Hiking - Walking The Spit Starting at Mariner’s Park

Stats

Distance:  Up to you                       Difficulty: Easy                              Time:  Up to you

Summary

The Spit is a Homer landmark.  It is exactly what its name says, a spit of land reaching into Kachemak Bay.  The spit is best know for the fishing charters, shopping, and fish packing, but is also a popular place for beach strolls and clamming.  We took a hike on the west side of the Spit starting at Mariner’s Park on 9 Jul 2013.

Opinion

This is one of our favorite hikes when we are in the mood for an easy stroll on the beach.  The common sites include Bald Eagles, gulls of several varieties,
the remains of old pilings, reflecting pools, and fabulous views of the mountains and volcanoes on the far side of Kachemak Bay.

Trail Advice

For once, while we will recommend mosquito repellent, it isn’t really necessary, the wind on the beach is almost constant and the mosquitos can’t compete.

Bring a jacket.  The water temperature is typically in the 50s or colder so the wind off the water is quite chilly.

Check the tide tables.   This hike cannot be done at high tide and is at its best a low tide.  Pay attention to your surroundings if the tide is coming in.  If the incoming tide catches you, you can climb up to the Spit road over the retaining wall boulders, but it won’t be any fun.

Wear waders.  There are several creeks that empty into the bay and it can be hard to cross them while keeping your feet dry.

Suitability

This trail is suitable for anyone except wheelchairs.  The sand would make using a wheelchair impossible.

Trailhead

To find Mariner’s Park, take the Sterling Hwy to the Spit.  Once on the spit, look for the first parking area to the right.  The Spit beach access starts here.

The Hike

Gull Against the Mountains

Take a casual stroll along the beach.  In our case, we started by walking straight to the water’s edge and ambled south up the beach.  The tide was all the way out and the gulls were roaming the water’s edge looking for snacks.  They would also cruise by at low altitude, taking advantage of the thermals generated by the wind over the Spit.  This makes for a great opportunity for talking bird pictures.  The gulls seem to have a predictable flying patterns allowing for setting up a camera and waiting for the next flight to go by.

Reflections and Shadows

After a mile or so, we decided to head back.  At this point we left the water and walked along the edge of the retaining wall.  On this side of the beach we walked up to the still pools of water surrounding the old pilings.  We enjoyed the reflections in the water and watched three or four Semipalmated Plover’s look for dinner.

Eagle on the Move

Shortly after that we came across a Bald Eagle sitting on one of the old pilings.  When we got close he flew down onto the beach a few yards away.  It is common to see at least one Bald Eagle, usually a juvenile, on this beach.  Unlike marine mammals, Bald Eagles do not seem to have any anti approach laws.  The eagles on Bishop beach have allowed us to with 10 feet before either walking or flying away.  See the Bald Eagle link.

Like all beaches, the west side of the Spit presents ever-changing views and scenery.  It's always worth a visit.

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