Hikes Travel

Best 10 Stops Along the Scenic Seward Highway

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The Seward Highway in Alaska is a picturesque drive that stretches for about 125 miles from Anchorage through Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula to Seward. This scenic route is studded with jaw-dropping vistas, unique geological formations, and ample opportunities to witness wildlife. With the Turnagain Arm on one side and the Chugach National Forest on the other, this highway is my favorite in Alaska. Here are, in my opinion, the best 10 stops. Most of them are dog friendly.

1. Beluga Point

Beluga Point is a popular pullout on the Seward Highway that provides panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and, during the right season, a vantage point to spot beluga whales as they chase fish. Between late July and August, the white, charismatic beluga whales can often be seen riding the incoming tide in search of salmon, their favorite meal. The contrast of their bright white bodies against the deep blue of the water provides a memorable and often photographed sight. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot any on our roadtrip as the tide was pretty low. Besides the whales, the panoramic views from Beluga Point are nothing short of spectacular. The vastness of the Turnagain Arm stretches out before you, bordered by the dramatic, rugged peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range.

View from Beluga Point (gloomy day)

2. Bird Ridge Trail

The Bird Ridge Trail provides the opportunity to venture through the immense Chugach National Forest and overlook Turnagain Arm from over 3,200ft high. It’s a very challenging hike involving strenuous climbs. But it is dog friendly and rewards you with a series of overlook points of the Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains, and the vast expanse of the Kenai Peninsula, each more stunning than the last. It is more than just a hike; it’s an adventure, a communion with nature, and a journey into the wild heart of the Last Frontier.

3. Girdwood

Girdwood is a quaint town known for the Alyeska Resort, offering world-class skiing in winter and hiking opportunities in summer. This world-class resort boasts miles of skiing and snowboarding trails, making it a winter enthusiast’s paradise. In the summertime, the green mountainsides offer excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities. One of the standout attractions of the Alyeska Resort is the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. Perched atop Mount Alyeska, the restaurant provides a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm, surrounding valleys, and, as the name suggests, seven hanging glaciers – Mount Alyeska Glacier, Hanging Glacier, Porcupine Glacier, Pretty Rocks Glacier, Raven Glacier, Winner Creek Glacier, and North Face Glacier.

4. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

If you don’t have any luck spotting wildlife when driving, check out Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or AWCC. It is a sanctuary spanning over 200 acres dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of orphaned or injured wildlife. AWCC ensures these animals get a second chance at life in the wild or are provided with lifelong care if they can’t be released. Its most impressive achievement is that AWCC helped reintroduce wood bison back into their native habitats in Alaska after it went extinct in the US.

Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Alaska’s most iconic animals. The residents include bears (both brown and black), moose, elk, caribou, muskox, lynx, porcupines, eagles, and more. However, don’t expect the animals to be super active. They are confined after all. Also, depending on when you visit, the weather could be too hot for them to move around. Moreover, AWCC is not dog friendly, so be prepared to leave your pup in the car.

Moose
Elk
Muskox
Wood Bison
Black bear

5. Portage Valley

Portage Valley is my favorite stop on the Seward Highway. It’s known for its stunning glacial landscapes, pristine lakes, and a plethora of recreational opportunities.

Portage Glacier Tour

Portage Valley’s primary attraction is the Portage Glacier. While it has receded over the years, its grandeur remains undeniable. This massive tidewater glacier cascades down from the Chugach Mountains into Portage Lake, creating a captivating play of blue ice against the surrounding terrain. Gray Link Alaska operates tours on Portage Lake, taking visitors close to the face of Portage Glacier. I really enjoyed this one-hour informative and mesmerizing cruise, even though it’s not dog friendly. My tour guide was super knowledgable about the history, geology, and ecology of the glacier and its surrounding landscapes. As the boat cruises, the air got colder and colder, the thunderous calving of ice into the lake echoed in the valley, and the blue glacier sparkled under the sun. It was majestic.

