Kachemak Bay State Park

The feel

Alaska's first state park covers roughly 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests and ocean, and no road reaches it. The water taxi from Homer is the trailhead. From the water you often see sea otters, seals, porpoise and whales.

On shore, the park's attractions include Grewingk Glacier, Poot Peak, China Poot Bay, Halibut Cove Lagoon, Humpy Creek and China Poot (Leisure) Lake. Moose, black bear, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves live here, and the park has over 80 miles of trails. Much of it is undeveloped.

What to expect

What it is

A state park of mountains, glaciers, forests and ocean across Kachemak Bay from Homer, with public use cabins, yurts and a public dock at Halibut Lagoon.

Parking

No road access. Reach the park by boat or plane, with air charters and water taxi service available in Homer.

Hazards

Much of the park is undeveloped, so be ready to handle emergencies yourself. Many areas have no cell phone service.

Season and access

Water taxi from Homer, no road access.

Mingo says

Treat the water taxi as your whole plan, because there is no road to fall back on. Carry a satellite device, since cell service is missing in many areas.

Before you go

• Book a water taxi or air charter in Homer before you plan anything else.
• Bring a satellite device; if you do have cell service in an emergency, dial 911.
• Call Kenai Southern District Operations at (907) 399-2054, 95 Sterling Highway, Suite 2, Homer.
• Reserve a public use cabin or yurt if you plan to stay overnight.

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