National park · United States

Kachemak Bay State Park

Spend a day in Kachemak Bay State Park: take the short trail to Sadie Cove (2 km (1.2 mi), easy) for $75 water‑taxi round‑trip, or a full‑day hike to the head of the bay (8 km (5 mi), moderate) in July–Sept; bring bear‑aware food and a permit for backcountry camping.Spend a day in Kachemak Bay State Park: take the short trail to Sadie Cove (1.2 mi (2 km), easy) for $75 water‑taxi round‑trip, or a full‑day hike to the head of the bay (5 mi (8 km), moderate) in July–Sept; bring bear‑aware food and a permit for backcountry camping.

Not field-verified

Source checked: A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked: Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated: Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Special national siteSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

1,620 km² (625 sq mi)625 sq mi (1,620 km²)

approximate

Established

1970

Best months

May–Aug

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…

North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

At a glance

Country: United States
Area: 1,620 km² (625 sq mi)625 sq mi (1,620 km²); Park covers about 400,000 acres (≈1,620 km²) of coastal fjord, forest and marine zones; figures vary by source (check).
Established: 1970
Best months: May–Aug
Permits: For some areas

Alaska’s first and largest state park, Kachemak Bay State Park protects dramatic fjords, sea‑goat cliffs and abundant marine wildlife, with water‑taxi access from Homer and backcountry trails ranging from easy family walks to multi‑day hikes.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

Special national siteAlaska's first and largest state park (check).

Size and age

1,620 km² (625 sq mi)625 sq mi (1,620 km²) · national park since 1970

Park covers about 400,000 acres (≈1,620 km²) of coastal fjord, forest and marine zones; figures vary by source (check).

Why go

Coastal fjord scenery with sea‑goats and black bears.
Marine wildlife – seals, sea lions, whales.
Access to remote villages and art communities.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanCaution
FebCaution
MarGo
AprGo
MayBest
JunBest
JulBest
AugBest
SepGo
OctCaution
NovCaution
DecCaution

JanCold, limited daylight.
FebCold, snow possible.
MarSnow melt, trails opening.
AprMild, birds return.
MayLong daylight, wildlife active.
JunWarm, low rain.
JulPeak summer, good for water taxis.
AugWarm, still good sea conditions.
SepCooler, fewer tourists.
OctWeather turns variable.
NovCold, limited services.
DecCold, many facilities closed.

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Kachemak Bay State Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mountain goatsJun–Oct	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no
Black bearsMay–Sep	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Bald eagles, seabirdsMar–Sep	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Seals, sea lions, whalesMay–Sep	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Homer

Drive or fly into Homer Airport, then water‑taxi to park entrance.

30 min drive + 15 min taxi

Open the page →

From Anchorage

Drive 4 h (≈250 km (155 mi)) on the Sterling Highway to Homer, then water‑taxi.Drive 4 h (≈155 mi (250 km)) on the Sterling Highway to Homer, then water‑taxi.

≈4 h

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Kachemak Bay State Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Park entrance (Red Mountain Marine dock)	Gate, visitor info, water‑taxi boarding.	Open with water‑taxi ticket.
Sadie Cove area	Coastal trailhead, wildlife viewing, lodge access.	Water‑taxi or hike from entrance.
Head of Kachemak Bay	Remote trail network, backcountry camps.	Backcountry hike, permit required.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Coordinates approximate; main entrance near Red Mountain Marine dock.

1Homer · Town≈59.642, -151.548Map ↗
2Red Mountain Marine dock · Gate≈59.540, -151.260Map ↗
3Sadie Cove · Viewpoint≈59.560, -151.300Map ↗
4Head of Kachemak Bay trailhead · Trail≈59.580, -151.350Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Coordinates approximate; main entrance near Red Mountain Marine dock.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

TrailsEasy2 h round‑tripSadie Cove short trailFlat path to sea‑goat cliffs; good for families.

TrailsModerate6–8 hHead of Bay hikeMix of forest and coastal sections; bring bear‑aware food.Booking: Water‑taxi reservation

Boat tripsEasyHalf dayMarine wildlife boat tourSpot seals, sea lions, whales; depart from Homer.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

USD ranges · check

Fees for Kachemak Bay State Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Water‑taxi round‑trip (Homer ↔ park entrance)	US$75	person	Adults $75, children $40, infants free.
Backcountry camping permit	US$30	person	Via Alaska State Parks website (check).

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Backcountry camping permit or guide

Apply online at Alaska State Parks; print permit.

Water‑taxi permit or guide

Purchase from Red Mountain Marine or other operators in Homer.

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

Nights or days

Water‑taxi round‑trip (Homer ↔ park entrance)per personUS$75
Backcountry camping permitper personUS$30

Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.

A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Alaska DNR – Kachemak Bay State Park before you go.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Pets: Leashed dogs allowed on trails only; bear‑aware food required.
Camping: Only in designated backcountry sites with a permit.
Fire: Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
Drones: Not allowed without park authorization.

Where to stay

In the park

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge

Eco‑lodge with meals, Wi‑Fi, bear‑aware storage.

Near the park

Homer

Hotels, B&Bs, and hostels; 30 min drive to park entrance.

Safety

Bear encounters high

Carry bear spray, store food in bear‑proof containers, hike in groups.

Cold water and weather changes medium

Dress in layers, carry waterproof gear, check forecasts.

Limited cell service low

Carry a satellite communicator for emergencies.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Date

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

Entrance area reachable by car and short walk; trail to Sadie Cove is wheelchair‑compatible (check).
Longer backcountry routes are not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

Use water‑taxi operators that follow park guidelines.
Pack out all waste; no littering on trails.
Choose lodges with renewable energy or waste‑reduction programs.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Kachemak Bay State Park?

There is no park entry fee; you pay for a water‑taxi ($75 adult, $40 child) and optional backcountry camping permit ($30).

What are the best hikes in Kachemak Bay State Park?

Short: Sadie Cove trail (2 km, easy). Full: Head of Bay loop (8 km, moderate) with coastal views; both start from the dock.

When is the best time to visit Kachemak Bay State Park?

July through September offers warm weather, long daylight, and reliable water‑taxi service.

Do I need a permit for day hikes?

No permit for day hikes; only backcountry camping requires a permit.

Are there accommodations inside the park?

Lodges at Sadie Cove and Halibut Cove provide on‑site rooms; otherwise stay in Homer.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Show the detailsHide

Sources

Ask about Kachemak Bay State Park

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