Kachemak Bay State Park
Kachemak Bay State Park
5
About
This enormous state park, largely unexplored wilderness, includes glaciers, rivers and waterfalls and offers a 10-mile coastline strip that is excellent for fishing and kayaking. Wildlife sightings include puffins, eagles, sea otters, seals, porpoises and whales.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
204 reviews
Excellent
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18
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3
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Dale
3 contributions
Jul 2020
Our family had a wonderful afternoon with Garret and Douglas with Bay Excursion water taxi. They customized a trip for us that included a wildlife tour and taxi to the trailhead for the lake below Grewingk Glacier. Beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katy T
Minneapolis, MN20 contributions
Jul 2021
The water taxi takes you out here to the trailhead of the Glacier Lake Trail. Easy, mostly flat hike, with a 2 mile (out and back) detour to the Grewingk Hand Tram, which was really cool. Glacier Lake is beautiful! Make sure you have at least 4 hours to do all of it, which is usually the amount of time between your drop off and pickup times from the water taxi.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam R
Mound, MN104 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Took Mako taxi to the Park. Trail to the lake was very flat and easy...saddle trail was much prettier and had a lot of switchbacks ( and mud)! The most challenging part was the rocky beach at the pick-up point. No wildlife sightings.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen K
Scarsdale, NY9 contributions
Aug 2021
We loved this day trip. We took a water taxi from homer spit to kachemak bay state park. We got dropped off at grewink glacier and hiked to grewing lake (gorgeous lake with icebergs). The hike was so amazing that we continued up alpine ridge... we ended up at saddle cove at the end of a tiring but amazing hiking day!!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna
Columbus, OH15 contributions
Jul 2020
We LOVED. Kachemak Bay State Park! We can't suggest it highly enough.
The water taxi dropped us off at Glacier Lake Trail. It was a pretty easy and flat hike to the lake. We saw one bear on the path.
The lake itself was AWESOME!! The glacier is so beautiful as it seems to be between two mountains.
Just be aware that some people are going to swim to the icebergs and some of them might be naked. If you want to get a great picture, bring a swimsuit and a towel with you. Or something to warm you up once you're out of the water I wish I had done this! How many times in your life can you get a picture standing on an iceberg???
On the way back, we had to take Saddle Trail back to meet our water taxi. This is a shorter hike but much has more elevation. You will see A LOT of bear poop on the trail, and will probably see several bears! Just be prepared for this! We saw two bears at various points and had to get very close to one of them.
We didn't love our trip to Alaska to be honest. But if I were to go back there, I would for sure visit this again, or better yet get a cabin there.
The water taxi dropped us off at Glacier Lake Trail. It was a pretty easy and flat hike to the lake. We saw one bear on the path.
The lake itself was AWESOME!! The glacier is so beautiful as it seems to be between two mountains.
Just be aware that some people are going to swim to the icebergs and some of them might be naked. If you want to get a great picture, bring a swimsuit and a towel with you. Or something to warm you up once you're out of the water I wish I had done this! How many times in your life can you get a picture standing on an iceberg???
On the way back, we had to take Saddle Trail back to meet our water taxi. This is a shorter hike but much has more elevation. You will see A LOT of bear poop on the trail, and will probably see several bears! Just be prepared for this! We saw two bears at various points and had to get very close to one of them.
We didn't love our trip to Alaska to be honest. But if I were to go back there, I would for sure visit this again, or better yet get a cabin there.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alaskan Glamping
Homer, AK19 contributions
Feb 2021
Hiking here takes you into the wild at the first step off the water taxi. Make sure you are prepared for any outcome. The trails are maintained by a small trail crew in the summer and by volunteers in the winter and saddle seasons. Your water taxi service may have the latest up to date information on trail conditions.
There are cabins and yurts that can be booked ahead of time online with the state parks. You are likely to get wet feet so extra socks are advisable.
Along these trails you can get unforgettable views of glaciers, lakes, bays, islands and mountain valleys. Be aware of wildlife using the trails too. You will encounter bear scat along the trail... so don't step in it and keep an eye out for bears.
Happy travels!
There are cabins and yurts that can be booked ahead of time online with the state parks. You are likely to get wet feet so extra socks are advisable.
