Homer Spit

The feel

Homer Spit reaches approximately 4.5 miles southeast into Kachemak Bay. It is a working port and harbor, a wildlife refuge and a place for outdoor recreation, and the lighthouse tower of the Salty Dawg is a famous landmark. Expansive tidal flats attract numerous shorebirds.

A paved trail for walking, biking, skating and running covers 4 miles one way from the base of the Spit to Land's End. It passes Mud Bay, where the tidal fluctuations make for excellent birding, then Mariner Park, where you can reach the beach, and the Nick Dudiak Fishing lagoon almost 3 miles in.

What to expect

What it is

One of the longest occupied natural sand spits in the world, the site of Homer's first settlement, and the center of the town's fishing industry. It survived the 1964 Good Friday earthquake.

Time

The Spit Trail is rated easy and takes about 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

Parking is a major issue on the Spit.

Parking

More than 20 spots sit at the base of the Spit on the north side of Kachemak Drive. There is more parking at Mariner Park and past the large fish hook sculpture on the northwest end of the harbor.

Fees and passes

In summer the paved lots at Ramps 1 to 4 and the steel grid are fee-pay. A seasonal permit costs $150 and is valid Memorial Day to Labor Day for vehicles less than 20 feet.

Bathrooms and water

Public restrooms are at the harbor and at the end of the road.

Season and access

The trail is open in all seasons. The elevation change is 0 to 10 feet.

Mingo says

Come in summer if you want the shops open. In winter the harbor stays active, but many shops are closed and boarded up.

Before you go

• Do not leave a vehicle in a fee-pay lot for the long term: it is not allowed from May 1 through October 1.
• Tent campers can use the West Side Camp Area, which is walk-in tent only. Free parking, restrooms, potable water and an RV dump station are across the street near the Fishing Hole Campground and Ramp 5.
• Call the City of Homer at (907) 235-3170 with questions about the Spit.

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