With thousands of miles of coastline and countless lakes and rivers, kayaking is one of the best ways to experience Alaska’s wilderness. From kayaking along a glacier to paddling in an alpine lake, there is a kayak destination and experience available for every level of adventurer.
In this guide, I’ll run you through some of the top kayak destinations in the Last Frontier and include some helpful tips for planning your kayak expedition.
Prince William Sound
Nestled amidst a captivating backdrop of islands, bays, and fjords, the tranquil waters of Prince William Sound invites kayakers to witness nature in its purest form. Accessible from both Valdez and Whittier, it's a haven for those wanting to glide past glaciers and icebergs.
- Wildlife: Sea otters, seals, orcas
- Where to Go: Valdez or Whittier for access points
- What You Need to Know: Due to the dangers of paddling near icebergs and glaciers, it is highly recommended to take a guided kayak tour of Prince William Sound.
Kenai Fjords National Park
This iconic National Park is best experienced from the water, and a serene paddle along the bay and into the secret coves offers a serene experience for every level of kayaker. Launching from Seward provides easy access to this marine wonderland and provides visitors with the most choices for rentals and guided tours.
- Wildlife: Sea lions, puffins, orcas, whales
- Where to Go: Start your journey from Seward
- What You Need to Know: The waters can be cold, even in summer, so dress accordingly and be prepared to navigate in dense fog. If you are a novice paddler, book a kayak tour to avoid getting lost.
Mendenhall Lake
Just outside of Juneau, the picturesque Mendenhall Lake offers paddlers a chance to maneuver around blue icebergs, with mountain goats perched on nearby cliffs and salmon navigating the depths beneath. This is one of the calmest kayak trips in the state, so a perfect option for families or beginner paddlers.
- Wildlife: Mountain goats, salmon
- Where to Go: Close to Juneau, with guided tours available
- What You Need to Know: Stay at a safe distance from glaciers due to risks of calving and beware of bears along the shoreline, especially during salmon season.
Kachemak Bay State Park
Across from Homer, Kachemak Bay State Park is a vibrant ecosystem, perfect for spotting bald eagles, sea otters, and a diverse range of bird species. Small communities dot the shoreline of this park, so you can pair your trip with an overnight stay at a lodge or AirBnB.
- Wildlife: Bald eagles, sea otters, birds, seals, bears
- Where to Go: Water taxis from Homer offer easy access to beaches as well as rental companies
- What You Need to Know: Plan ahead to book your water taxi and kayak rental, and download a tide app to stay updated on tide conditions.
Matanuska River
The Matanuska River, located northeast of Anchorage, provides an adrenaline rush for the experienced white-water kayakers or novice rafters. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, it’s not just about the thrill of this river – it’s about the view.
- Wildlife: Eagles, moose.
- Where to Go: Tours often launch northeast of Anchorage.
- What You Need to Know: This river is more suitable for intermediate to advanced kayakers, due to its rapids and fast current.
Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
Near Haines, Chilkoot Lake offers both peaceful paddling and the thrill of wildlife watching, with salmon, eagles, and bears often in sight. This is a perfect kayaking option for families or beginner paddlers, who want to enjoy a kayak trip on their own without the risk of ocean paddling or rapids.
- Wildlife: Salmon, bald eagles, moose, brown bears
- Where to Go: Easily accessed from Haines
- What You Need to Know: Be bear-aware, especially when camping, as bears are common sights along the banks.
Glacier Bay National Park
If you are interested in kayaking while visiting Glacier Bay, head to Bartlett Cove, a serene slice of wilderness that offers kayakers views of glaciers and encounters with marine life. Most trips are guided tours, due to permitting and hazards of ocean paddling.
- Wildlife: Seals, sea lions, humpback whales
- Where to Go: Close to the park’s headquarters at Glacier Bay National Park
- What You Need to Know: A permit is necessary for excursions beyond Bartlett Cove.
Kodiak Island
On Kodiak Island, kayakers can traverse both freshwater and sea environments, with the added bonus of spotting the iconic Kodiak bear. Kayakers can also travel to one of the numerous islands off the coast of Kodiak. No kayak rentals are available on the island, but kayak tours are offered by local guides or you can bring a kayak over on the ferry.
- Wildlife: Kodiak bears, marine mammals, puffins
- Where to Go: Accessible by ferry from Homer or flight from Anchorage
- What You Need to Know: Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so always check forecasts. Kodiak can quickly get consumed in fog, so stay close to the coastline or go with an experienced guide.
Eklutna Lake
Eklutna Lake, located near Anchorage, offers kayakers a serene expanse of turquoise waters flanked by majestic mountains. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it is an ideal spot for both novice and experienced paddlers. Eklutna Lake's calm waters make it perfect for a leisurely day of paddling, while its size ensures there are ample areas to explore and enjoy.
- Wildlife: Dall sheep, bald eagles, salmon, bears
- Where to Go: Just a short drive from Anchorage, with well-maintained access points
- What You Need to Know: There's a nominal parking fee, and rental kayaks are available nearby for those without equipment.
Inside Passage
The Inside Passage, stretching over 500 miles along the southeastern coast of Alaska, is often regarded as a long-haul voyage for kayakers. Yet, it also offers numerous opportunities for shorter, equally enjoyable kayak excursions.
- Wildlife: Black bears, whales, seabirds
- Where to Go: There are plenty of day routes available. Start from towns like Ketchikan, Sitka, or Juneau, which offer easy access to the water.
- What You Need to Know: Consider a guided tour if you are limited on time and want to see the most wildlife or scenery.
Kayaking Tips
Regardless of where you choose to paddle, safety and preparedness are key, as Alaska has some of the more unpredictable and dangerous waters in the world. If you are going with a guide, they will have the essentials you need to stay safe, but if you are going alone, remember to pack the following:
- Safety Gear: Life vest, whistle, first-aid kit, and a VHF marine radio.
- Navigation: Maps, compass, and GPS. Always inform someone of your route and expected return, and stay current on the latest weather forecast.
- Clothing: Wear layers, including a waterproof outer layer, and consider wearing a dry suit if you are kayaking in colder temperatures.. Don't forget a hat and gloves!
- Camping Gear: If you plan to camp, ensure you have bear-proof containers for food storage and camp above the high tide mark.
