In June 2023, my husband and I set off from our home on Kodiak Island to embark on a weeklong road trip through the iconic Kenai Peninsula. For those familiar with Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula is one of the top visited locations in the state of Alaska, and for good reason. This is a region filled with pristine waters, towering glaciers, amazing wildlife, and quirky seaside communities.
This was my fourth trip through the area, but it was my husband’s first – and both of our first time traveling during peak tourist season. Like every Alaskan adventure, we walked away from this trip both humbled and awed with what we experienced. You will never be disappointed when visiting Alaska, but you will also always learn something new.
Even if this was my fourth time visiting, my Kenai road trip still taught me some invaluable lessons about road tripping through the Last Frontier.
Lessons Learned
Construction season is a thing
Alaska's summer carries a secret — it’s the season of road construction. And not just a little construction – the entire state is rushing to fix every road problem in our very short summer, and this can cause orange signs to suddenly appear everywhere.
Our journey was dotted with pauses and unexpected delays, the longest being a two-hour wait outside Seward. Patience isn't just a virtue here; it's a necessity. We kept our plans flexible and refrained from packing our itinerary too tightly, and this saved us a few times. One evening, while driving to Seward, we were forced to camp about 45 minutes outside of town when the road was closed at night for blasting. Thankfully, we didn’t book anything until the next afternoon, allowing us to not panic and just enjoy the wild ride that is construction time.
Tip: If an Alaskan road trip is on your horizon, stock up on snacks and ensure your itinerary has wiggle room. You might just stumble upon an unexpected adventure during those pauses.
Always be flexible in your plans
June usually adorns Kenai with bright sunshine and vibrant wildflowers. By the end of June, summer is typically in full swing here. But this year was different. We had a very late spring, and many hiking trails were still covered in snow and Seward was blanketed in fog. Yet, this weather hiccup was a blessing in disguise.
I had originally planned on a glacier sightseeing boat ride in Seward, but upon seeing the weather report, we booked a small, whale-watching experience instead. This spontaneous decision allowed us to enjoy a beautiful day out on the water watching orcas, humpbacks, puffins, and the rare dall’s porpoises dancing in the water. Because our boat wasn’t on a set path, we could travel away from the fog and chase the sunshine all day.
Always talk to the locals
Even though we live in Alaska, we don’t know everything. Before our trip, we asked our friends who had lived in the area for tips, and we also joined local Facebook groups.
Local advice guided us down quiet forest roads to spot black bears, revealed the perfect time to watch a mother bear with her cubs by the river, and even lead us to the best dining deals in town.
Stop to refuel often
If there's one thing the vastness of Alaska teaches you, it's to never underestimate distances. I had learned this lesson the hard way on a previous trip. Gas stations can be scattered throughout the state and you will almost always find a fun detour on your way to your next destination. Always having a full tank became our mantra, and it is great advice to take with you.
When you pass a gas station, always top off your tank. With miles upon miles of winding roads and scenic detours beckoning, the last thing you want is to be stranded without fuel.
Tent camping is amazing during peak season
June's allure attracts numerous travelers to Kenai, making accommodations a premium and reservations mandatory. While we occasionally splurged on hotels, tent camping emerged as our preferred choice.
By opting for a tent over a hotel or RV, we were able to have the maximum flexibility on where we stayed – an invaluable perk when it rains a lot and some destinations are incredibly crowded. Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing us to just explore until we found a beautiful spot to camp for the night. This also allowed us to explore more remote areas and save money for more expensive activities.
Alaskans are friendly everywhere
Living in Alaska, we aren’t immune to the charming hospitality of Alaskans, but it was incredibly refreshing to experience this same charm throughout the Kenai. Every corner of Alaska resonated with warmth. From hospitable Airbnb hosts to chatty bartenders, the Alaskan spirit shone through. This wasn't a mere transaction of tourism; it was an exchange of stories, experiences, and genuine connections. We were constantly amazed by the open hospitality of everyone we met.
In Retrospect
Each road taken in Alaska is not just about the miles covered but the myriad memories crafted. This Kenai expedition, while replete with lessons, was ultimately about the reconnection with nature, the land, and it's wonderful inhabitants. The Kenai Peninsula, in its expansive beauty and intricate nuances, offers a canvas for introspection, adventure, and boundless awe.
