Activities For Dogs In Kenai Fjords National Park
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Introduction
If you are looking for an icy adventure, a trip to Kenai Fjords National Park may be your best bet. Mountains, ice and ocean meet at this dreamy, otherworldly place and it is a sight to be seen especially as the glaciers are melting quickly and may not be around forever! Luckily, there are a few places in the park where you can bring your dog. So don't leave your pup home, they will enjoy the brisk air at Kenai Fjords National Park, too!
Skijoring
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Moderate
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Ski Poles
Dog Treats
Harness
Skis
Activity description
Skijoring is a fun activity where your dog will pull you on skis. While it can take a while to learn how to skijorĀ and make your dog comfortable pulling you, once they are trained, the fun is endless! Kenai Fjords National Park is the perfect place to bring your dog to skijorĀ as there is always nice cold snow for you to play on. Skijoring is also allowed in many sections of the park. Skijoring can be a little costly when you are first getting started but if you plan on doing it often, it is worth the investment. Of course, you will need some nice cold weather and snow to skijorĀ but Kenai Fjords is happy to provide that!
Step
1
Set up
Get your dog set up with all the equipment they need to skijor. Your dog will need a special harness so they can pull you forward with their chest while hooked to a leash which connects around your waist. You will need skis as well as poles and a leash that is long enough for your dog to be completely in front of you and your skis. Let your dog wear the harness around your house in order to get accustomed to it before heading out to go skijoring.
Step
2
Treats and go
Once your dog is used to wearing the harness and they have been out a few times with the harness and leash, get your equipment on and attach your dog around your waist. Toss a few treats out in front of your dog to get them to move forward, pulling you behind them. Keep throwing treats in front of your dog and soon they will get the idea that they can move and even run while attached to the harness and pull you along.
Step
3
Skijoring
Now that your dog is ready for a full blown skijoring adventure, head to Harding Icefield or the Exit Glacier area in Kenai Fjords National Park where dogs are allowed to go skijoring anytime. Enjoy exploring the park in this fun and unique way with your dog. Be sure to stay in tuned to your dog's needs and stop if they are getting tired. You and your pup will both be tired after this great workout!
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Alternate Walks
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Collar
Leash
Activity description
When visiting Kenai Fjords National Park, it is important to know that dogs are not allowed in many sections of the park. These restrictions are mainly to help preserve the natural wildlife of the park and not disturb any native animals. Dogs are allowed in certain sections but one major area that is off limits is the physical park trail section. If you want to go for a walk in Kenai Fjords National Park with your dog, you will need to take an alternate route other than the marked trails. These places to walk your pup are just as beautiful as the trails so pay the small park entrance fee and bundle up in the cold to take a scenic walk with your dog!
Step
1
Herman Leirer Road
This road runs through the Kenai Fjords road and is one of the best places to see the park with your dog. Certain sections of the road are quite steep and can make for a great challenging walk for you and your dog. The road is quite long so park and then walk as far as you'd like, turn around and head back to your car. You will get to see mountains and glaciers and while this is a roadway, cars don't frequent it often
Step
2
Exit Glacier Nature Center
The Exit Glacier Nature Center is one of the most picturesque spots and, best of all, it allows dogs near the nature center area. While dogs are not permitted in the actual nature center, you can walk them in the area around the building, through the campground and down the road leading to the nature center. Snap a few pics of the freezing rivers and mountain range backdrop.
Step
3
Nearby hikes
Since the walks within Kenai Fjords are limited with a dog in tow, check out surrounding walks in the Seward, Alaska area. Caines Head State recreation center is the perfect place to bring your dog for a wide variety of trails to walk in a similar setting as Kenai Fjords. There are lots of trails in various lengths that you can explore with your dog so take a look before you head out and pick which one suits you and your pup the best.
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Camping
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Cheap
Normal
24 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water
Sleeping Bag
Dog Blankets
Dog Food
Tent
Activity description
If you are an avid camper then you definitely need to spend a night at Kenai Fjords National Park Campground. Dogs are welcome at the campground and in the area around the campground as long as they are on a leash. You also need to plan in advance and reserve your spot as there are only 12 official campsites in Kenai Fjords. Only two of the campsites are car accessible so be sure to pick a site that you will be able to access easily. The secluded campsites are not expensive but be prepared for a cold night! Opt for a time in the summer when it is a little bit warmer for you and your pup.
Step
1
Pick a site
Pick a campsite that is good for you and your dog. A few sites have toilets while others do not so this is something you should consider. If you need to drive to the site then you will need to pick campsite number one or number twelve which have direct road access. While there are other campgrounds in Kenai Fjords, Glacier Exit is the only one to allow dogs so you'll have to stick to this area - better not to have too many choices anyway!
Step
2
Set up and sniff
Once you arrive at your campsite, set up your tent and start making it feel like home. Go for a walk around the area with your dog so that they can sniff around and get familiar with their surroundings. Set up your dog's bed and show it to them to ensure they are cozy. Give your dog a nice clean bowl of fresh water and some dog food to make them even more excited about where they are. Once everything is feeling homey, sit back and relax in the beautiful park with your dog.
Step
3
Sleep
When it is time to turn in for the night, make sure your dog has had a chance to go to the bathroom and then zip the door to your tent closed with your pup inside. Make sure the door is shut so your dog doesn't wander off into the wilderness or any wild animals try to get into your tent while you sleep! Enjoy a peaceful, very quiet and serene night in Kenai Fjords National Park with your pup - it'll be one of the most secluded nights you ever spend!
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More Fun Ideas...
Dinner Out
There are a few dog-friendly restaurants in the Seward area that you and your dog can choose from. Try the Alaska Seafood Grill where pups can join you on the patio as you dine.
Driving Tour
While you can't walk your dog everywhere in Kenai Fjords, you can drive with your dog anywhere the road takes you. Take a driving tour of the area and let your dog sniff the air as you drive, taking in all the smells.
Conclusion
Kenai Fjords National Park is a place that any outdoor loving person should see as soon as they can. The glaciers have already begun to melt and the beauty of the park may be lost someday so you should plan a trip as soon as you can. No need to get a dog sitter or leave your dog behind - there is clearly plenty that your dog can do within the park. So pack up your pup and head out on an Alaskan adventure!