One of the top trails on the Homer side of Kachemak Bay, Diamond Creek is a 2-mile trail that takes you through forest, alders, and tall grass meadows before descending to the beach, where you’ll find small Alaskan sealife. The trail’s upper half is mostly switchbacks with a crushed-rock surface, but there are some areas of blue clay that can be slick if wet. The last half of the trail is fairly steep; a walking stick would come in handy. Once at the bottom, you’re about halfway between the mouth of the Anchor River and Bishop’s Beach (about 15 miles in either direction). Here you’ll find fantastic tide pooling at low tide. The shore along this stretch of Cook Inlet is quite shallow, so when the tide is out, a large portion of beach is exposed, along with interesting creatures like sea stars, anemones, and crabs. Check out all the live barnacles attached to the rocks. And keep an eye out for eagles, otters, sea ducks, and possibly whales.
How to Get Here
About 4 miles north of Homer, turn left off the Sterling Highway across from Diamond Ridge Road. You can park here or shave off a mile of hiking by driving about ½ mile down a dirt road on the West side of the highway to the trailhead.
