Page 115 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

THE KENAI PENINSULA  113

} Carl E. Wynn Nature
Center
E Skyline Dr. Tel 235-5266.
Open mid-Jun–early Sep: 10am–6pm
daily. & 8 7 limited. =
∑ akcoastalstudies.org
This center is set amid spruce
forests and meadows on the
bluffs overlooking Homer.
Formerly the homestead of
naturalist Carl E Wynn, it was
donated to the Center for
Alaskan Coastal Studies in 1990.
Visitors can enjoy bird-watching,
stroll amid wild flowers, or Rocky Island off Kachemak Bay State Park
explore the variety of vegeta-
tion from upland coastal forests Seldovia O Kachemak Bay State Park
to boreal forests. The center also 20 nautical miles (32 km) S of Homer. 8 nautical miles (12 km) across the
offers guided walks highlight- * 260. ~ charter float plane from bay from Homer. Tel 262-5581.
ing local wildlife and shrubs. Homer. g from Homer. _ July 4 g from Homer.  
parade and canoe jousting. ∑ alaskastateparks.org
∑ seldoviachamber.org Alaska’s first state park and one
Seldovia was inhabited by of the largest coastal state parks
Dena’ina people as early as the in the US, the Kachemak Bay
16th century. Russians settled State Park and the adjoining
here around 1800, naming the Kachemak Bay State Wilderness
place Zaliv Seldevoe (Herring Park take in 625 sq miles
Bay). In the early 20th century, (1,619 sq km) of islands, forests,
the area’s flourishing herring glaciers, beaches, and rocky
trade increased the town’s coastlines. This critical habitat
population to about 2,000, area supports several species
but the boom was shortlived. of marine life, including whales
Today, Seldovia is a small and sea otters, land mammals
Wildflowers at the Carl E. Wynn Nature fishing village with an active such as coyotes and black bears,
Center outside Homer Native association. Visitors and birds that include eagles
can stroll along the waterfront and puffins. About 80 miles
} Homer Spit boardwalk, explore the Village (130 km) of hiking trails lace
0 - =  Tribe Museum and Visitors’ the waterfront area of the park,
Thought to be a remnant of an Center, and visit the 1891 across the bay from Homer.
ancient glacial moraine, Homer St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Trails from primitive beach
Spit has been spared from the Church, which crowns a hill campsites lead to ridges
ravages of the sea by reclama- overlooking the harbor. and remote coastlines.
tion and rock walls. This
is Homer’s main tourist Halibut Cove
district, taking in the small 12 miles (19 km) SE of Homer.
boat harbor, the ferry * 75. g from Homer.
terminal, a hotel, myriad ∑ halibutcove.com
eateries, and a host of Halibut Cove happily receives
fishing charter companies. short-term visitors, but is keen
The Salty Dawg Saloon, to avoid the unbridled growth
with its distinctive of Homer. This scenic little
lighthouse tower, is listed cove makes an excellent
as a maritime landmark. launch point for hikes into the
Around 1900, it served as adjacent Kachemak Bay State
the head quarters for the Park. There is also a restaurant
Cook Inlet Coal Fields and several lodges, as well as
Company. Today, this a number of artists’ galleries.
atmo spheric drinking The most renowned of these
den is unmissable. is the Cove Gallery of the late
The Spit is also a Diana Tillion, who used octo-
camping venue with pus ink for her works. Access
communities of RVs and is by local water taxi, but day
tents strung along the tours that include dinner in
northern shore. Salty Dawg Saloon lighthouse, Homer Spit Halibut Cove are also available.

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