Caines Head State Recreation Site

About

Caines Head State Recreation Site occupies nearly 6,000 acres on the shores of Resurrection Bay, approximately seven nautical miles south of Seward. The massive headland rises 650 feet above the bay with sweeping views of the North Pacific Ocean, rolling alpine meadows, and spruce-hemlock forests. Access is exclusively by foot via the 4.5-mile Coastal Trail from Lowell Point or by boat. The Coastal Trail includes a three-mile beach section between Tonsina Point and North Beach that is passable only at low tide (plus 4 feet or lower recommended). Hikers should depart Seward at least two hours before low tide and carefully check tide tables. The first mile of trail crosses private property; stay on designated paths. Primitive tent camping is available at Tonsina Point (2.1 miles in, featuring 5-6 semi-private sites with fire rings, bear boxes, covered picnic tables, and a vault toilet) and at North Beach (tent platforms, fire pits, outhouses, and picnic shelters with stunning ocean views). Three public-use cabins are available by reservation: Derby Cove ($80/night, sleeps 8), Callisto Canyon ($80/night), and Tonsina Cabin ($100/night, sleeps 6). Cabins feature woodstoves, sleeping platforms, and latrines. Historic Fort McGilvray ruins and the South Beach Garrison are open for exploration.

Directions

From Seward, drive south to Lowell Point Road. Continue to the Lowell Point State Recreation Site parking area at road's end. The Coastal Trail begins at the south end of the parking area. Parking is $5 per day or free with an Alaska State Parks annual pass. Alternatively, charter boats from Seward provide shuttle service directly to North Beach.