Clam Gulch Recreation Area - Clam Gulch, AK - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

In Clam Gulch, along the Sterling Highway, is the Clam Gulch Recreation Area, on of several Alaska public parks that are along the western shore of the Kenai Peninsula.

This modest park, especially compared to some of their state parks that rival the size of National Parks, is a place where you can stop and stretch if you are on the way to other places, like Homer at the end of the highway. There are places to park. There are picnic areas to eat at. There are places where groups can gather. There are camping locations. ATV use is allowed on the beach. There is a trail that leads down a gulch with walls up to 50 feet high to the black sand beach that faces the Cook Inlet. Please look at the web site to understand the rules and fees for use. There is a day park fee of $5.

The park gets its name from the beds of razor clams that can be harvested. The beach provides some nice views of the Cook Inlet, and the mountains and volcanoes on the other side in the Lake Clark National Park. Unfortunately for us, there were low clouds with periods of rain during our visit, so the views were limited to the long stretch of shore of the peninsula, which are lined with a 40 - 50 ft bluff. On a good day, however, you can easily see Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Iliamna, which are very active conic-shaped volcanoes.

There is an opportunity to see wildlife at this park. While we were there, a bald eagle - probably a juvenile, was perched on a tree branch at the top of the bluff, and we spotted a rabbit in the picnic area.

Additional Source:

Alaska Department of Natural Resources (Clam Gulch):
(visit link)

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 495 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: There is a dirt road to a beach. From there, you can walk along the beach. The terrain down to the beach is moderately inclined but walkable to most people. The beach is flat but the sand is loose and rough. What points of interest are there?: Vistas of Cook Inlet and mountains on the other shore. What activities are available?: Walking, picnicking, ATV, clamming, camping. Hours of accessibility?: If not camping, then assume daylight hours. List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Cliffs are steep and mostly sand. Vegetation may cover edge. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: Yes If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Day use is $5. Camping is $10. Pay at the fee station. Annual passes are available through the AK Department of Natural Resources site. Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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