Kachemak Bay

Guide to Grace Ridge Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park Stunning views of Eldred Passage, Sadie Peak, Cook Inlet volcanoes and beyond are available here. Watch for mountain goats, black bears, golden and bald eagles. To continue, follow the marked route through the alders to the southeast, cross a saddle, and climb the alpine ridgelines to the peak (3105 feet). There is good spring skiing in this area's bowls. The alpine portions of this route are unmarked, but it is easy to follow the "knife" ridges. Descending into the alders again, the trail switchbacks into the spruce forest, ending at Tutka Bay. Camping: Developed and popular campsites at Kayak Beach; less developed campsites at South Grace Trailhead Trail Description: The trail begins on left side of gravel beach at Kayak Beach Campsite (an area once used as a rock quarry). It follows an old road now densely inhabited by alders, then begins climbing through an old growth Sitka Spruce forest. Mile 1.4 offers an excellent view of Sadie Knob. Huge spruce trees dot the narrow ridge and the roar of hidden waterfalls below can be heard. At mile 1.6, a creek rushing along the trail offers a good water source (before climbing to alpine areas). Climbing on through sub-alpine alders and meadows to mile 2.9, an alpine knob (1745 feet) offers an excellent destination for a half-day hike. Trail Access: Marine Access; North access at Kayak Beach Campsite (exposed site); a short connector trail offers alternative anchorage on Sadie Cove side of point); South access at South Grace Trailhead with good anchorage (across Tutka Bay from Sea Star Cove Public Use Cabin). Allowable Uses: Hiking Distance: 8.9 miles one way Elevation Gain: 3100 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (long climbs) Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Water Availability: Seasonal stream at Kayak Beach, good stream near mile 1.6, no water on ridge, seasonal creeks near South Grace Trailhead. Park Access: Kayak Beach Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park trailheads. Park Rules: For a complete set of park rules visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay kbay.htm Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK (907) 262 - 5581 South Grace