Driving the Seward Highway: Alaska’s Coastal Rollercoaster
A coastal road trip that stitches glaciers, wildlife and seaside towns into a single unforgettable drive.
You pull off onto the shoulder and listen. The road behind you keeps its steady hum, but ahead the mountains crowd the sky and the water below keeps stealing the show. Turnagain Arm stretches like a silver blade, tide flats scoured to bright sand at low water and glassy, blue at high. Across the arm, the Chugach Mountains are frosted with late snow even in summer; gulls wheel, and somewhere beyond the cliffs a Dall sheep bounces like punctuation on a ridge. This is the Seward Highway: equal parts alpine tunnel and coastal balcony, a sixty-odd-mile corridor that makes even a simple drive feel like an expedition.
Trail Wisdom
Time your light
Drive the Turnagain Arm section at golden hour for the best reflections and wildlife activity; mid-afternoon light is harsher and more contrasty.
Pack layers and rain protection
Weather shifts quickly between sea level and alpine passes — a waterproof shell and insulating mid-layer will keep you comfortable during roadside stops and short hikes.
Keep distance from wildlife
Use binoculars or a telephoto lens and never approach moose, bears, or nesting birds; maintain a safe distance and respect their space.
Fuel and service awareness
Fill up in Anchorage or Seward and know that services are limited between towns; carry extra water and snacks for the road.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Beluga Point boardwalk (excellent for low-tide photography)
- •The small harbor walk in Seward at dusk — quiet tide pools and active birdlife
Wildlife
moose, Dall sheep
Conservation Note
The area’s ecosystems are sensitive; stay on designated trails, pack out waste, and choose certified operators for boat tours to reduce disturbance to wildlife.
The route follows corridors long used by indigenous Dena’ina people and later grew in importance with the Alaska Railroad and road-building that connected coastal communities to Anchorage.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers in lowland meadows, Empty roads and lower crowds
Challenges: Late snow at higher elevations, Unpredictable weather and mud
Spring opens the roadside into blooming tundra and easier wildlife encounters, but be prepared for lingering snow and muddy trailheads.
summer
Best for: Long daylight for photography, Boat tours and easy trail access
Challenges: Higher visitor numbers, Unpredictable rain showers
Summer is peak season for glacier cruises and roadside hiking, offering long days and the best access to water-based activities.
fall
Best for: Autumn color and quiet roads, Chances for early auroras
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Increasing chances of storms and early snow
Fall brings crisp air and fewer visitors; plan around shorter days and the prospect of rapidly changing conditions.
winter
Best for: Snowbound scenery and solitude, Northern lights viewing in clear skies
Challenges: Icy roads and limited services, Short daylight hours
Winter makes the highway dramatic and starkly beautiful but requires winter driving experience and attention to road advisories.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof shellEssential
Keeps you dry and windproof during sudden coastal rain and drizzle.
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Support and traction for muddy trailheads and rocky viewpoint trails.
Binoculars or 300mm+ telephoto lensEssential
Essential for safe, respectful wildlife viewing and distant glacier detail.
Layered insulation (fleece or down)Essential
Warm mid-layer that’s easy to add or remove as elevation and weather change.
Common Questions
How long does it take to drive the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward?
Direct driving time is about 2.5–4 hours depending on traffic and weather; expect a full day if you plan to stop for viewpoints and short hikes.
Are there guided tours available from Seward?
Yes — Kenai Fjords boat tours and wildlife-viewing charters operate out of Seward and offer glacier cruises, whale watching, and marine wildlife trips.
Is the Seward Highway open year-round?
Yes, but winter conditions can be severe; check road advisories and be prepared for snow, ice, and limited daylight during winter months.
Can I see whales and other marine life from the highway?
You can spot marine life from shorelines and viewpoints, particularly in Resurrection Bay and Turnagain Arm; for close encounters, book a boat-charter out of Seward.
Are there places to stop for food and gas?
Cell service is patchy and unreliable in many sections; download maps offline and inform someone of your plans if heading into remote areas.
Do I need to worry about bears?
Yes — bears inhabit roadside areas and trails. Carry bear spray, make noise on hikes, and store food securely when stopping for picnics or campouts.
What to Pack
Water bottle (stay hydrated through wind and sun), bear spray (safety for roadside stops and trails), binoculars (for safe wildlife viewing), waterproof jacket (rapid coastal weather changes).
Did You Know
The Seward Highway links Anchorage and the port of Seward and is a designated National Scenic Byway, offering continuous views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm and access to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Fill your gas tank before long stretches; 2) Check road and weather advisories before you go; 3) Download offline maps and emergency contacts; 4) Respect wildlife distances and local private property.
Local Flavor
Seward’s harbor and the Kenai Peninsula are seafood-first communities — halibut, salmon and local smoked fish anchor menus. The towns also host Alaska Native cultural events and local guide services who share stories of the land and sea.
Logistics Snapshot
Anchorage to Seward ~125 miles; allow 3–6 hours with stops. Road well maintained in summer; services in Girdwood, Cooper Landing and Seward. Boat-charters run from Seward to Kenai Fjords. Cell service patchy. Pack layers and bear spray.
Sustainability Note
Choose certified, low-impact charter operators, pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and store food properly to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.
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