Grewingk Glacier Spit/Saddle Trail

Glacier Hike from Homer AKThis is by far the most popular hike in Kachemak Bay – an absolute must-do when visiting Homer, Alaska. It is a fairly easy hike and well suited for most ages and abilities. The adventure begins with a water taxi ride to Glacier Spit.

The drop of point near Rusty’s Lagoon has great tide pooling to enjoy before the trail. The hike to Grewingk lake is a flat and well-maintained trail on the glacial moraine traveling through stands of cottonwoods and spruce. Once at the lake, you wil experience the stunning view of Grewingk Glacier from Grewingk Glacier Lake, where calves of icebergs drift up close to the shoreline.

The Saddle Trail portion is a gradual climb to the 500′ elevation with steeper switchbacks back to sea level in the last quarter mile. A short backtrack connects you to Saddle Trail for the one-mile hike to your pick-up location in a well-protected cove. This is a casual three-hour hike or can be extended for spur trail hikes to the Grewingk River tram or other destinations. There are also great camping locations on the beach at Grewingk Lake. BOOK IT ONLINE

Glacier Lake Trail

Length: 4.8 miles


Rating: Easy, popular family hike.


Hiking Time: 80 minutes from Glacier Spit Trailhead (wind exposed beach: morning drop-off best, afternoon/evening pick-up at Saddle Trailhead.) And out the Saddle Trail (½ mile from Grewingk Lake)


Elevation Gain: 500 ft.
Trailhead Access: Marine Access – Glacier Spit Trailhead (wind exposed beach, morning drop-off best); Saddle Trail (afternoon/evening pick-up best at Saddle Trailhead)

Camping: Small camping area at Glacier Spit Trailhead; Right Beach (accessible at low tide from Glacier Spit); Grewingk Lake.
Camping Advisory: Please consider camping on higher portion of Grewingk Lake flats: landslides from area ridges falling into lake could generate large splash waves (50 feet or more) along shores.


Water Availability: Right Beach; small stream near the junction of the Saddle Trail.