Three years in Alaska led to some amazing experiences and many breath taking sights, but few could match the sheer beauty and isolation of Kachemak Bay State Park, across the Kachemak Bay from Homer, Alaska.  To get to the Kachemak Bay State Park, you have to first take a water taxi ride from the docks of Homer, Alaska.  These rides generally range in the $40-60 range, and include pick up several hours later.

The first thing that might surprise you is that that the beaches are made from black sand.  While most people think of Hawaii when they think about volcanic islands, some of the islands trailing off of Alaska were made from volcanoes, as well (in fact one erupted recently), so one of the surprises is the soft, dark black sand that stretches across the beach for as far as you can see.

This is your first experience with Kachemak Bay State Park.  Wait for the water taxi's engine to fade in the distance, then just stand there and listen.  You might think you know "the sound of silence," but on a cool morning there is nothing but silence.  The sound of your foot shifting on sand will sound loud – there might be a gentle lapping of waves based on tide, but there is such an incredible and profound silence that this alone can feel like a deeply mystical experience.

Kachemak Bay State Park is over 400,000 acres, so there is enough for a two week adventure of exploring the Alaska wilderness, and there are enough short trails for day trips and day adventures.  Forests, glacial streams, mountains, ocean, and glaciers are all visible over 80 + miles of various trails.

Wavy weeds give way to beautiful forests, and the trails will lead you to incredible views of glacial streams cutting across valleys a sharp 30-50 feet below where you're standing.  Hike far enough, and you will be able to see the Grewingk  Glacier, or if with a group, pull the hand powered tram across the rapid currents of a glacial river.

Signs of bears abound everywhere, as black bears mark their trees – and occasionally a lucky tourist will see bear tracks even in the sand.  There has never been a bear attack here, however, and seeing the beauty of nature in its most unspoiled form is an amazing experience.

If you're ever traveling through Alaska and are visiting the Kenai Peninsula, there are two things you will definitely want to do for the full "Alaska experience."  The first is to visit the town of Homer.  It's an amazing town with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike, then visit the Kachemak Bay State Park to see black sand beaches, unspoiled Alaskan wilderness, and to truly hear, enjoy, and embrace the actual sound of silence.

--Photographs courtesy of creative commons rights photos from Flickr.com.