Kiana AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kiana, Alaska.
1. Remote Village Experience
AUTHENTIC ALASKAN CULTURE
Remote Village Experience in Kiana offers visitors a glimpse into authentic rural Alaskan life. Visitors can observe traditional subsistence practices and connect with local indigenous culture. This non-commercialized destination provides a stark contrast to more tourist-oriented Alaskan locations.
2. Kobuk River
SCENIC WILDERNESS WATERWAY
The Kobuk River flows near Kiana and serves as a vital transportation route and subsistence resource for locals. Visitors may have opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the natural beauty of the Arctic region. The river's significance to the local culture and economy makes it an important geographical feature of the area.
3. The Rock
PIONEER STATUE DISPLAY
The Rock is a statue/sculpture located at cruise ship Berth Two in Ketchikan that depicts early Alaskan pioneers. Six of the seven statues represent a fisherman, a miner, a logger, a bush pilot, a frontierswoman, and a Native drummer who were drawn to Alaska by its natural resources. The seventh sculpture portrays Chief Johnson, a Tlingit chief, acknowledging that his people were the first inhabitants of Southeast Alaska.
4. Salmon Ladder
WILD SALMON VIEWING
Salmon Ladder in Ketchikan offers visitors a chance to observe wild salmon in their natural habitat. The short walk alongside the creek provides a less commercialized experience compared to other tourist attractions in the area. A small gift shop called 'Salmon Ladder' is located right next to the bridge for visitors to purchase souvenirs.
5. Chief Kyan Totem Pole
NATIVE ART MONUMENT
The Chief Kyan Totem Pole stands prominently in the small Whale Park in Ketchikan, showcasing beautifully carved and painted indigenous artwork. The park features unique benches with whale designs that complement the totem pole. Visitors can enjoy the pleasant fragrance of various blooming flowers while walking around the park.
6. Exit Glacier
DRAMATIC CLIMATE CHANGE WITNESS
Exit Glacier is a 6.4 km long glacier that springs from the Harding ice field near Seward. The glacier dramatically demonstrates the effects of global warming with its significant and visible recession rates. Visitors are advised to visit the nearby information center before hiking to the glacier.
7. Harding Icefield Trail
SPECTACULAR GLACIER VIEWS
The Harding Icefield Trail terminates at a viewpoint overlooking a massive sheet of ice that is the source of more than 35 glaciers. This challenging trail offers some of the most spectacular views in Kenai Fjords National Park. Hikers are rewarded with a horizon-spanning vista of the ancient ice field that has shaped the surrounding landscape.
8. Kenai Fjords National Park
COASTAL WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Kenai Fjords National Park offers visitors access to dramatic coastal landscapes shaped by glaciers. The park features numerous hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities with eight hidden gems waiting to be explored. Visitors can witness firsthand the effects of climate change on the park's glaciers while experiencing Alaska's pristine wilderness.
9. Glacier Floodplain
DYNAMIC NATURAL LANDSCAPE
The Glacier Floodplain, also known as the outwash plain, is accessible via a typical trail in Kenai Fjords National Park. This dynamic landscape showcases the power of glacial meltwater in shaping the terrain. Visitors should be aware of serious hazards when exploring this area and take appropriate precautions.
10. Bear Creek
WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA
Bear Creek is a notable attraction in the Kenai Peninsula known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may observe bears and other Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat along the creek. The area offers insight into the rich ecosystem that supports diverse species in this region of Alaska.
11. Lowell Point
SCENIC COASTAL RETREAT
Lowell Point is a scenic coastal area near Seward offering stunning views of Resurrection Bay. Visitors can enjoy beach activities, wildlife watching, and the peaceful atmosphere away from more crowded tourist destinations. The point serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty of the Kenai Peninsula.
12. Cooper Landing
HISTORIC RIVER COMMUNITY
Cooper Landing is a historic community situated at the confluence of Kenai Lake and Kenai River. The area is renowned for its world-class fishing opportunities, particularly for salmon and trout. Visitors can also enjoy scenic hiking trails, rafting adventures, and learning about the gold rush history of this picturesque settlement.
13. Halibut Cove
ARTISTIC FLOATING VILLAGE
Halibut Cove is a unique floating village across Kachemak Bay from Homer, accessible only by boat. The community is known for its thriving artist population, with galleries built on stilts over the water and connected by boardwalks. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, wildlife viewing, and the distinctive atmosphere of this remote Alaskan settlement.
14. Kachemak Bay
DIVERSE MARINE ECOSYSTEM
Kachemak Bay is a biologically rich marine environment extending 40 miles southeast of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. The bay is home to numerous species of fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, making it a prime destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the bay through boat tours, kayaking, fishing charters, and beach combing along its varied shoreline.
15. Hope
GOLD RUSH ERA TOWN
Hope is a charming historic gold rush town located on the northern edge of the Kenai Peninsula. The small community preserves many original buildings from the late 1800s, offering visitors a glimpse into Alaska's mining past. Hope provides access to excellent hiking trails, gold panning opportunities, and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with more developed tourist destinations.