États-Unis, Alaska – Le champ de glace de l’Alaska à Exit Glacier

One of the most beautiful hikes of the trip? Without a doubt! We return to Seward to take on Exit Glacier and the Alaska Icefield during a breathtaking hike.

Sunday, August 25^th, 2024

After exploring the Mat-Su Valley, we are back on the Kenai Peninsula. Two years ago, we fell in love with this wild southern part of Alaska. Glaciers, fjords, wildlife, fishing ports, salmon rivers, and stunning landscapes. We can’t wait to rediscover the peninsula, starting with Seward, a small fishing village at the end of the road. Upon arrival, we’re greeted with a pleasant surprise: the weather is beautiful! So, we decide to seize the moment and head out to explore Exit Glacier. The hike leading to it is one of the most beautiful hikes we've done. It ascends through the forest to the first viewpoint, offering a magnificent view of the glacier.

It’s easy to forget just how stunning this place is! The graceful curve of the glacier cascading into the valley, the surrounding mountains, the blooming meadows, and the expansive view below—it’s all absolutely breathtaking.

We keep climbing, higher and higher into the mountain. The green, flower-filled meadows gradually give way to the glacier’s moraine: vast, stony expanses with no vegetation. The wind blows in icy gusts here, but the sun continues to shine, even as the valley below is now enveloped in shadow.

As we ascend, the icefield gradually reveals itself. It grows ever larger.

When we reach the end of the trail after 7 kilometers of hiking, we are faced with the Harding Icefield. The ice stretches as far as the eye can see, punctuated by a few peaks.

During our trip to Argentina, six months earlier, we did a trek to admire the ice field of Patagonia, the third largest ice cap in the world. The ice field we are facing today is not nearly as large, but it is still quite impressive. It covers 2,850 km² and contains 40 glaciers!

No doubt about it, even though it’s our second time here, we still love Exit Glacier just as much! We descend from the mountain and settle down for the evening in the riverbed flowing from the glacier. The place is popular, with numerous traveler vehicles scattered all over the pebble beach. We search for the best spot for 10 minutes: a nice view, isolated from the other travelers, sheltered from the wind. Finally, we settle down between two bushes near the river.

Rémi lights a campfire, and we spend a warm evening by the fire as the day gradually sets over the mountains of Alaska.

Monday, August 26^th

The next day, after a late morning and 2 hours spent cooking and enjoying burgers/fries, we head out for a walk in Seward. The weather isn’t great. Clouds partially conceal the mountains surrounding this small fishing village. But the place still retains its charm. We stroll along the boardwalk by the harbor and then head to the pier. Fishermen are preparing the freshly caught fish.

We then make our way to the bay. Beautiful homes are built on either side of the path. On one side, trees conceal stunning chalets. On the other, the houses are practically built on the beach, offering an incredible view of the fjord and the mountains.

In the late afternoon, we return to the riverbed, to the same spot as the day before. The weather has worsened since then, so we hide behind the trees to shield ourselves from the wind and rain. Tomorrow, we leave Seward to head to another fishing village on the Kenai Peninsula: Homer! The plan: no camping, but comfort... lots of comfort! 😊