Portage Glacier cruise
Portage Glacier

Waterfalls
Portage Pass

Hiking Trails in the Valley

Portage Valley offers beautiful hiking trails that take you to glaciers, lakes, and mountains. The easiest one is probably Byron Glacier Trail. The 2.3-mile long trail takes you directly to the base of Byron Glacier and also offers the chance to walk alongside a sparkling creek with views of cascading waterfalls. The trail was well maintained and dog friendly. Ariel had lots of fun rolling on the ice and snow. However, if you follow the map on AllTrails, the last bit of the trail is not marked and pretty hard to hike as you will have to find your own way by climbing on loose rocks.

Another popular trail is the Portage Pass Trail. This 4.4-mile long trail is dog friendly but challenging with about 1,400ft elevation. It actually starts at Whittier and leads to the Portage Pass which I saw on my Portage Glacier cruise. It’s one of the most serene views I have seen: verdant valleys decorated by winding creeks, soaring peaks topped with blue glaciers, and waterfalls streaming down into the shimmering Portage Lake.

Byron Glacier
Ariel on Byron Glacier Trail

6. Summit Lake in Moose Pass

Summit Lake is a gem in the Chugach National Forest and mountain ranges. As you drive the Seward Highway, this pristine body of water reflects a deep blue hue that invites you to pause and immerse in its tranquil ambiance. Its clear waters mirror the surrounding peaks of Chugach Mountains. Wildflowers dot its banks. It is a symbol of Alaska’s untouched beauty.

Summit Lake

7. Tern Lake Junction

At the meeting point of the Sterling Highway and Seward Highway, Tern Lake offers panoramic views of a picturesque lake surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests. It’s named for the Arctic Terns that frequent the area, but you may also spot eagles, swans, and various waterfowls. The lake’s shores and nearby wetlands teem with flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for photography and bird-watching.

Tern Lake

8. Kenai Lake with a Detour to Cooper Landing

Kenai Lake, spanning nearly 22 miles, is renowned for its vivid turquoise hue and fishing allure. The lake’s color is a testament to its glacial origins, with fine silt from ancient glaciers reflecting light to produce its signature brilliance. Surrounded by towering mountains and dense, evergreen forests, the lake provides a serene backdrop for both relaxation and adventure. It’s a paradise for water activities. Kayakers and boaters glide across the mirror-like surface, while anglers get into the water searching for trout and salmon.

View of Kenai Lake

Kenai Lake is also the start of Kenai River that flows through the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. Kenai River is one of the world’s best fishing destinations. During the salmon run of summertime, abundant king, sockeye, and silver salmon jump out of the river by themselves, and fishing becomes the primary (if not only) daily activity in all the cities along Kenai River and Kenai Lake. I highly recommend you make a short detour to Cooper Landing, locals’ favorite fishing spot, and join a fishing tour. You will be able to catch the most fresh salmon and also enjoy breathtaking Alaskan vistas. But remember to book early because fishing is popular among visitors and locals alike in summer.

Kenai River with salmon jumping out of the water
Anglers were everywhere
Salmon jump

9. Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield

Exit Glacier, located in Kenai Fjords National Park, is one of Alaska’s most accessible and iconic glaciers. To get to it, the Exit Glacier View and Overlook Trail is well-marked and only 2.2 miles long roundtrip, although not dog friendly. It brings you through dense forests and leads to the face of Exit Glacier overlooking its overflow plain. The icy blue façade stands in stark contrast to the verdant alpine surroundings. This river of ice, constantly carving its way down from the Harding Icefield, shows visible trace of glacier movement and offers visitors a tangible experience of glacial retreat due to climate change. Exit Glacier is not just a marvel of nature but also a reminder of the ever-changing and delicate balance of our planet.

Exit Glacier

For more experienced hikers, I also recommend the Harding Icefield Trail which is challenging but rewarding. The trail is 8.6 miles long roundtrip with over 3,000ft in elevation. It brings you even closer to Exit Glacier as well as its source – the spectacular Harding Icefield.

10. Seward and Kenai Fjords

Seward, the terminus of the Seward Highway, serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park. Cradled between the shimmering waters of Resurrection Bay and towering mountain peaks, the town is a hub for glacier tours, wildlife cruises, fishing trips, and kayaking excursions. I recommend a tour that gets you to Kenai Fjords. You will be amazed by the vibrant marine life, rugged coastlines, and deep fjords. I have another blog about my fishing trip in Seward and Kenai Fjords.

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