The drive from Anchorage to Seward (or in reverse, from Seward to Anchorage) is all about the journey. Stunning scenery is around every corner. From the shorelines of Turnagain Arm, impressive peaks of the Chugach Mountains, to clear blue lakes.
It ranks as one of the most scenic drives in Alaska and should be included in your Alaska road trip itinerary.
While you can ride Alaska Railroad and take a train from Anchorage to Seward, you really don’t want to miss these wonderful stops along the way. Driving gives you the freedom to stop were you want and admire the view.
The Seward Highway stretches for 125 miles and the total drive time from Anchorage to Seward should take no more than 2.5 hours without stops. But we highly recommend setting aside a whole day or more for this drive.
- ABOUT THE ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD DRIVE
- BEST ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD MUST-SEE STOPS
- 1. POTTER'S MARSH
- 2. MCHUGH CREEK RECREATION AREA & TRAIL
- 3. BELUGA POINT
- 4. LOOK FOR DALL SHEEP
- 5. BIRD POINT
- 6. GIRDWOOD – SIDE TRIP
- 7. ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
- 8. PORTAGE LAKE OVERLOOK – SIDE TRIP
- 9. WHITTIER – SIDE TRIP
- 10. TURNAGAIN PASS
- 11. HOPE JUNCTION – SIDE TRIP
- 12. TERN LAKE
- 13. MOOSE PASS
- 14. EXIT GLACIER ROAD AND KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
- SEWARD
- HOW TO DECIDE WHICH STOPS ARE WORTHWHILE?
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD DRIVE
Taking the Seward Highway south, the total distance from Anchorage to Seward is 127 miles. Breaking that up, the distance from Anchorage to Girdwood (a must-stop along the way) is 38 miles and the distance from Girdwood to Seward is 89 miles.
Overall the average driving time with stops is 4+ hours. Seward Highway conditions are good and the well-maintained road easy to drive. If you are driving during the winter, be sure to check weather conditions before starting your journey.
Weather conditions aside, you can drive the Alaska Seward Highway year-round, however the best time of year for the route is during the summer months. You don’t want to miss a thing on this epic route, so the long daylight hours are ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
While this post covers the Anchorage Seward route, if you are travelling from Seward to Anchorage, simply follow the stops in reverse. Ready to drive Anchorage to Seward?
Buckle up for a memorable journey!
BEST ANCHORAGE TO SEWARD MUST-SEE STOPS
This drive begins in Anchorage so be sure to fill up with fuel and shop for snacks before setting off. There is a gas station and grocery store/cafes in Girdwood.
While all the stops are worthy of exploring, your time will probably be limited so you will have to choose the ones which interest you most.
If you are returning back to Anchorage, you can easily fit in some additional stops along the way as we did.
TOP TIP: From Anchorage to Seward, stop at attractions on the RHS of the road, and from Seward to Anchorage, stop at attractions on the LHS of the road.
1. POTTER’S MARSH
- Mile 117 Seward
- How To Get To Potter’s Marsh: Take the Seward Highway south and turn left onto E 154th Avenue following the road to a parking area with restrooms and walking access to two different boardwalks.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 30-60 minutes
- Parking Fee: Free
Also known as the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, your first stop a rest area for migratory birds, also attracts bald eagles, moose and beavers.
An elevated 1,550 feet boardwalk with interpretive signs, makes for a great place to stroll, and spot wildlife. The coastal refuge begins at Point Woronzof and extends 16 miles to Potter Creek.
Potter Marsh features a succession of different habitats in a relatively small area, which draws wild animals into the open. We saw a moose feeding and several different bird species. Be sure to bring binoculars and check the seasonal wildlife viewing.
2. MCHUGH CREEK RECREATION AREA & TRAIL
- Mile 111 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To McHugh Creek Recreation Area: Shortly after passing the Potter Weigh Station on your left, you will see a turn out for the McHugh Creek Day Use Area with plenty of parking, restrooms, and a picnic area.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 15 minutes to view the 20-foot waterfall, just a short stroll from the parking area.
- Parking Fee: $5
Located in Chugach State Park, this rest area is the start of two trails, Rabbit Lake Trail and McHugh Lake Trail. While you probably won’t have time to follow the 6.4 mile trail, you can easily view a lovely 20-foot waterfall.
The waterfall is visible to the side of the pay station at the bottom parking area. If you walk a short distance up towards the upper parking area you get a great sweeping view over Turnagain Arm.
