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Camping and Hiking in Alaska
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Caines Head State Recreation Area and Resurrection Bay State
Marine Parks
Caines Head State Recreation Area, the scenic site of an
abandoned World War II fort, can be reached by boat or foot from
Seward. The massive headland rises 650 feet above Resurrection
Bay, against a back drop of rolling alpine meadows and sharp
peaks, giving way to a sweeping view of the North Pacific Ocean.
The shale-covered, forest-framed beaches of Caines Head have
long been stopping points for boaters and fisherman. But early
in World War II, as the territory of Alaska was attacked and
occupied by Imperial Japanese ground forces, Caines Head and
other Resurrection Bay vantages became strategic spots for
defending the Port of Seward. The port was the southern terminus
of the Alaska Railroad, a critical supply line for the war
effort and for Alaskans. Visitors are invited to explore the
remains of Fort McGilvray, the South Beach Garrison and the many
natural attractions of this 6,000 acre state recreation area.
For information call: (907)262-5581
Thumb Cove SMP
Thumb Cove SMP is one of the bay's most scenic and popular
anchorage. The spectacular rock faces and waterfalls of this
cove offer the mariner a peaceful respite from the bay's
afternoon wind and waves. This marine park has two public use
cabins for rent, Porcupine Glacier and Spruce Glacier cabins.
The Spruce Glacier cabin is fully wheelchair . For information
call: (907)262-5581
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is different from most Alaskan
park areas. It is one of the few flat, lake-studded landscapes
in Alaska preserved for recreation purposes. The recreation
area's clear waters are ringed with unspoiled forests, and
provide tranquil settings for canoeing, fishing, hiking and
camping. In winter, the rolling topography is ideal for
cross-country skiing, dog mushing and snowmachining. For
information call: (907)269-8400
Point Bridget State Park
This beautiful 2,850 acre state park, located forty miles north
of Juneau, offers meadows, cliffs, spectacular views, salmon
spawning streams, rocky beaches, and the sea. In the winter the
meadows and open forest allow for excellent skiing and
snowshoeing opportunities. Point Bridget State Park was created
in 1988 by Alaska State Legislature. This was the culmination of
a decade and a half of effort by recreations, conservationists
and the Juneau Area State Parks Advisory Board to have a state
park for the state capitol. Hiking trails consist of: Point
Bridget Trail - 3.5 miles one way - allow 7 hours hiking time
for round trip, Trappers Route - 2.5 miles from Camping Cove to
North Bridget Cove, Historic McMurchie Cat Road - From Akiyama
Bight 1.2 miles to Upper Cowee Meadow and the Point Bridget
Trail (unmaintained - not recommended for summer use) and North
Bridget Cove Trail - 1/4 mile to beach. For information call:
(907)269-8400
Kenai River Special Management Area
The Kenai River boasts major runs of four Pacific salmon species
- king, red, silver and pink - in addition to trophy-sized
rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Kenai River kings, or Chinook
salmon, are among the largest North Pacific salmon, often
weighing from 50 to over 85 pounds. The abundant productivity of
the Kenai River and variety of habitats enables the area to
support large concentrations of bald eagles and many species of
migratory waterfowl. Moose, caribou, wolves, bears and other
wildlife also use the river system's resources. The area offers
prime opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and wildlife
observation. The Kenai River Special Management Area (SMA)
consists of more than 105 linear miles of rivers and lakes,
including Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake, and the Kenai River from
river mile 82 downstream to four miles above the river's mouth
on Cook Inlet. Adjacent to these waters are fifteen state park
sub-units and land owned by cities, the borough and the federal
government, as well as private and native lands. For information
call: (907)262-5581
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