Excursion Hike to grewingk glacier lake tour at Homer

Exploring Alaska’s First State Park by Water Taxi

Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska’s first state park, remains a pristine wilderness accessible only by boat or plane. Just a short 30-minute water taxi ride from Homer, the park offers an untouched natural environment filled with scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. The journey begins with a 15-minute coach transfer from your ship to the dock, where you'll meet your naturalist guide. Cruising across the bay, you'll head toward Gull Island, home to over 10,000 nesting seabirds. Witnessing these massive colonies of black-legged kittiwakes, murres, and puffins provides a spectacular introduction to the region’s thriving avian ecosystem before continuing onward to the Glacier Spit Trailhead.

Hike to Grewingk Glacier Lagoon

From the trailhead, the highlight of your day is a 4.5-hour round-trip trek to Grewingk Glacier Lagoon. This scenic 4-mile hike features about 300 feet of elevation gain, taking you through lush forests and rugged terrain. Along the way, your guide will share insights into glaciology and the geological history of the area, revealing the story of how receding glaciers shaped this breathtaking landscape. Reaching the lagoon, you'll have a well-deserved break to enjoy a provided box lunch, including a sandwich, granola bar, fruit, and a brownie, along with water and warm drinks. This journey offers a fascinating glimpse into Alaska’s glacial past and natural history.

Embracing Wilderness and Scenic Beauty

After exploring the lagoon and enjoying your lunch, you'll retrace your steps back to the trailhead, completing your adventure. The return hike offers more opportunities to appreciate the stunning scenery and learn about the land’s geological features. Even though it’s a hike, this activity demands stamina and proper gear, including layered clothing and sturdy footwear. Throughout the day, you’ll experience the raw beauty of Kachemak Bay’s wilderness—an environment teeming with natural wonders and geological intrigue. The trip concludes with a water taxi ride back across the bay to Homer, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Alaska’s remarkable landscape and untouched wilderness.

Points of interests

Points of Interest: Gull Island, Kachemak Bay State Park, Grewingk Glacier

Note

Please Note: This adventure activity involves a roundtrip trail hike of 4-5 mi / 6.5-8 km with stairs, inclines, rocks, and roots. Hiking segment totals approximately 4.5 hours, including lunch and rest breaks. Guests should be physically fit enough to navigate this terrain without assistance. The excursion is not suitable for those who utilize a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Children over 8 are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Wear layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes; bring a waterproof rain jacket, your preferred sun protection, and plenty of water, ideally with a day pack to carry it in. Lightweight binoculars are also useful. A vegetarian or gluten-free alternative for the box lunch may be accommodated with advance notice. The order of sights and activities may vary.