Caines Head State Recreation Area
A coastal trail and WWII fort ruins at the mouth of Resurrection Bay. Plan around the tides. You can reach it on foot or by water taxi.
Caines Head lies on the western shore of Resurrection Bay. The coastal trail from Lowell Point is about 11 km one way, and roughly 4 km of beach along it can only be crossed at low tide, so check the tide tables before you go. Near the end of the trail stand the ruins of Fort McGilvray, a battery and underground command post built during WWII to defend against Japanese attack. You can bring a flashlight to explore inside. From the headland, the views over the bay mouth and the open ocean are spectacular. Most people take a water taxi to North Beach and then hike up to the fort, which takes half a day to a full day. You can also camp by the sea or rent one of the public cabins.
Opening hours
All day (tide-dependent)
Nearby sights
- Resurrection Bay Sea Kayaking
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Seward Small Boat Harbor & Waterfront
- Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
- Mount Marathon
- Seward Sled Dog Tours
- Lost Lake Trail
- Harding Icefield Trail