State Parks and National Parks

Caines Head State Recreation Area

Caines Head near Seward rises 650 feet above Resurrection Bay, offering sweeping views of the North Pacific Ocean. Perched on its high cliffs is abandoned Fort McGilvray, built during World War II to defend the Port of Seward from Imperial Japanese ground forces.

Fort McGilvray, and the nearby remains of South Beach Garrison, invite investigation. Visitors should bring a flashlight to explore Fort McGilvray's maze of underground passages and rooms.

South Beach's utility buildings and barracks once sheltered 500 soldiers who were stationed here from 1941-1943. The structures are not considered safe, and visitors are not allowed inside.

History is only part of Caines Head's allure. The 6,000-acre recreation area, reached by boat or foot from Lowell Point, is a favorite spot for hikers and campers.

Those who hike the Coastal Trail from Lowell Point must time their trip around the tides as portions are under water except during very low tide. There are two public-use cabins. Camping is allowed at Tonsina, which is just 1.5 miles from Lowell Point, and at North Beach, which is another three miles south. Fort McGilvray and South Beach lie a few miles further south on the trail.

Boaters anchor off North Beach and take a dinghy to shore. Kayaks and other small boats can be brought up on shore.

Marine birds are abundant, as are sea mammals such as seals, sea otters, whales, sea lions and porpoises. Shore animals living in the area include mountain goats, brown and black bears, wolves, wolverines, marmots and coyotes.

Camping facilities are primitive. There are two public use cabins at the park. Campers are expected to carry out their trash, and water, scarce at times, must be boiled. Food needs to be stored to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife.

There are two public use cabins in Thumb Cove across from Caines Head that are accessible only by boat.

Because there are no roads leading to the park, it is seldom used in winter. However, it is possible to ski or snowshoe to the site.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Jack Sinclair, courtesy of Alaska