3. BELUGA POINT
- Mile 110.5 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Beluga Point Lookout: The turnout is clearly marked off the Seward Highway.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow up to 30 minutes to enjoy the views and walk out to the hilly outcrop.
- Parking Fee: Free
This is your first chance to really appreciate gorgeous, 180-degree views of Turnagain Arm. An extensive viewing area with interpretive signs and viewing scopes enables you to spot Beluga Whales (May & September).
This is also one of the best places to watch the bore tide, which can rush in at a height of 6 feet and stretching the entire width of Turnagain Arm.
If this is something you want to see, some preparation is required, involving checking the bore tide schedules in advance.
Carefully cross the railroad track and walk out onto the rocky hill, for sublime views. Look back up to the mountains and see if you can spot Dall sheep visible on the cliffs.
4. LOOK FOR DALL SHEEP
While Windy Point at Mile 106 Seward Hwy is one of the best places to see Dall sheep, there isn’t an official pullover to park. If you do decide to stop, be sure to safely pull over as far as you can to the side of the road, paying attention to traffic coming from both directions.
Look up to the cliffs, but remember that Dall sheep have curved horns while mountain goats have pointed ones. They are one of Alaska’s top 5 dream animals that visitors want to see, alongside brown bears, moose, caribou and wolves.
Top Tip: Keep a look out on the cliffs for Dall sheep between Beluga Point and Bird Point.
5. BIRD POINT
- Mile 96 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Bird Point: About 13.5 miles further on from Beluga Point. Turn right at the signpost and follow the road to a parking lot.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 15-30 minutes to walk to various viewpoints and read interpretive signs.
- Parking Fee: $5
A great spot to simply enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and Turnagain Arm. A ramp leads to a boardwalk featuring interpretive signs. The trail leads 6-miles to Girdwood, but you can just enjoy the scenery and keep a look out for birds.
Bird Point is another great spot to watch the bore tide and you can learn more about this phenomenon at the start of the trail.
6. GIRDWOOD – SIDE TRIP
- Mile 90 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Girdwood: Located off Seward Highway, 37 miles from Anchorage. If you are travelling by train to Seward, the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train stops here. Check the Alaska Railroad schedule.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 30 minutes to drive through, and 1-2 hours if stopping to take the tram and eat.
- Parking Fee: Yes
The charming town of Girdwood offers stunning views and year-round activities and is a popular pitstop along your trip.
Things to do in Girdwood include:
#1. GLACIER CREEK BRIDGE VIEWPOINT
Park in Girdwood Place and walk the short distance to the bridge for a great view of the creek. Allow 15 minutes.
#2. CROW CREEK GOLD MINE
Learn how to pan and sluice while looking for gold, at this family-run mine along Crow Creek Mine Road. Relive the historic gold rush era, and explore the unique blend of historical buildings, antiques, and rare mining equipment.
Explore Historical Crow Creek Gold Mine. With a general admission price of $13 per adult, you can check out the interesting old mining buildings and beautiful gardens.
Fancy having a go at panning? For $25 per adult, you receive all the necessary equipment and a Pay dirt Packet containing REAL GOLD!
I would allow 1-2 hours here if this is an activity you want to try, instead of the aerial tram.
#3. TAKE A RIDE ON ALYESKA AERIAL TRAM
Take the Alyeska tram up Mt. Alyeska for amazing aerial views of Turnagain Arm. From the viewing platform visit Roundhouse Museum and either grab something to eat up here, or try local’s favourite The Bake Shop in town.
In the summer, you can hike the North Face and enjoy a FREE ride down via the tram!
- Round Trip Ticket costs $38 per adult with concessionary discounts
- To get here, take a left-hand turn onto Alyeska Highway continuing for three miles. Turn left and continue to Alyeska Resort and Hotel and the parking area.
To really enjoy this charming town and its friendly residents, Girdwood makes a great day trip from Anchorage.
7. ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
- Mile 79 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Continue 11 miles past the Girdwood turnoff. The center will be on the right, with a well-marked sign, just after a train station on the left.
- Admission Fee: Adults $18 with discounts and concessions for seniors, Alaskan residents, children and military.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 1-2 hours to do it justice
- Parking Fee: Free
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must-stop on your trip, and a great chance to see bears. If you are not travelling to Seward, it also makes a great day trip from Anchorage.
Dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, and research, the center takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round. Most animals become permanent residents re-homed in spacious enclosures and provided with quality animal care.
Pick up a map and walk or self-drive the 1.5 mile loop around the enclosures so you don’t miss any of the animals. Walking offers the best chance to stop and really study the animals which include a bald eagle, bears, moose, reindeer, wolves, bison, caribou among others.
