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Where to go
Bear Lake and Bear Creek
Bear Lake and Bear Creek are both convenient and fun. The Bear Creek Fish Weir specifically is something special during summer. Biologists count and track salmon returns from the weir and invite visitors to observe and learn about the process. Rent a canoe or bring your paddleboard to get out on Bear Lake and take in the surrounding mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for brown and black bears, especially where salmon run through Bear Creek.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the great Alaska national parks and it’s often experienced by water. Tours launch from the harbor in Seward and the glaciers alone make it worth the trip. Hiking into the park is also an option, or you can paddle a sea kayak for a remote water experience. At more than a half-million acres, you will find a wilderness full of marine life, bears, wolves, and more.
Seward
Drive south for 10 minutes to reach Seward and its water-based activities. You will even pass the Exit Glacier enroute and can stop to view and walk to the glacier—it’s convenient and one of the biggest highlights in the area. Walking the waterfront is fantastic, or you can book a boat to go fishing or sightseeing in the bay and national park.
Hiking Areas
Strap on your hiking boots and bring a pair of crampons for the hard hikes near Bear Creek. The Harding Icefield is nearly 10 miles of variable terrain with stunning views of the Exit Glacier. If that’s not steep enough, take a crack at Mount Marathon and see if you can reach the summit. For something more casual, walk the waterfront trail from Seward to the harbor in Resurrection Bay or hit Tonsina Point for views on a moderate trail.
When to go
Bear Creek welcomes visitors year-round and winter is surprisingly nice for dog sledding and ski or snowshoe based activities. With the right equipment, you can even paddle the bay on calm days and are likely to see few if any other paddlers on the water. As with most places in Alaska, summer is prime for tourism. The long days and ability to access trailheads and remote areas by vehicle and on foot makes it attractive. Summer also brings salmon, whales and the marine life is just fantastic. Throw in active bears, moose, and a number of predators and you can understand why it’s the most popular season.