Canyon Rim Trail

The feel

The trail starts next to Palmer Creek in Bear Canyon and climbs out of the valley to the east rim. It begins with a steep ascent along the canyon rim, and about halfway up the forest opens into high meadows with views of Kachemak Bay.

The meadows are the reward, with wildflowers in peak bloom from June through August and good picnic spots above the bay. Lower down the trail can be brushy, with pushki, devil's club, alders and elderberry crowding in. Bears and moose are occasionally sighted.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 2 miles, with 625 ft of gain, from a 225 ft trailhead to about 850 ft in the high meadows. Moderate to strenuous because of the climb.

Time

About 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

Wildflowers peak from June through August.

Parking

The trailhead is at the end of Bear Creek Court off the west end of Bear Creek Drive, with a few parking spots northeast of the building at the end of the road.

Hazards

Bears and moose are occasionally sighted. The lower trail can be overgrown and brushy.

Season and access

The trail is used in summer and is managed under a City of Homer trail easement.

Mingo says

Go in summer, when the meadow wildflowers peak between June and August. Expect brush on the lower trail before the forest opens up.

Before you go

• Use the few parking spots at the end of Bear Creek Court, northeast of the building at the road's end.
• Pack a picnic for the high meadows, which have good spots above Kachemak Bay.
• Return the way you came from the meadows, since the trail loops the upper meadow and goes back the same way.

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