Homer

Alpine Meadow Trail
Location: East of Homer off East End Road 
Distance: 1.4 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy

Lots of flowers and views of the glaciers and bay across.  Family friendly but be mindful of overgrown areas where visiblity might be limited.

This photo is from 2014 (not sure what month).

Beluga Slough
Location: Homer coast
Distance: less than one mile one way
Difficulty: Easy and short

This boardwalk leads from the Visitors Center to Bishop Beach.  I would also recommend a stop at Two Sister's Bakery nearby for a sticky bun, chocolate bread, savory...anything really!

This pic is from May 2013 from the Visitors Center parking lot.

Calvin and Coyle

Location: Homer, at the end of Mariner Drive off East End Road
Distance: One mile loop
Difficulty: Easy

Family friendly loop through spruce and alder forest.  View of the wetlands from a deck.  

This pic is from July 2016.

China Poot Lake Trail

Location: Halibut Cove
Distance: 2-3 miles one way

Difficulty: Easy

This hike is accessible if you take a water taxi across the bay from Homer to Habibut Cove.  There are a few cabins there but they require reservations and are often booked during the summer.  Although I turned around after I got to the first lake, you can continue past another small lake and then to China Poot Lake.  There is a campsite there.  I'm uncertain about the camping and fishing there because I went during the winter but it seems like a cool place to explore.  

This photo is from March 2018.

Homer Spit

Location: Homer coast
Distance: 2-3 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy

This is a great morning or afternoon run if you are camping or staying near the spit.  It is flat and scenic.  

This photo is from May 2020.

Reber Trail
Location: off West Hill (west side of town)
Distance: less than half a mile one way 
Difficulty: Short and sweet (uphill but switchbacks)

There is only one parking spot, but if you find it, walk up the short trail to an overlook with a view of Kachemak Bay.  Two thumbs up! 

This photo is from July 2024.

Sadie Knob

Location: Across the bay from Homer (we accessed via Otter Cove)

Distance: about 4 miles one way

Difficulty: Moderate

This is a stellar hike if you have the time and endurance for it.  There is a 2,280 foot elevation gain that is pretty gradual but steady.  It took us about three hours up and two hours down, so an early start would be a bonus if you want to enjoy lunch with a view.  Pack a lot of snacks and water!  And don't forget your phone and camera, as you'll have amazing views of the Homer Spit and Sadie Peak!!  Two thumbs up!!

This photo is from July 2021.

South Eldred Beach

Location: Across the bay from Homer
Distance: a little over one mile one way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on conditions 

We hiked from Otter Cover to South Eldred Beach.  This trail also connects to North Eldred Beach and Sadie Knob.  During low tide, you can walk from beach to beach, but during high tide, this trail is a good route.  Here is an example of some of the downed trees you might encounter/have to climb and scramble around (from July 2021):