Grewingk Glacier

The feel

Grewingk Glacier sits across Kachemak Bay in Kachemak Bay State Park, so the trip starts with a 20 minute water taxi ride from Homer to the Glacier Spit Trailhead. The Glacier Lake Trail then follows flat terrain through cottonwoods and spruce and across the dry outwash plain of the glacier.

It ends at the broad open beaches of Grewingk Glacier Lake, with views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. Most people hike in from Glacier Spit and out over the Saddle Trail to a second pick-up point, and a hand-operated cable car tram crosses Grewingk Creek on a side spur.

What to expect

What it is

A glacier and its lake in Kachemak Bay State Park, reached by water taxi across Kachemak Bay plus a hike.

Time

About 1.5 hours to the end of the Glacier Lake Trail, which is 3.2 miles one way with 200 ft of gain. The Saddle Trail adds 1.0 mile one way and about 30 minutes. A full water taxi day hike is 4.7 to 6.7 miles in about 4 hours, with 500 ft of gain.

Crowds and best time

Afternoon breezes complicate pick-ups at Glacier Spit, so most people get picked up at the Saddle Trailhead instead.

Fees and passes

Water taxi is $90 per person round trip, plus a $6 park fee per person round trip for most Kachemak Bay destinations.

Kids

The Glacier Lake Trail is rated easy and family suitable.

Hazards

Do not climb on the ice or within the caves unless trained and outfitted for glacier travel; hidden crevasses are deadly. Do not attempt to ford Grewingk Creek, which is very swift and cold. The tram holds 500 pounds and takes two people to operate.

Bathrooms and water

Bring your own water, since the creek and lake water is glacial. Camping is available at Glacier Spit, the lake, Grewingk Creek, Tarn Lake, Humpy Creek and Right Beach.

Season and access

Access is by water taxi from Homer, subject to availability, with the first drop-off at 7AM.

Mingo says

Aim for an early drop-off, since drop-offs start at 7AM and run hourly. Plan your return on the Saddle side, away from the afternoon wind.

Before you go

• Call 49 North Homer Water Taxi at 907-299-7590 for availability and to book the $90 per person round trip.
• Expect a $6 park fee per person round trip for most Kachemak Bay destinations.
• Pack a rain jacket, bug spray, sunscreen, water, snacks and bear spray.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.