Northwestern Lagoon (Otter Cove) in Kenai Fjords National Park

Sight · Kenai Fjords National Park

Northwestern Lagoon (Otter Cove)

A remote cove where sea otters and harbor seals gather.

Overview

About Northwestern Lagoon (Otter Cove)

Why stop

  • Sea otters and harbor seals are commonly seen

Heads up

  • Camping or walking above mean high tide requires a special permit

Map

Where it is

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SightNorthwestern Lagoon (Otter Cove)59.72500, -149.96111
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Plan your stop

Before you go

Camping needs a permit

There are several camping sites within the cove. The area is Port Graham Village Corporation property, and a special permit is required to camp or explore on foot above mean high tide. There are no food-storage facilities; the trees are generally large enough to hang food.

5 active Kenai Fjords alerts

  • ClosureHerman Leirer Road to Exit Glacier closed to carsHerman Leirer Road, the only road access into Kenai Fjords National Park, is currently closed to automobile traffic.Official details
  • ClosureExit Glacier canyon closure: sudden outburst-flood riskThe canyon from Exit Glacier’s toe to where Exit Creek opens into the Outwash Plain is closed; stay on designated park trails.Official details
See all 5 alerts
A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone
Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Kenai Fjords Tour Guide

Your drive to Northwestern Lagoon (Otter Cove), narrated.

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Guide

More about Northwestern Lagoon (Otter Cove)

A remote cove, not a roadside stopNorthwestern Lagoon, unofficially called Otter Cove, is a remote cove in Northwestern Fiord.

Northwestern Lagoon, unofficially called Otter Cove, is a remote cove in Northwestern Fiord. Reach it by kayak or water taxi; rough seas, erosion and sharp cliffs can make safe landings difficult. The map pin locates the lagoon, not a recommended landing spot.

Look for sea otters and harbor sealsConcentrations of sea otters and harbor seals are commonly seen here.

Concentrations of sea otters and harbor seals are commonly seen here. Bald eagles, bears, coyotes and other wildlife are also present, making this a rewarding stop for a coastal backcountry trip.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Kenai Fjords

All Kenai Fjords wildlife maps

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Kenai Fjords. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Parkwolf’s Kenai Fjords ranking

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