Location: Lowell Point, South of Seward
Distance: 7 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy; consider distance, tide planning and various types of terrain (see below)
This hike takes some planning around low tide. I don't believe you can make it out and back in one day because of the tide, so plan on spending at least one night somewhere along the way if you want to make it all the way to the fort and back.
We stayed in Callisto Cabin, which is about 4 miles south of the trailhead. The next day, at low tide, we hiked to Fort McGilvray and back to the cabin (another 6 miles round trip). On day three, we packed up and hiked back to Lowell Point.
You could easily do this hike in two days (camp out one night), but we wanted to enjoy ourselves and had to work around the tides and rain. Our first day out was gorgeous but days 2 & 3 were very rainy. It was nice coming back to a warm cabin because after just a few hours exploring, we were soaking wet. Here is the link for the cabin, which I would highly recommend. Keep in mind, you need to book seven months in advance (and then hope for decent weather): https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/caines-head-state-recreation-site/AK/1180319/1061/campsite-booking
I've also hiked out and stayed in Derby's Cove, but this cabin is a little far inland and doesn't have the view of the ocean like Callisto (although I've heard that since Callisto is more north, you're unable to hike south during high tide).
Be prepared for various types of terrain: woods, beach, wet rocks (some scrambling). While the trail is mostly flat, there are some short bursts of incline. Don't forget your binoculars as there is an abundance of wild life to enjoy. We saw whales, seals, otters, eagles, stellar jays, hummingbirds, and more!
These photos are from February 2018 (top left) and three consecutive days in May 2019 (to give you an idea of different kinds of weather you may encounter):
Carter Lake
Location: North of Seward, just north of Moose Pass
Distance: 2 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: North of Seward, just north of Moose Pass
Distance: 2 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Although this hike is short, the beginning is a bit steep. But do not let that deter you! Once you get past the initial climb (first half), it starts to even out and is well worth it. You can get to the lake in less than an hour. I would recommend bringing snacks and treats to enjoy a picnic lunch. My friend and I hung out on a sandbar and I put my feet in the lake :) Two thumbs up!
This photo is from July 2021.
Location: North of Seward
Distance: 23 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
This is a great one-night backpacking trip. There are several campsites and bear boxes along the way. The trail was pretty overgrown in August (especially the middle 10 miles), but I've heard there is still snow in June and lots of bugs in July, so pick your poison! We hiked from south to north and were able to travel pretty quickly with backpacks because it is pretty flat. Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2016.
Lost Lake
Location: 5 miles north of Seward
Distance: 7.3 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
This is a MUST do hike! The first few miles are uphill, but then the trail flattens out to magnificent views of Seward, Mt. Ascension, and tons of surrounding lakes. This is a great backpacking trip for those who want to enjoy the scenery for more than just one day. There is more than enough to explore and several campgrounds that offer bear boxes and "backcountry toilets" (a wooden box on the ground with a toilet seat over it). Blueberries are plentiful in August, so give yourself some time to pick and enjoy. We backpacked from Lost Lake trailhead to Primrose (see below) over a weekend and loved it! Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2016.
Marathon Bowl via Jeep Trail
Location: Seward
Distance: 2.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
This is an excellent trail if you want to enjoy Seward's amazing views but don't want to trek up Mount Marathon! The hike begins more north than the race trail and goes part way up and around Mount Marathon to the beautiful bowl area behind. From this trail, there is a spot to cut over and hike up the mountain if you decide to do so but it is not well marked. Otherwise, be prepared for a steady incline but a rewarding view in the bowl. Two thumbs up!
