Wildlife, glaciers and a glorious walk through nature. Explore one of the most scenic pockets of Kachemak Bay with a guide that helps you see it like a local. This Homer-based company combines years of experience with a flair for personalized experience, which brings layers of nuance to the fascinating Kachemak Bay State Park.
Cruise Across the Bay
The adventure starts in Homer, where you board the "Baylink II"—a 28-foot, six-passenger vessel with an enclosed aft cabin—for the 20 minute-long ride across Kachemak Bay. Soak up the views of mountains and volcanoes, as well as sea otters and the occasional pods of whales.
Glacier Lake Trail
You’ll land at Glacier Spit in Kachemak Bay State Park, where you meet up with your local guide, and set out on the trail to Grewingk Glacier Lake. You’ll quickly see why this is such a popular trail in the park: It’s pretty easy, with mostly flat terrain, but with loads of scenery: pretty cottonwood, Sitka spruce, and alder trees, alluvial flats, and chances to see hawks and bald eagles.
Along the way, your guide will give you a fascinating introduction to the quirks and plant life found on a glacier—the kind of information that only a local naturalist would know, like the various stages of reforestation, and the interesting (and often edible) vegetation, that you can eat (with your guide’s help, try what’s in season). After almost three miles—and crossing the dry outwash plain of the Grewingk Glacier—you’ll reach the lake shore beach, where your reward is a huge view of icebergs across the water.
Personalized, Down to Earth
The groups for these guided hikes can be as small as two, and as big as 6. The day lasts about 5 ½ hours. Just wear warm layers—bring a little rain gear just in case—with comfortable walking shoes, camera, binoculars and whatever snacks or drinks you’ll want.
While the atmosphere is mellow, you’ll be well taken care of. Homer Ocean Charters has been in business since 1979 and—as a serious stamp of approval—is the preferred vendor of Holland America, which is known to vet its tour operators quite thoroughly. The owners, Roark Brown and Diane Borgman, have served on both the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Tourism Industry Board, so they have a deep appreciation for customer service. And with more than 30 years of experience on the water, they know the waters, terrain, and wildlife patterns like their own back yard.
Other Hikes in Kachemak Bay State Park
This is not the only guided hike Homer Ocean Charters offers: Take one of other their guided hikes along the other trails in Kachemak Bay State Park, like the Grace Ridge or Saddle trails, or just take the water taxi and hike on your own. You can also book trips that include sea kayaking, or salmon and halibut fishing, or even stay overnight in one of the cabins at nearby Otter Cove Resort.
