Beluga Slough Trail is a 1.2 mile loop trail that winds along lower Beluga Slough, a salt marsh where the freshwater of Beluga Lake mixes with Kachemak Bay's ocean water at high tides. It offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic views across Kachemak Bay.
Interpretive signs and poems (penned by local writer Wendy Erd) encourage you to linger on your walk to experience the slough's tides, birds, seasons, history, weather, and wonders.
The wetland area of Beluga Slough is part of the Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area. Keep all pets on leashes.
Access: With trailheads located at Bishops Beach (off Bunnell Street and Beluga Place) and at Islands & Ocean Visitor Center (off the Sterling Highway), your explorations can easily extend to include Bishops Beach and the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. There is ample parking in both locations. From Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, find the trail at the west end of the parking area. The trail winds downhill (stay left) to the metal grate walkway at the edge of the slough, coming out at Bishops Beach. You can return the way you came or take Beluga Place to the end, where you cross Bunnell Street to continue on the trail.
Distance: 1.2 mile loop and further if you walk along the beach. There is a treasure of sea creatures exposed at a minus tide, best at -3 to -5.
Elevation change: 60’ if you use the Islands and Ocean trailhead, otherwise none.
History: Before the harbor was built on the Spit, boats landed in the mouth of Beluga Slough.
Trail Management Agency: The City of Homer and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
