Found mistake or photo from another spot? The Icefield is the largest in North America, and it remains as a 300 square mile vestige of the last ice age. The weather at Kenai Fjords is difficult to predict and can change rapidly. Which one is right for you? The Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park is truly a wonder to behold! The amazing views require some effort – the hike is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain. The Harding Icefield hike is a must-do hike in Kenai Mountains. In the short term, some of our larger glacial rivers like the Resurrection or the Kenai will receive more meltwater input from the Harding as our climate warms. In 2004, the NPS installed an automated weather station at 4,200 feet on a nunatak in the northeastern part of the Harding Icefield (Figure 2). Highlights plus less visited destinations. The weather station records and transmits weather observations (temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, precipitation, snow depth, and … Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Please don't hesitate to use the form below for any kind of feedback. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. This report comes from the National Park Service. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. Steller sea lions haul out on rocky islands at the entrances to the fjords Wildlife includes harbor seals that rest on icebergs, porpoises, sea otters, and Killer (orca) and other whales. Those that are avid hikers know that Winter is one of the best times to take advantage of the open trails. Starting on the valley floor, the trail meanders through alder and cottonwood forest as … National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce NOAA data will be cleared and slowly reharvested starting 10/12/2020, with … Sea stacks, islets, and tagged shoreline are remnants of mountains now inching imperceptibly into the sea under the geological force of the North Pacific tectonic plate. All times Displayed are based on Harding Icefield local time. It climbs in elevation one thousand feet per mile the first four miles! Access: Seward, 130 miles south of Anchorage via the Seward Highway, is the gateway to Kenai Fjords. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. 3.9 Miles – The Emergency Shelter for Inclement Weather (3459 ft elevation) 4.2 Miles – End of Trail and Breathtaking Overlook of Harding Icefield (3512 ft elevation) Weather. 01 October 2020 at 09:00-12:00: Heavy sleet, Temperature 2, 3.9 mm, Fresh breeze, 8 m/s from southeast The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. The Harding Icefield Trailhead is located on the right about 1/3 of mile along the Exit Glacier Paved Path. This wind map for Harding Icefield is based on the GFS model and was created for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and other extreme sports activities. This immense icefield is named after Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States who served during the early 1920’s. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Glaciers And Glory: The Harding Icefield Trail. Our group size will be limited to 6 clients for each trip and will spend our time exploring the vast main body of the Harding. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Please try again. We were blessed — such days are not common in this area. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Moose, bears, and a large population of mountain goats inhabit the land. Self-drive vacations. United States ; Alaska (AK) ... round trip amazing hike amazing views coming down elevation gain well worth the effort energy bars take your time forested area weather … The Harding Icefield is over 700 square miles (1813 km 2) in its entirety (although, if one were to count its glaciers which descend from the icefield in all directions, the icefield measures in at over 1,100 square miles (2,849 km 2) The icefield spawns up to 40 glaciers of all types. Alaska Fjord Charters promises an Alaska that most will never see - for those with a spirit of adventure and flexibility. Exit Glacier, the park's most accessible area, can be reached by car and a short walk. I felt the same way about Denali. A link to the trail map: Harding Icefield Trail Map The Harding Icefield trail is located about 9 miles down Exit Glacier Road, just outside of Seward, Alaska. This trail is a tough day hike, gaining 3,000 feet of … Here are our favorite places for the season. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map. Nine miles round trip from the Exit Glacier Nature Center, this strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart. The park visitor center is next to the Harbormaster's office in Seward's small boat harbor and offers area information, a slide show, and videos, exhibits, and a bookstore. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Approximate Size: 669,000 acres. Kenai Fjords National Park was established as a national monument in 1978. 9) The Harding Icefield Trail Is A More Strenuous Hike. It is also possible to hike out on the icefield. It was typical weather for a temperate rainforest, I kept reminding myself, but gloomy all the same. The glacier is a nine-mile drive off the highway. Many people walk up to, and in some cases onto the glacier using the Exit Glacier trail. The Harding Ice Field is a bit more boring in its uniformity, in that most of its glaciers are retreating, he said. We will camp, ski tour, climb nunataks and explore the icefield over six days with full guide support. Thousands of sea birds—horned and tufted puffins, common murres. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2 mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Also, a wind forecast map is available, the map includes all changes of wind for a 10 days period by 3 hours steps. and black-legged kittiwakes—rear their young on steep cliffs. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. The nearby town of Seward averages 72 inches of rain per year. Overwhelmed by choices? The Harding Icefield is a remnant of a much colder, prehistoric climate and becoming increasingly unique as mountain glaciers and persistent snowfields disappear around the globe. It’s a bit of a shame that something so beautiful was named for one of the worst, scandal-plagued presidents in American history, … Rainy, 35F. Hiked ~2mi up Harding Icefield trail to cliff section. The weather forecast is provided for personal non-commercial use. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. It became a national park in 1980 to preserve the fjord and rainforest ecosystems, Harding Icefield, abundant wildlife and historical and archeological remains, and to provide visitor access. Served by scheduled buses, commuter flights, and railroad, Seward offers charter boats and aircraft services. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? Backcountry Safaris offer perhaps the most amazing sea kayaking adventures in Alaska. Here are my 10 favorite shots of 2019! Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Get detailed weather forecast, live world wind map, and local weather reports. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. Guests are in for a remarkable day hike on an 8.2-mile loop along the Harding Icefield Trail. Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. It is considered a challenging day hike and mainly suitable for the physically well-prepared. Winding through the valley floor, the trail passes through a forest of alder and cottonwood, over meadows abundant in heather with a climactic ascent above the tree line to a stunning vista of the Harding Icefield. Snow surface. The 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, one of four major ice caps in the United States, crowns Kenai Fjords National Park. Please read and understand the disclaimer before using this information. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. For information contact: Superintendent, Kenai Fiords National Park, P.O. Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield Kenai Fjords National Park, AK Exit Glacier, the only area of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by car, is one of thirty-five glaciers that flow off the vast Harding Icefield. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Dense clouds hung low, and fingers of fog crept up the valleys. In the spring of 2016 Exit Glacier Guides will be offering two expeditions onto the Harding Icefield for one week each. 27 November 2020 at 04:00-06:00: Heavy snow, Temperature -7, 4.3 mm, Light breeze, 2 m/s from east Weather. The 8.2-mile round trip Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike leaving from the Exit Glacier Area.Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the Icefield. Please check your email to verify your subscription. Harding Ice Field Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park: Address, Harding Ice Field Trail Reviews: 5/5. Guided tours are available and those with experience hiking on glaciers often give it a go. Harding Icefield trail information on the National Park Service website recommends checking the trail conditions before planning a trip and being prepared for just about anything, be it bad weather or snow on the trail. Windy.app is a professional weather app, created for water and wind sports: sailing, surfing, fishing, and etc. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. You can see the Harding Icefield on the popular Harding Icefield Trail which departs from the Exit Glacier Visitor Center in Seward, Alaska. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. The icefield may be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses once covering half of Alaska. A "can't believe I'm here" moment: top of Harding Icefield Trail. Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place. © 2020 Copyright Windy Weather World Inc. Active glaciers still calve and crash into the sea as visitors watch from tour boats here. The still air was heavy with moisture as I hiked up the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside Seward, Alaska. Or, see it from above on the Harding Icefield Tour with Natron Air, which departs from the Kenai / Soldotna area. Make sure you are dressed properly, as the weather on top is often different than in the Exit Glacier area below. Car, train, or group tour. Also, a wind forecast map is available, the map includes all changes of wind for a 10 days period by 3 hours steps. The magnificent coastline of Kenai Fjords is steep valleys that were carved by glaciers in retreat. The Harding Icefield has never been high on my wish list, mostly because I think it gets a lot of traffic and I'd rather explore more remote areas. Located atop Exit Glacier where it stretches for 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield is worth the climb. There was a problem with your submission. Some I enjoy because they recorded a rare & fleeting moment, while others remind me of pleasant times spent in the mountains. 7-10 days is the most common. It was a warm, sunny July day when my wife and I hiked the Harding Icefield trail. Question: What is your cancellation policy?. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/harding-ice-field-trail Box 1727, Seward, AK 99664-1727; 907-224-3175; www.nps.gov/kefj. The Harding Icefield is quite accessible in the context of massive glacial systems. Take a journey over the spectacular Harding Icefield and Aialik Glacier on the way to Aialik Bay. See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). Red Flags. Boot pen 15cm 1500ft-2000ft. Ranger led programs are offered in summer. Current wind map of Harding Icefield, United States contains live wind speed and wind direction map showing prevailing winds in this area. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Potential of seeing Calving Glaciers, Breeching Whales, Mountain Goats, Black Bears, All sorts of Sea Life, and unforgettable oceanic views from Resurrection bay. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Answer: You can cancel any tour for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.Within seven (7) days of the tour date, cancellations are only eligible for a refund if you have experienced a medical emergency or your cruise ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion. Windy Weather World Inc. does not promise any specific results from the use of its service or its components. In 2004, the NPS installed an automated weather station at 4,200 feet on a nunatak in the northeastern part of the Harding Icefield (Figure 2). All statistics update every 3 hours and can help to find the best place for any wind and water sport. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. In both cases, I was very impressed with the destination, and left with an, "Oh, right, that's why this is… We did the Harding Icefield Hike at the end of August and were constantly wowed by the beauty and stunning views. Current wind map of Harding Icefield, United States contains live wind speed and wind direction map showing prevailing winds in this area. The weather station records and transmits weather observations (temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, precipitation, snow depth, and solar radiation) hourly. We are a small, personal shop that concentrates solely on sea kayaking in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords, with emphasis on environmentally friendly practices and local education. Harding Icefield near Seward Alaska – well worth spending the day getting there and back (just keep an eye on the weather). Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Snowpack.

harding icefield weather

Authentic Egg Roll Recipe, Fruit Platter Tray With Lid, Meaning Of Poppy Seeds In Telugu, Big Brown Bat Predators, Unicode Disclosure Triangle, God Has Always Been Verse, Random House Webster's Dictionary Online, Bic America Dv52clr-b,
harding icefield weather 2020