Homer, Alaska: Tutka Bay Kayak & Hike – Kachemak Bay State Park (Challenging)

Basics. We’re getting some friends together to kayak and hike the Tutka Bay area near Homer, AK. The plan is that we get a water taxi over to the Tutka Bay rental yurts (Tutka 1 | Alaskan Yurt Rentals; Tutka 2 | Alaskan Yurt Rentals). We have them starting August 7 for three nights.

Some possibilities:
Kayak Tutka Bay (about a 9-mile fjord with tidal variations up to about 25’). We’re not taking guides, so this probably should not be your the first time on a kayak.

Hike Grace Ridge Trail (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/grace-ridge-trail-south-to-north?u=i&sh=yp9mav), probably Tutka Lake Trial and Lagoon (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/tutka-lake-trail-and-tutka-lagoon?u=i&sh=yp9mav), maybe Sadie Knob south (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/sadie-knob-south-trail?u=i&sh=yp9mav).

Date & Time: August 7 – 11, 2026. (Tentative & Approximate)

Location: Bill, Jay and I will plan on being in Homer on about August 5th. Probably plan to meet up at Alice’s Champagne Palace on Thursday, August 6th for Trivia Night and last minute logistics. (ALICE'S CHAMPAGNE PALACE, Homer - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor). We’ll be getting rental kayaks and the water taxi the next day at the Homer Harbor: (https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/port).

There's been some talk of Seward or bears or flight seeing. But none of that has been considered carefully at this stage.

Wait List & Costs:

I am establishing a wait list so that folks do not just sign up willy-nilly. It’s difficult to arrange something like this for others. But, if you can commit, I’d be happy to share more on logistics.

Water taxis round-trip are probably going to be in the $130 per person range (I have not looked closely this year). Kayaks are probably $60-70 per day. These are the heavy sea kayaks. These are not (generally) what you see on the Salt River.

Lodging in Homer varies greatly, though Alaska in season is not particularly cheap. We’ll be staying in Old Town (by Bishop’s Beach). If you want to stay nearby, I might suggest you look at the Driftwood Inn. (Stay at the Driftwood Inn | Homer, Alaska Hotel & Lodging).

Issues: Weather and delays may affect or cancel access.

Traveler Details: You can rent outdoor gear in Anchorage. Although you can find some stuff in Homer, there are no REI type places.

Understandings: None of the Organizers or Hosts are professional guides and none are being paid. They will not be held responsible for you. Each person who signs up for and/or participates in this event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. Furthermore, hiking in Alaska has the obvious risks including, but not limited to: dehydration; over exposure to sun; freezing weather; bear attacks; moose attacks; broken bones; rabid animals; broken bones; flooding; flash floods; snow melt; mud slides; forest fires; etc. You are assuming the risk of participating in the great outdoors. You agree not to hold the trip Planners, Leaders, Hosts, and/or Organizers responsible if you get injured. By attending you agree with these shared understandings. Alaska really is remote. If bad things happen, you must plan to self-rescue.