Read More: BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ANCHORAGE
The next two stops really deserve a separate side trip of their own, to fully appreciate the area and available attractions.
8. PORTAGE LAKE OVERLOOK – SIDE TRIP
- Mile 78.9 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Portage: From Seward Highway, turn left onto Portage Glacier Road. Continue past the lake for about 6 miles where there is a parking area on the right hand side.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow about 30 minutes in total for the detour.
Portage Glacier Highway twists and turns alongside Portage River. Portage Valley offers many attractions including the impressive Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. It is packed with great displays about Prince William Sound and the ecosystem of the valley.
One of the most popular attractions is the one-hour cruise to view the face of Portage Glacier. There are several good hiking trails in the area, including the Trail of Blue Ice and Byron Glacier Trail.
If you are driving to Seward in a day, you will only have time to view Portage Lake. We suggest you visit the area as a side trip and add an overnight stay in Whittier.
9. WHITTIER – SIDE TRIP
- 48.1 miles from Anchorage | MP 78.9 Seward Hwy
Portage Glacier Highway ends at the Whittier Tunnel to access the town of Whittier and Prince William Sound. Offering several hiking trails, history and boat cruises, the town is definitely worthy of an overnight stay.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is one-lane, and is shared by both cars and trains travelling in both directions.
At 2.5 miles in length, it is the longest highway tunnel in North America. The key is to study the schedule and hours of operation in advance, to maximize your time as you don’t want to just miss a slot and have to wait around.
During Summer, vehicles leave for Whittier, on the half hour, from 5:30am to 10:30pm. Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the tunnel opening. The drive through the tunnel takes about 10 minutes plus any delays and costs $13 roundtrip.
From Whittier, vehicles leave on the hour, from 6am to 11pm.
A great side-trip itinerary would be to take the 30-minute self-guided walking tour to check out WWII buildings and the town’s Cold War history. Hike the 2-mile Portage Pass Trail and stroll along the harbor.
Stay overnight and the next day, take one of the many glacier cruises to explore Prince William Sound and view up to 26 glaciers.
10. TURNAGAIN PASS
- Mile 70 Seward Hwy
- Recommended Length of Stay: 15-30 minutes
- Rest Area with toilets and free parking – makes a great picnic stop.
About 4 miles past the intersection of Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Road, is the “Welcome to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsular” sign. From here, the Mountain Pass rises quickly about 900 feet above Turnagain Arm.
Stop at the summit car park and enjoy the mountain views. Take a stroll along a marked trail which in summer, will be scattered with beautiful wildflowers.
11. HOPE JUNCTION – SIDE TRIP
- Mile 56 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Hope: From Anchorage, head south down the scenic Seward Highway over Turnagain Pass to the junction of Hope Highway at Mile 56. The historic town is another 17 miles ahead, almost at the end of the road.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Drive past or 1+ hours to take a detour
This small 1890’s Gold Rush town with historic cabins is rustic, quirky and worthy of a visit if you are not in a hurry and have the time. The Hope Road turnoff at Mile 56 Seward Highway, travels along Turnagain Arm for 17 miles to Hope.
The road with its scenic curves, hills and ocean views leading to town, are a favourite Alaskan weekend escape.
Many of the town’s original buildings such as Seaview Cafe and Bar are still standing and there is an interesting museum and scenic hiking trails.
12. TERN LAKE
- 90 miles from Anchorage | MP 37 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Tern Lake: Located at the junction of the Seward and Sterling Highways, there is a parking area overlooking the lake. Follow signs to a day-use picnic area, with viewing deck and restrooms, beside the lake off Sterling Highway.
- Recommended Length of Stay: 10-15 minutes for photos
With a stunning backdrop, this lake is a great place to view a variety of animals, birds, fish, and unique plants. Keep a look out for arctic terns, bald eagles, songbirds and common loons.
In the clear waters you can often spot beavers and river otters, while the surrounding mountains are home to mountain goats and Dall sheep.
13. MOOSE PASS
- Mile 28 Seward Hwy
- How To Get To Moose Pass: The town is about 8 miles further on from Tern Lake.
- Recommended Length of Stay: 15-30 minutes
Nestled on the shores of Trail Lake in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, is the small friendly town of Moose Pass. While there’s not much to stop and see, it has a lovely feel about it and some great fudge to purchase.
Stop at Moose Drop-In Trading Post and say hi to the huge talking moose, buy some souvenirs and above all else buy lots of delicious flavoured fudge!
