Destinations: Explore Kachemak Bay!

Named after a local hunter, this expansive estuary is a paradise for tidepooling and wildlife viewing. You can rent the local yurt, hike the Coalition Trail, or try your luck at the popular sockeye salmon dipnet fishery. The iconic "chocolate-drop" shape of China Poot Peak towers over the bay, providing a stunning backdrop for campers and hikers exploring the rich spruce forests and ancient chert cliffs.

Located 17 miles from the Homer Spit, Chugachik Island is the ultimate "get away from it all" destination. The south shore features well-maintained tent sites, fire rings, and a bear-proof food locker for easy camping. While it offers incredible kayaking and beachcombing, the massive Kachemak tides require careful planning for boat pick-ups. It is the perfect spot for adventurers who want a true island experience.

This is the premier destination for a stunning day hike suitable for most ages. A drop-off at Glacier Spit leads you through spruce forests to Grewingk Lake, where you can watch icebergs calve off the glacier. Most hikers complete the 6.5-mile loop by heading over the Saddle Trail for a scenic pick-up. With flat terrain and well-marked paths, it’s the best way to see the Harding Ice Field up close.

Located at the southern end of Glacier Spit, these twin beaches are backed by dramatic rocky cliffs. Left Beach is a hotspot for rock climbers visiting "Kachemak Crack," while Right Beach features a rental yurt and a natural freshwater spring. Because these beaches are steep, they remain accessible at nearly any tide, offering a reliable jumping-off point for camping or trekking toward the Grewingk Glacier.

For those seeking a physical challenge and breathtaking views, Grace Ridge is a must. This 9-mile ridgeline trail climbs 3,100 feet, offering a panoramic 360-degree view of volcanoes and fjords. We recommend starting at the south end in Tutka Bay and ending at Kayak Beach to save your knees on the descent. It is an unforgettable, high-alpine experience for prepared hikers who want to stand above the clouds.

Experience the "life force" of Kachemak Bay at this raucous seabird rookery. Just a short boat ride from the harbor, Gull Island is home to thousands of nesting birds, including Puffins, Kittiwakes, and Murres. While you stay on the boat, we cruise close enough to hear and see the bustling colony in action. It is a fantastic, high-energy tour for photographers and bird watchers of all ages.

Tucked behind a private community, this hidden gem is a sanctuary for sea otters, seals, and porpoises. The lagoon houses a Ranger Station, public use cabins, and a dock that serves as a great starting point for kayaking or hiking to China Poot Lake. Access is highly tide-restricted due to strong currents, making it a quiet, exclusive-feeling destination for those looking to soak in Alaskan beauty.

This magical outcropping sits between China Poot and Neptune Bay, offering a rental yurt and sprawling space for large groups. It serves as a gateway to the "Land of Woz," where you can access the Wosnesenski River Trail and view the massive Wosnesenski Glacier. Whether you are setting up a beach volleyball net or embarking on an 11-mile trek, Haystack Rock provides plenty of room to roam.

Humpy Creek is a rugged, beautiful salmon stream that rewards the adventurous traveler. While the shallow beach makes for a "wet landing" (bring your waders!), the payoff is a peaceful paradise filled with pink salmon, eagles, and bears in late summer. With a rental yurt nearby and connections to the Emerald Lake trail system, it is a favorite for those who don’t mind a little extra work for total seclusion.

This secluded finger bay is a hub of local activity, featuring oyster farms and a public dock. From here, you can bike or take a taxi 10 miles into the charming village of Seldovia, or hike up toward Red Mountain for alpine berry picking. For the ultimate trip, ask about our "Seldovia Package," which combines a water taxi ride, a day of village exploring, and a scenic flight back to Homer.

True to its name, this is the premier launch point for paddlers entering Tutka Bay or Sadie Cove. It also serves as the northern trailhead for the Grace Ridge hike, making it a busy spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are pitching a tent on the beach or staying in one of the local yurts, keep your eyes on the water—it’s not uncommon to spot whales feeding just offshore.

Once the source of the rock used to build the Homer Harbor, Quarry Beach is now a lush, alder-lined retreat. It is a fantastic spot to relax after a long day of hiking Grace Ridge or to use as a base camp for kayaking Sadie Cove. With its own rental yurt and easy trail connections to Kayak Beach, it offers a slightly more tucked-away feel for campers and explorers.

This deep, scenic fjord is a kayaker’s dream, filled with waterfalls, hidden coves, and diverse wildlife. The bay features a popular camping spot known as "The Isthmus" and several public use cabins and yurts. Whether you are fishing for salmon in the lagoon or hiking to the Tutka Creek Falls, the calm waters and dramatic mountain reflections make this one of the most beautiful spots in the park.

This 32-mile trek is for experienced backcountry hikers seeking a true wilderness challenge. Stretching from the Gulf of Alaska back to Tutka Bay, the trail covers 6,000 feet of elevation gain across tundra, marshes, and rocky ridges. It is a multi-day commitment far from any services. Most hikers fly into Taylor Bay and have Mako’s pick them up at the finish line for a triumphant ride home.