Along these trails you can get unforgettable views of glaciers, lakes, bays, islands and mountain valleys. Be aware of wildlife using the trails too. You will encounter bear scat along the trail... so don't step in it and keep an eye out for bears.
Happy travels!
Written February 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zĂĽmi
Houston, TX347 contributions
Sep 2022
I spent about 5 hours in the park, hiked to the glacier lake and up the Alpine trail, both nice hikes, the latter one goes steeply up through overgrown trail and nice views. I took the 10am ride, so not too many people on the trails, but when we were leaving, the glacier lake was quite busy. I definitely want to come back and do more hikes.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly V
Fennville14 contributions
Jul 2022
We took a water taxi fro K2 Kayaks to the state park and saw an eagle first thing on the beach. The hike is beautiful and a manageable hike for someone like me who doesn't have great knees. The hike at the end is very steep and I recommend a walking stick for that; but the tree roots make steps for most of this end.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob C
Alachua, FL92 contributions
Jul 2020
We only had time for a day hike our first trip here, but we got almost everything we were looking for in an Alaskan outdoors experience. We got dropped off at Humpy Creek and took the Grewingk Tram Spur to end up at the preferred pickup point at Saddle Trail. Check the DNR website for trail status, as trails are maintained by volunteers and are not always passable. The Humpy Creek section got a bit spotty at points, but trail markers are prevalent enough that you can quickly find the right path.
We saw many signs of large wildlife (spoor, tracks and evidence of foraging) but did not encounter any. For some this might be ideal, but we would not have minded catching a glimpse of a black bear or moose. Seeing we were there in peek summer and the foliage was so thick, it is possible that animals could have been just meters off the trail and we would not have seen them.
We saw many signs of large wildlife (spoor, tracks and evidence of foraging) but did not encounter any. For some this might be ideal, but we would not have minded catching a glimpse of a black bear or moose. Seeing we were there in peek summer and the foliage was so thick, it is possible that animals could have been just meters off the trail and we would not have seen them.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer C
6 contributions
Jul 2021
We took a water taxi ( arranged by True North Kayak) from Homer and hiked an approx. 5 mile loop trail to the Grewingk Glacier. We were dropped off and picked up 4 hours later and this was plenty of time. The trail back to our pickup site (Saddle Trail) was quite a steep downhill so arrange to be dropped off at the glacier spit trailhead (Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail) to avoid a steep uphill climb. There were 6 of us in our mid 60's with various knee & hip issues but we could easily do this hike. The glacier lake was stunning. Grizzlies have been spotted so be bear aware and smart about hiking.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pedro O
Cocoa, Florida
Hi, pedrortiz03. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I will arrive in a cruise of Holland.
After reviews I decided to visit Kachemak.
Questions
How much cost to go there
What the best way to do the trip.
Do you think is good idea I I will be there from 9 to 5 pn
Thanks a lot.
Written July 11, 2018
By the dock there are tour agencies who arrange small (eg up to 6-10 passengers) boats to take you half an hour across the bay. I can't recall what it cost but it was cheaper than most day activities in Alaska. I wouldn't do it on a rainy day. If it was simply cloudy you might not see the glacier but you would still have a good walk (flat, not many hills) and see the icebergs in the lake. Be bear aware and take bear spray. There was plenty of bear pooh, but there were other people around and attacks are extremely rare. 9-5pm gives you plenty of time. Think 15 min wait each way, 30 min boat rip each way, 2-2 1/2 hours walking and one hour at the lake - total about 5 hours.
Written July 11, 2018
how to get there, cost, time schedule?
what to see there?
Any more Eagles there than Homer?
Thanks,
hoang
Written August 17, 2017
I contacted Bay Roamers, water taxi, pd $74 PP from Homer to State Park; State Park to Halibut Cove. We had dinner at Saltry & pd for their water taxi back to Homer. Left Homer mid day, taxi to Halibut Cove picked us up about 5 pm; from Halibut to Homer about 9 pm. Plenty of time to hike at a relaxed pace. Take bear spray, we met a black bear on the trail but "friendly" enough that he wandered off. Understand there are moose also. Search the trails but think there are about 3 different ones. There is a lake with some ice fields, lots of "icebergs" in the lake. As always, dress in layers, take water & snacks. If it's windy, it will be cold at the lake. Don't remember seeing any eagles other than what were circling in the bay. Nothing to do but hike & enjoy the landscape & lake filled with ice. Enjoy!
