Sign Up
School Account Sign Up
Lesson ID: 14275
Do you want to go on a fun adventure? Get ready to explore glacial landscapes and wildlife galore at the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska!
It's time to travel to the great state of Alaska!
But not any old place in Alaska.
Get ready to explore an amazing place where majestic glaciers flow throughout the landscape, icebergs float in the sea, and sealife and wildlife roam free!
The Kenai Fjords National Park is an amazing place to visit, and it's located right in the United States of America in the great state of Alaska.
Put on a very warm hat and get ready to go on an icy adventure!
Time to explore Kenai Fjords National Park!
Check out this video to see and learn about this incredible and majestic park!
This national park is home to the largest ice fields in the United States and wildlife that thrives in the icy cold temperatures!
Wildlife at Kenai Fjords
Lots! Starting with the puffin, a seabird that calls Kenai Fjords home.
Puffins are black and white with bright orange webbed feet. They are excellent swimmers and love the cold waters of the park.
Another cool creature is the sea otter.
Sea otters are also great swimmers, with thick brown fur that keeps them warm in icy waters.
You can also find bears, moose, and many other animals living in the park.
The Kenai Fjords National Park borders the North Pacific Ocean. The Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean aren't too far away either.
So, lots of sea life can be found in the waters around the Kenai Fjords National Park, even orcas, humpback whales, and killer whales!
Wow!
This area has a lot of unique wildlife, but that's not all.
Glaciers Galore!
The Kenai National Park also features unique landscapes filled with glaciers!
Glaciers are like slow-moving rivers of ice.
With all the ice and glaciers in this area, it is very noticeable when they start to melt.
When the temperature rises, glaciers can break away and fall into the sea, creating icebergs, or just completely melt altogether.
When this happens, the landscape changes.
Land that has been buried under ice for hundreds of years becomes visible!
The park also has lots of forests. Some of these forests have grown even larger because of the melting glaciers.
The Changing Climate
Animals and plants also have to adapt to the changing climate when the glaciers melt.
Animals that depend on the icy landscape have to adapt to a new forest landscape.
That means they need to adapt to new predators and food sources as well.
There is so much to know about this magnificient place!
Fun Facts About Kenai Fjords National Park
Location, Location!
Kenai Fjords National Park is located in the state of Alaska, home to icy landscapes, towering mountains, and deep blue waters.
What's in a Name?
The park is named after the fjords it contains. The word Kenai comes from Kenna, which means "an open area with few trees" or a flat meadow.
Whale Wonderland
The waters of Kenai Fjords are alive with marine mammals! Visitors might spot orca whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall’s porpoises.
Explore Your Way
You can experience the park by boat tours, hiking trails, kayaking, or even by car. Planning to stay longer? Cabins and campsites are available!
Cold-Blooded Critters?
Not Many! Because of Alaska’s cold climate and harsh conditions, the park has very few amphibians or reptiles.
From Sea to Summit
The lowest elevation in the park is sea level at the Pacific Ocean. The highest point is Mount Truuli, which stands at 6,612 feet.
A Glimpse into the Past
While long-term settlements are rare, archaeologists have discovered village sites in the park dating back to between 1280 and 1920.
Three-Part Park
For better management, the park is divided into three regions.
A Presidential Designation
Kenai Fjords officially became a national park on December 2, 1980, thanks to President Ronald Reagan.
Great work, explorer!
Now, head over to the Got It? section for some more fun!
Supplies
FAVORITE
Like