Place · 2.4 mi away
Overview
Three Hole Point is a rocky headland on the Aialik Peninsula, best known for three natural arches punched through its coastal cliffs. It sits inside Aialik Bay—one of the park’s wild marine basins—so you experience it from the water, not from a road or trail.
What You’ll See
From a boat or kayak, the headland’s “three holes” line up as windows through dark rock, with glacier-capped peaks often framing the skyline. The shoreline here is rugged and sheer, typical of fjords carved by ancient ice, and the formation stands out as a distinctive waypoint in the bay.
How It Formed
Waves and weather gnawed at fractured coastal rock to carve the arches over time. The setting reflects the broader glacial story of Kenai Fjords: ice sculpted the deep basin of Aialik Bay, and ongoing marine erosion refined details like these arches along its steep margins.
Getting There & Logistics
Plan to view Three Hole Point from the water. Tour boats traversing Aialik Bay frequently pass the headland, and experienced paddlers sometimes add it to kayak routes. There’s no road access, no landing infrastructure, and no facilities. For marine travel, the park emphasizes using nautical charts and tide tables—conditions change quickly in this coastal environment.
Wildlife
Aialik Bay is rich in marine life. While nothing is guaranteed, boats here commonly watch for sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, puffins and other seabirds, and, in summer, humpback or killer whales. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens so you can keep a respectful distance and still get a satisfying look.
Photography Tips
The arches read best from the water at slight angles rather than straight on. Long lenses compress the “windows” against distant peaks; wide angles capture the full headland against the bay. Cloudy days can be a gift—soft light holds detail in dark rock, and mist adds mood.
What’s Not Here
This is pure wilderness coastline: no docks, no restrooms, no picnic tables, no marked trails. Come self-sufficient, and treat the area as a remote backcountry stop even if you’re on a tour boat.
A Bit of Background
The point has been a mariner’s landmark for over a century and is now a highlight on modern sightseeing routes through Aialik Bay. Its three arches make it one of the more recognizable rock features in the area.
Pros
- Distinctive triple rock arches carved into a coastal headland
- Often included on Aialik Bay boat and kayak routes
- Photogenic landmark with dramatic cliff-and-fjord backdrop
Cons
- Accessible only by watercraft; no trails or land approach
- Fog, rain, and rough seas can limit views or access
- Multiple tour boats may converge in peak season
Tips
- View it from a tour boat or kayak—there’s no land access.
- Bring binoculars or a 200mm+ lens to frame the arches and wildlife.
- Expect quick weather shifts; dress for wind, spray, and rain.
- Consult tide tables and nautical charts if paddling Aialik Bay.
- Mornings are often calmer for small craft and clearer views.
