Grewingk Glacier Lake Hike in Kachemak Bay State Park

Hike to a glacier across turquoise lake water and old-growth forest

A self-guided hike to Grewingk Glacier Lake in Kachemak Bay State Park near Homer, Alaska, with boat transport from Homer Harbor and State Park entry included. You choose between two routes: a morning departure covering 4.7 or 6.7 miles, or an afternoon loop of 3 miles starting from the Saddle Trailhead. Both end at the glacier itself, with the lake and surrounding forest as the route.

The experience

The day starts at Homer Harbor, where a boat carries you across Kachemak Bay to the trailhead. The morning option departs at 8am and drops you at Glacier Spit. The afternoon option leaves at noon and starts from Saddle Trailhead instead. Either way, you walk into old-growth forest and along streams toward Grewingk Glacier Lake, where the glacier rises above the water. The morning route covers more ground and includes an optional detour to the tram, adding 2 miles. The afternoon route is shorter and climbs switchbacks on the Saddle Trail before meeting the Glacier Lake Trail. Both paths converge at the lake itself.

This is a self-guided hike, so you set the pace and choose how long to spend at the glacier. The boat picks you up at the Saddle Trailhead when you're ready to return: roughly an hour's descent from the lake. Wildlife in the area includes moose, eagles, and bears, though sightings are not guaranteed. State Park entry is included. The boat transport and timing are what frame the day.

What’s included

• Boat transport from Homer Harbor to the trailhead and return pickup at Saddle Trailhead.
• Kachemak Bay State Park entry fee.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 23

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Coldwater Alaska

Is this one for you?Pick the morning departure if you want the longer route and more time at the glacier, or the afternoon option for a shorter hike that still reaches the lake. Both work for any fitness level. The self-guided format means you control the pace and how long you linger at the glacier.

Traveler reviews

4.51★★★★★★★★★★

39 verified traveler reviews

5 ★31

4 ★3

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the hike from Homer Harbor to Grewingk Glacier Lake?

The morning departure covers either 4.7 miles or 6.7 miles depending on whether you take the tram detour. The afternoon option is 3 miles. Both routes end at the glacier lake itself, with about an hour of descent back to the pickup point.

What time does the boat leave Homer Harbor?

The morning hike departs at 8am and returns by 1:30pm. The afternoon hike leaves at noon and returns by 5pm. You choose which fits your schedule.

Do I need a guide for this hike?

This is a self-guided hike. The operator provides boat transport and drop-off and pickup at the trailheads. You navigate the route on your own.

What wildlife might I see on the hike to Grewingk Glacier?

Moose, eagles, and bears live in Kachemak Bay State Park, though sightings depend on the season and time of day. The old-growth forest and streams are their habitat.

Is the State Park entry fee included?

Yes, Kachemak Bay State Park entry is included in the booking. The boat transport from Homer Harbor is also part of the package.