14. EXIT GLACIER ROAD AND KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK
- Mile 3.7
- How To Get To Exit Glacier: Turn right onto Herman Leirer Road aka Exit Glacier Road, following to its end in about 8.5 miles.
- Recommended Time: Allow 30-6o minutes to drive to the nature center and back, and enjoying the views from the road.
After passing the Kenai Fjords National Park sign you are entering Exit Glacier Area. From here, signs indicate the prior locations of the terminus of Exit Glacier which has retreated considerably since the last Little Ice Age.
Exit Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in Alaska, named after backcountry travellers who used it as an exit point off Harding Icefield. In a matter of miles it descends about 3,000 feet, and is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that’s accessible by road.
Hiking trails to get you closer to both Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield leave from beside the Nature Center and both great hikes.
If you are staying in Seward a few days, we recommend just enjoying the roadside view of Exit Glacier and leaving any hikes for a separate visit.
SEWARD
- From the Exit Road intersection (Herman Leirer Road) continue another 2.5 miles to Seward small harbor. (Mile 0)
You made it! Welcome to the wonderful seaside town of Seward Alaska, and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska’s most popular national parks.
Seward is sandwiched between the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay, with Mt. Marathon as a mighty backdrop. We definitely recommend spending 2-4 days here to enjoy all the best things to do in Seward.
On the outskirts of town is Exit Glacier, one of Alaska’s most road-accessible glaciers.
You can take Exit Glacier Overlook Trail for great views across the glacier, or if you are feeling energetic, follow the strenuous Harding Icefield Trail. The icefield feeds 40 glaciers and the hike rewards you with incredible sweeping views of the edge of this mammoth icefield.
In downtown Seward is Alaska SeaLife Center, historic buildings, shops and restaurants.
But you have to head out on the water to fully appreciate this incredible national park. Tour boats leave frequently from the bustling harbor. You can view fantastic scenery and glaciers while also spotting humpback whales, seals, otters, puffins and more.
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH STOPS ARE WORTHWHILE?
You can see how stopping at the majority of stops, including side trips and hiking some trails or experiencing activities will add up timewise. Only you can decide what interests you, but as a help to narrow things down, we did the following:
Anchorage To Seward:
- Potter’s Marsh – we saw a moose
- McHugh Creek (to view the waterfall)
- Beluga Point
- Bird Point
- Girdwood – grab lunch from The Bake Shop (We spent longer here on the return trip)
- Portage Lake Overview (We spent a night in Whittier)
- Turnagain Pass
- Hope – bit tight timewise but really enjoyed the drive & quirkiness of the town
- Tern Lake
- Moose Pass
- Exit Glacier Overlook Trail, but you get a great roadside view from along Exit Road ( We hiked Harding Icefield during our stay in Seward)
Seward To Anchorage:
- You could drive straight to Portage for a 1 hour Portage Glacier Cruise
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Girdwood
We visited in early-June to early-July and made full use of the long daylight hours, which meant staying outdoors longer and not feeling rushed finding your accommodation in the dark.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How To Get From Anchorage To Seward By Train?
You can travel aboard the Coastal Classic train along one of the most scenic stretches of the Alaska Railroad. Trains leave Anchorage at 6.45am (earliest), and return from Seward at 6pm (latest).
How To Get From to Seward From Anchorage By Bus?
The Park Connection bus line operates two trips each day during the summer. The morning departure at 7:00 AM from Dena’ina Civic Center, enables you to connect with one of the many day cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park. Ticket cost $70
To make maximum use of your time, it is best to return on the Seward to Anchorage train.
Where Can I Rent A Car?
If you haven’t already pre-booked transport prior to arriving in Alaska you can easily do this in Anchorage. There are plenty of car rental companies in the city including Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Dollar, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, and National, plus locally owned companies like Alaska Auto Rental.
Where Can I Buy Fuel?
You can buy fuel near Girdwood, just off Alyeska Highway. So fill up in Anchorage before starting your journey.
Are There Any Day Tours From Anchorage?
Although the best way to explore the stops along the Seward Highway is to self-drive, if you prefer a tour, check out these great options which include a cruise and a chance to see an epic glacier up close!
Should I Include Anything Specific On My Alaska Packing List?
The best advice with regards to packing is to wear layers which are breathable and can be easily removed if you are too warm.
The drive between Anchorage and Seward is incredibly scenic with plenty of amazing stops along the way. If you have any questions about the drive, or indeed any tips, please comment in the space below.
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