Photo: National Park Service, Alaska Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Diamond Creek State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–51 °F | 42–60 °F | 23–53 °F | 18–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Homer 8 NW, 5 mi away, elevation 1,080 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Diamond Creek State Recreation Site covers 309 acres along Diamond Creek on the south side of the Sterling Highway near Milepost 167, a few miles northwest of Homer. A one-mile gravel road leads to the trailhead, and from there hiking and biking trails and a rental yurt look out over Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet.
A Trail Parcel Above Kachemak Bay
Alaska State Parks lists Diamond Creek as a state recreation site in its Kenai area units. The Kenai Area Plan describes the parcel as running along Diamond Creek from the highway down to tidewater, visible from the Sterling Highway, and lists it as an Exxon Valdez Oil Spill acquisition to be managed for those purposes. The same plan routes the proposed Homer Connecting Trail through the middle of the unit, parallel to the creek.
Homer Cycling Club, which manages the yurt, describes immediate access to hiking and biking trails and views of Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet and their mountains and volcanoes. Proceeds from the yurt go back into the upkeep of the trails and park facilities.
The Diamond Creek Yurt
The yurt sleeps 6 people on two bunks: the lower bunk is a double, the upper one a single. Alaska State Parks links to it from its list of Kenai cabins and yurts, and Homer Cycling Club handles bookings. Rates as of October 2026:
- Mid-May to mid-September: $75 per night, no propane on site
- Mid-September to mid-May: $100 per night, propane heat provided
- Refunds: bookings are non-refundable
Bring drinking water. A rain barrel collects water in spring, summer and fall, and it should be treated before use; in winter, water sources are likely frozen. Cook outside on the deck and keep anything with an odor, from food to toothpaste, in the bear box. Additional tents need a Special Use Permit from Alaska State Parks. Bring firewood from home, since cutting standing trees, alive or dead, is not allowed, and pack out all garbage.
Getting There
Turn off the Sterling Highway on its south side at Milepost 167 and drive 1 mile down the gravel road; the Census Bureau maps the end of it as Tulin Ocean View Drive. Park there and continue a quarter mile on foot or by bike past the boulders to reach the yurt. The park’s coordinates are 59.6729, -151.6998.
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South side of the Sterling Highway at Milepost 167, near Homer |
| Size | 309 acres (Alaska DNR park boundary data) |
| Entrance fee | None listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule as of October 2026 |
| Overnight | One yurt for up to 6 people, booked through Homer Cycling Club |
| Pets | Leashed or tethered on park property; clean up after your pet |
| Managed by | Alaska State Parks; yurt managed and maintained by Homer Cycling Club |
Nearby State Parks
The distances below are straight-line. Anchor River State Recreation Area lies about 8 miles northwest, and Stariski State Recreation Site about 12 miles north. Eveline State Recreation Site, out East End Road, is about 17 miles east, and Kachemak Bay State Park about 20 miles southeast, across Kachemak Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Diamond Creek State Recreation Site?
On the south side of the Sterling Highway at Milepost 167, near Homer. A 1-mile gravel road leads to the trailhead; the yurt is a quarter mile beyond the boulders on foot or by bike.
Can you stay overnight at Diamond Creek?
Yes, in the Diamond Creek Yurt, which sleeps 6. As of October 2026 it costs $75 per night from mid-May to mid-September and $100 per night with propane heat from mid-September to mid-May; bookings are non-refundable.
Is there a fee to visit Diamond Creek State Recreation Site?
No entrance fee is listed for Diamond Creek in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule as of October 2026. Only the yurt is rented.
Are dogs allowed at Diamond Creek?
Yes. Homer Cycling Club states that pets must be leashed or tethered on park property and cleaned up after.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Kenai area units; Homer Cycling Club, Diamond Creek Yurt; Alaska DNR, Kenai Area Plan, Region 7; Alaska State Parks fee schedule; Alaska DNR, ASP Park Boundary (open data). Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Diamond Creek State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Diamond Creek State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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