Coastal recreation area featuring rugged shoreline, forested trails, historic remnants, and access to remote backcountry landscapes.
General Information
Water taxi services, cabins, or guided trips may require additional fees
How to Get There
From Seward (6 mi): Take a water taxi across Resurrection Bay or hike south from town along the coastal trail system to reach the recreation area.
Overview
Caines Head State Recreation Area covers 6,571 acres on the cape at the entrance to Resurrection Bay, south of Seward, accessible on foot at low tide from Lowell Point or by water taxi. Trails follow old military roads to the ruins of Fort McGilvray, a World War II coastal defense site, with views over Resurrection Bay. It has public-use cabins and camping, and whales and sea otters are common.
Top Trail
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell Point to Caines Head | About 4.5 miles one way to the North Beach, 6 miles to Fort McGilvray | Moderate | Beach section only passable at low tide, then forest to WWII fort and views |
Things to Do
Explore a Remote Coastal Wilderness Near Seward
Caines Head State Recreation Area is located on Resurrection Bay near Seward and combines rugged coastal scenery, temperate rainforest, historic military sites, beaches, and mountain landscapes. Accessible by foot or boat, the recreation area offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Alaska's wilderness while exploring the remains of a World War II coastal defense installation.
Visit Historic Fort McGilvray
One of the area's most notable attractions is Fort McGilvray, a World War II military installation built to help protect the Port of Seward. Visitors can explore historic bunkers, gun emplacements, military roads, and defensive structures perched on a headland overlooking Resurrection Bay.
Hike the Scenic Coastal Trail
The Coastal Trail travels through old-growth rainforest, past salmon streams, along beaches, and beneath dramatic coastal cliffs. The route provides outstanding views of Resurrection Bay, nearby mountains, and abundant wildlife. Visitors must carefully plan around tide schedules, since portions of the trail are only passable during very low tide.
Enjoy Beachcombing and Coastal Scenery
The beaches of Caines Head provide opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and exploring Alaska's rugged coastline. Panoramic views extend across Resurrection Bay toward the surrounding peaks and coastal wilderness.
Look for Wildlife
Visitors may encounter bald eagles, seabirds, salmon, marine wildlife, and other animals common to the Resurrection Bay area. Wildlife viewing opportunities are especially good along the coastline and near streams that attract fish and birds. 【2-193aad】【4-9b8e03】
Stay in Public Use Cabins or Camp Overnight
Several public-use cabins and campsites are located within the recreation area, making overnight visits popular. Many hikers spend the night to safely coordinate their travels with the area's tide-dependent beach crossings while enjoying additional time to explore the coast and historic sites.
Access Backcountry and Alpine Areas
Beyond the coastal route, additional trails climb into higher terrain and provide views of Resurrection Bay, alpine meadows, and surrounding glacial landscapes. These routes offer opportunities for more adventurous exploration of the Kenai Peninsula's wilderness. 【2-193aad】【3-49e7d6】
Top Trails
Coastal Trail to North Beach
Length: Approximately 5.1 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approximately 320 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginning near Lowell Point south of Seward, this scenic coastal trail passes through rainforest and along tide-dependent beaches before reaching North Beach in Caines Head State Recreation Area. Careful attention to tide conditions is essential.
Fort McGilvray Trail
Length: Approximately 7.4 miles one way from Lowell Point
Elevation Gain: Approximately 650 feet from North Beach to the fort
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
This historic route follows former military roads to Fort McGilvray. Hikers enjoy spectacular views of Resurrection Bay while exploring bunkers, artillery positions, and other remnants of the World War II installation.
Tonsina Point Trail
Length: Approximately 2.1 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This forested trail leads from Lowell Point to Tonsina Point through lush coastal rainforest. It serves as the first section of the route toward Caines Head and offers excellent scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to beaches.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Alaska State Parks - Caines Head State Recreation Area, Alaska.org - Caines Head Trail, Homer, Alaska, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.