Prince William Sound

About

South Esther Island State Marine Park encompasses 3,360 acres on the southern end of Esther Island in Alaska's Prince William Sound. The park includes both Lake Bay and Quillian Bay, offering protected anchorages for boaters and kayakers. Access is exclusively by water via boat or floatplane from Whittier. Water taxi services are available from Whittier for drop-offs to the camping area. The campground features elevated tent platforms designed for camping in the muskegs and forested terrain. Facilities include a vault latrine and bear-proof food locker. A hiking trail along the eastern edge of the lagoon leads through a low, forested pass to scenic Esther Lake. The Esther Falls Overlook provides outstanding views of the area. Lake Bay is home to the Wally H. Noerenberg Fish Hatchery, one of the world's largest fish hatcheries. Anglers must maintain a 300-foot distance from the hatchery holding pens. Black bears congregate near the hatchery during peak fish runs, so proper food storage is essential. Heavy commercial fishing activity occurs seasonally, and visitors should avoid net and boat traffic during fleet operations.

Directions

From Anchorage, take the Seward Highway south to Whittier via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (toll required, operates on schedule). From Whittier, the campground is approximately 21 miles by boat on the northeast side of Lake Bay on South Esther Island. Water taxi services are available from Whittier for drop-offs.