Best attractions and places to see around Lowell Point, Alaska, offer a tranquil coastal experience south of Seward. This area is characterized by its location on Resurrection Bay, providing views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. Lowell Point is known for its natural features, including beaches, rainforest trails, and diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife. The region also holds historical significance with remnants of World War II defenses.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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Popular around Lowell Point
A boat tour from this harbor is a must when you are in Seward. There are two large providers (Major Marine Tours & Kenai Fjord Tours), which certainly do not differ in quality. In any case, we can definitely recommend booking the large 8.5-hour tour, where you travel in much smaller boats and have a very intense nature experience. There were not even 20 people on board and we saw a lot of wildlife. ๐ณ๐ฌ๐ฆญ๐ฆโโฌ๐ฆ You could feel the crew's love for the sea every minute and learned an incredible amount about its creatures. To prevent any seasickness (the waves were sometimes really rough), there were various chewy candies at check-in or on board.
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Expect to pay $5 for parking in this trailhead lot. From here, you can make the relatively easy hike out to Tonsina Point, or you can hike all the way to Caines Head (sometimes known as North Beach, because you arrive at the north beach of Caines Head). If you plan to hike all the way to Caines Head, please be aware that some parts of the trail are underwater at high tide. Alaska has some of the most extreme tidal differentials in the world, and the water is cold and fast-moving. Alaska State Parks recommends leaving Seward at least two hours before low tide to make sure you don't get stranded, but you'll also need to make sure the tide is sufficiently low for you to cross those areas; get more information here: https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/cainesheadsra.htm It's too far to hike out to Caines Head and back in a single tide, so if you do go, either arrange for a water taxi to meet you at the beach and bring you back, or be prepared to wait until the next low tide (about 12 hours). This is also a very popular backpacking destination; people sometimes hike there with tents and other camping gear, then camp out overnight as they wait for another tide. If you plan to do this, be aware that the shale beach can make it challenging to properly stake out a tent, so you might need to employ some creative solutions (like tying guy lines to driftwood, if there is any available).
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The trailhead is a great starting point for hikes on the Caines Head Trail to North and South Beach. Parts of the trail are only accessible at low tide, see http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/lowellptsrs.htm
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The Scheffler Creek is the main river of Seward and is also used by the salmon.
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The Visitor Center reopened on 08.06.2019 is open daily from 9am to 7pm. There are many exhibits of animals to admire. Of course, it also dramatically shows the melting of the park's glaciers. The time for a film lecture should be taken.
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For the nearby campers, this bridge on Scheffler Creek is a meeting place to land the coveted fish in the summer. Once a salmon is on the hook, they must do their best, since the power of salmon is so strong that often even the fishing line is torn.
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In Seward, every summer, the largest healers are hanged at the pier. You can also watch the fish taking their famous salmon out.
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Lowell Point is a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular activities include hiking the scenic Tonsina Creek Trail, which leads to a beach overlooking Resurrection Bay, and exploring the Caines Head Trail - Lowell Point State Recreation Site. This site offers access to both Tonsina Point and the historic Fort McGilvray at Caines Head. Kayaking and boat tours in Resurrection Bay are also very popular for wildlife viewing.
Yes, Lowell Point offers several family-friendly options. The Tonsina Creek Trail is an easy 3-mile roundtrip hike suitable for families, leading to a beautiful beach. The Scheffler Creek Bridge is a popular spot for tourists and offers opportunities to watch salmon, which can be exciting for children. Lowell Point Beach is also great for leisurely strolls and beachcombing.
Lowell Point is abundant with diverse wildlife. In Resurrection Bay, you can frequently spot sea otters, sea lions, and seals. Orca and humpback whales are also seen offshore. On land and in the trees, bald eagles are a common sight, and the intertidal zone is excellent for spotting various shorebirds.
For history enthusiasts, Caines Head Trail - Lowell Point State Recreation Site leads to Fort McGilvray, which features abandoned World War II-era gun emplacements. This offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past defense efforts. Additionally, the human-engineered Lowell Creek Waterfall, rerouted in 1940 to prevent flooding in Seward, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Caines Head Trail offers hikes from relatively easy walks to Tonsina Point to more strenuous treks to Caines Head. It's crucial to note that portions of the trail are only passable at low tide. Planning is essential, and you may need to arrange a water taxi or prepare for an overnight stay at North Beach of Caines Head if you plan to hike the full distance to Fort McGilvray.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Tonsina Creek Trail is an easy 3-mile roundtrip journey through lush rainforest to Tonsina Point. For more easy hikes, you can explore routes listed in the Easy hikes around Lowell Point guide, which includes trails like the Seward Waterfront Shore Path and Caines Head - Fort Trail.
The best time to visit Lowell Point is generally during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mildest and all trails are accessible. This is also when salmon spawn at Tonsina Point and marine wildlife viewing is at its peak. However, the area offers beauty in other seasons, with powerful waterfalls after heavy rains and opportunities for winter activities if prepared for colder conditions.
While many of Lowell Point's natural trails may not be fully wheelchair accessible due to terrain, the nearby Seward Harbor area, just 2.5 miles away, offers more accessible facilities and viewpoints. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions and accessibility information for individual attractions.
Parking is available at the trailhead for the Caines Head Trail - Lowell Point State Recreation Site, which also serves as the starting point for the Tonsina Creek Trail. There is typically a $5 fee for parking in this lot. Always check local signage for current parking regulations and fees.
Visitors consistently praise Lowell Point for its stunning natural beauty, including panoramic views of Resurrection Bay and surrounding mountains. The opportunity for wildlife viewing, from marine mammals to bald eagles, is a major draw. Many also appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the chance to explore rainforest trails, and the unique historical insights offered by sites like Fort McGilvray.
Yes, Lowell Point and the surrounding area offer several running trails. The Running Trails around Lowell Point guide features options like the Caines Head Trail, which can be a moderate to difficult run depending on the section, and the challenging Mount Marathon and Skyline Trail Loop.
Many outdoor areas in Lowell Point, including beaches and trails, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific regulations for each location, especially within state recreation sites, and ensure your dog is on a leash. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and clean up after your pet.


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