Written August 18, 2017
emoke2017
Seattle, Washington
do you have any suggested tour operators, Linny? any to seek out or avoid?
thanks!
Emoke in Seattle
Written May 29, 2017
We would like to kayak in the state park. We will be staying in Homer early May. How do we find out where we can rent kayaks when we get to the park? What is an easy trail for us older folks to hike?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Linda and Duane H.
Written January 8, 2017
I think you will really enjoy Homer. There are several places on the Homer spit that rent kayaks, including the Water Taxi's.
Sorry, I can't give you a specfic name.
KathyO
Written January 9, 2017
Is it possible to rent a canoe or kayak or other appropriate watercraft in Homer and bring it over to the yurts at the State Park on the water taxi?
Written August 7, 2016
Yes. Most of the Water Taxi companies will transport a kayak for you at a small additional cost. I didn't see anything about canoes. A couple of the Water Taxi companies provide kayak rentals as well. They are all located on "The Spit".
Written August 8, 2016
Going to stay at Seaside Farms in Homer for a couple of days then head over to the yurts in K-bay. Any suggestions regarding which of the yurt locations would be best? I'm leaning hard towards Tutka1. also, am I going to be able to rent a kayak or other suitable "watercraft" in Homer and bring it over on the water taxi to the yurt?
much appreciate any ideas
Greg
Written August 6, 2016
I don't know anything about renting the Yurts in K- bay, but we used Mako's Water Taxi to get over the state park to hike. I think they rent kayaks too and will bring them over with you on the water taxi. They are a great outfit and can answer all your questions. We saw a couple of huge whales right next to the boat on our way back and he captain stopped so we could take pictures. Have a great time. Homer is beautiful!
Written August 8, 2016
So if we want to go to Kachemak Bay State park we just get transportation over and then do we have a certain time to back to the drop off point?
Lisa M
Written July 31, 2016
This was a self guided hike with clearly marked trails and signs.
My wife made the arrangements so I'm not sure which water taxi she used but for our trip we paid for a water taxi to take us over to Glacier Spit and then picked us up at Halibut Cove area. Your total hike is about 6 miles. You are given ~ 6 hours to do all your hiking, lunch, and sight seeing before pick up. There were 6 other people on our taxi doing the same hike but we only saw them once on the trail and again at the pickup beach.
Glacier Spit is a common drop off site that puts you right at the beginning of Glacier Lake Trail. The trail leading to Grewingk Glacier is roughly 3.5 miles. (the last 0.5 miles is a spur trail leading down to the Glacier Lake and then back up to the main trail). Once rejoining the main trail, you have about a 1 mile hike to Halibut Cover.
Another trail you will want to explore is the Tram Spur. From the trail beginning and about 1.4 miles down Glacier Lake Trail there is the Tram Spur Trail that is ~ 1.0 miles and leads you to the Grewingk Creek and a self pulled tram that crosses the Glacier Creek. You will need to hike back up the Spur trail and re-join the Glacier Trail once you are done exploring or taking photos from the tram in the middle of the creek. After rejoining the main trail and continuing on for another 1.4 miles you will come to the spur trail that leads to the Glacier Lake ~ 0.5 miles. Plan on having lunch on the beach and watching the icebergs floating in the lake or if lucky see some of the glacier breaking off. You then will hike back up the the 0.5 mile spur and rejoin the main trail for another 1 mile to Halibut Cover.
Most of the hike is flat or gentle grades. The last 1 mile is more of a grade. Our three kids 7, 11, 13 all did great and had no problems. We did not see any bears on this trip but there were people picking wild blueberries....be careful there are little "blue berries" along the trail that have "hair"....those are not blueberries. Bugs were minimal especially down at Glacier Lake which was ~ 10 degrees colder. This was a great hike and day spent with the family.
Written August 1, 2016
Did anyone use a guide to take them on a hike in Katchemak Bay and if so, would you recommend them?
Written May 12, 2016
Sorry, I did not. I have friends that live there and there weren't any guides involved.
Written May 12, 2016
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