc. once we got to the lake, we sat around a while, had lunch, took a bunch of pictures, etc.

Thanks for the tip on the hike. How long did it take to reach the lake? Round-trip? Do you recommend making water taxi reservations in advance?

Hi

As far as the length of the trip -- 1 way -- it must have been around 20-30 minutes or so? I didn't time it though -- someone else on the forum may know more exact.

We made our reservations the evening before. But that was in early June, it probably gets more crowded later on? Then again -- with these prices, who knows. There are several water taxi places though. Again, someone more familiar with the region could probably advise you better than me.

Thank you for the follow-up. I didn't make myself clear. Do you recall how long the hike was to the lake? Thanks for your info!

Wow so the water taxis are that much. Then I got a great deal in early May when I happened to be in Homer when a cruise ship was there. I latched onto a shore excursion which was a guided hike in Kachemak State Park including lunch. I paid $90 and they even took us by the rookery first.

I know we hiked toward and saw in a distance a glacier but we were running out of time so we didn't get to the lake. I enjoyed the hike immensely. If you time it for low tide you can do some tidepooling too which was interesting.

If you go to Seldovia, there is a possibility to take the state ferry there and back. It would have worked for me except that on the day I wanted to go it was running so late that it was only going to spend 1 hour in Seldovia.

In any case, getting out on the water and across the bay is well worth it.

John

"I didn't make myself clear. Do you recall how long the hike was to the lake? "

Oops no you were clear I just read it too fast!! :(

Anyway -- looking at the date/time stamps on my pictures!! 1 way hike took us about just over an hour. And we're not the fastest hikers, and stop to take pictures etc. a lot.

Thank you. Are you and John talking about the same lake? Is there only 1 lake? (We are photo-shooters, too!) Is there an extension of that hike? We plan to be there all day.

There are several trails in the state park and I don't recall which trail we were on. Very likely it is a different lake. In fact, if it only took an hour it was definitely a different lake. I think we hiked for about 4 hours round trip. Certainly it was a bit slow going in spots with some snow and downed trees so early in the season but we actually made pretty good time.

I don't have the time today to go back and look at which trail I took. Sorry.

John

Thank you,John!

Hey, if you have not already taken your trip, go by True North Kayak or call ahead and ask for their water taxi the Harliquen.

She and her captain may be able to taxi you over for a pretty good price. Great little boat and skipper too.

Stanc30