While the fall colors are gorgeous, I think my favorite time of year out here is just before the last of the snow melts (photos from June 2016 and September 2018)
Mt. Marathon via Race Trail
Location: Seward
Distance: 1.5-2 miles uphill one way depending on route
Difficulty: Difficult due to constant incline
TOUGH hike up to an amazing view of Resurrection Bay. I would recommend doing this hike with someone who has done it before, especially the racer's trail. I had a mini-melt down half way up when I looked down and realized I couldn't get down without continuing up, summiting, and taking the less steep route down. Like I said, worth the effort if you are up for the challenge but not for the faint of heart. Two thumbs up! For more info on this hike, please visit the original blog at https://torturebyrunning.blogspot.com/2013/06/adventures-in-cross-training-6-days.html
I originally completed the racer's trail in July 2013 (pictured below). The trail is easy to see as you look down but not so easy to see/stay on as you hike up.
The hiker's trail had too much snow and wind at the top to summit in May 2015.
I summited again in July 2016 after the annual race. I would recommend this hike in June or better yet July due to snow and busy runners prepping for race :)
Primrose Trail
Location: 17 miles north of Seward
Distance: 7.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
Another beautiful trail that ends at Lost Lake. This trail has fewer views because of the hemlock forest but offers lots of berry picking to make up for it. Once you reach mile 5, the terrain opens up to views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. There are several campgrounds along the way. I preferred the openness of the Lost Lake trail side, but my husband liked this forest-y side. I definitely recommend hiking through to the other side if you can coordinate a drop off/pick up. Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2016.
Ptarmigan Lake
Location: 20 miles north of Seward
Distance: 3.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
I'm almost hesitant to write about this hike because it's one of my favorite and I almost want to keep it a secret! That's all I'm going to say about that!
This pic is from August 2020.
Vagt Lake
Location: 30 miles north of Seward
Distance: 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
This is an easy, short hike starting off the Seward Highway. The trail hugs the south end of Lower Trail Lake (visible from highway) and then heads north towards Vagt Lake. There are spots to set up camp, and there were no people the day we went. You can also take the longer loop back for 4.2 miles round trip. Great for kids and those new to hiking, as the trail is flat and short. I would give it two thumbs up, unless you are looking for more thrills.
This pic is from May 2017.
Victor Creek Trail
Location: 20 miles north of Seward
Distance: 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
This is a short trail, but there are some steep sections. My friend and I had planned to run it but ended up hiking up and jogging down. We regretted not bringing water but the hike crosses a few small streams (good for dogs). You can't really see Victor Creek much but you can hear it down below. This hike would be a nice place to stop and get some movement in before the two hour drive from Seward to Anchorage. Two thumbs up.
This photo is from July 2020. Might be overgrown in some sections by August (not until after first mile though)
Harding Ice Field Fails:
I made it to Marmot Meadows summer 2014 and Top of the Cliffs summer '15 but have yet to make it to the Ice Field. The incline always takes longer than I think, and there was too much snow at the Top of the Cliffs at the end of June. I think late July-September would be the best time for this hike.
Marmot Meadows, August 2014:
Location: 30 miles north of Seward
Distance: 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
This is an easy, short hike starting off the Seward Highway. The trail hugs the south end of Lower Trail Lake (visible from highway) and then heads north towards Vagt Lake. There are spots to set up camp, and there were no people the day we went. You can also take the longer loop back for 4.2 miles round trip. Great for kids and those new to hiking, as the trail is flat and short. I would give it two thumbs up, unless you are looking for more thrills.
This pic is from May 2017.
Victor Creek Trail
Location: 20 miles north of Seward
Distance: 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
This is a short trail, but there are some steep sections. My friend and I had planned to run it but ended up hiking up and jogging down. We regretted not bringing water but the hike crosses a few small streams (good for dogs). You can't really see Victor Creek much but you can hear it down below. This hike would be a nice place to stop and get some movement in before the two hour drive from Seward to Anchorage. Two thumbs up.
This photo is from July 2020. Might be overgrown in some sections by August (not until after first mile though)
Harding Ice Field Fails:
I made it to Marmot Meadows summer 2014 and Top of the Cliffs summer '15 but have yet to make it to the Ice Field. The incline always takes longer than I think, and there was too much snow at the Top of the Cliffs at the end of June. I think late July-September would be the best time for this hike.
Marmot Meadows, August 2014:
Top of the Cliffs, June 2016:
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