Driving the Seward Highway: Anchorage Scenic Drive Guide
Get ready for one of the most stunning road trips on the planet! The Seward Highway, stretching south from Anchorage, isn’t just a road; it’s officially designated as an All-American Road and National Scenic Byway, and for good reason. Hugging the dramatic coastline of Turnagain Arm with towering mountains as a backdrop, driving the Seward Highway offers non-stop beauty, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to glaciers and charming towns.
Whether you drive its entire length to Seward or just explore the incredibly scenic section close to Anchorage as a day trip, this is an Alaskan experience you absolutely cannot miss. So, grab your camera, fill the tank, and let’s explore the highlights!
Why Drive the Seward Highway?
- World-Class Scenery: Jaw-dropping views of mountains (Chugach & Kenai ranges) plunging into the waters of Turnagain Arm.
- Abundant Wildlife: One of the best places to spot Dall sheep, beluga whales (in summer), moose, eagles, and numerous bird species.
- Glacier Access: Easy detours lead to attractions like the Portage Glacier.
- Charming Stops: Explore trailheads, viewpoints, visitor centers, and the picturesque town of Girdwood.
- Pure Alaskan Vibe: It encapsulates the grandeur and wildness of Southcentral Alaska.
Preparing for the Drive
- The Route: We’re focusing on the ultra-scenic stretch from Anchorage south towards Portage/Girdwood (approx. 50 miles one way), perfect for a day trip. The full highway continues about 125 miles to Seward.
- Best Time: Summer (May-September) offers the best weather, longest daylight hours, and open seasonal attractions like the Portage Glacier cruise. Fall brings beautiful colours. Winter driving is possible but requires caution – always check road conditions.
- Transport: Renting a car gives you the ultimate flexibility to stop whenever you want. However, several excellent guided tours depart from Anchorage, covering the main highlights like Turnagain Arm, AWCC, and Portage, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views.
- Essentials: Definitely bring your camera and binoculars! Dress in layers (Alaska weather changes fast!), pack snacks and water, start with a full gas tank, and download or check the Alaska 511 app/website (511.alaska.gov) for real-time road conditions, construction, and closures.
Key Stops & Things to Do (Anchorage to Girdwood/Portage Section)
Heading south from Anchorage on AK-1 (the Seward Highway):
- Potter Marsh (Mile 117): Your first major stop just outside Anchorage. Part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, its extensive boardwalk offers fantastic bird watching (especially spring/summer migratory birds like Arctic terns and trumpeter swans), plus chances to see spawning salmon, muskrats, and maybe even moose.
- McHugh Creek Recreation Area (Mile 112): A lovely spot for a picnic with trails leading to waterfalls and offering great views over Turnagain Arm. Access point for Chugach State Park trails.
- Beluga Point (Mile 110): An iconic, must-stop viewpoint. Scan the waters of Turnagain Arm, especially during incoming tides in summer, for pods of white beluga whales chasing fish. Also a great place to potentially witness the Turnagain Arm bore tide. Keep an eye on the cliffs above for Dall sheep too!
- Windy Corner (Mile 106): As the name suggests, it can be windy, but this is arguably the best and most reliable spot to see wild Dall sheep navigating the steep cliffs right above the highway. Use designated pullouts safely.
- Turnagain Arm Bore Tide: This unique natural phenomenon occurs when a large, incoming tide is funneled into the narrow, shallow arm, creating a wave (sometimes several feet high) that rushes up the inlet. It only happens on specific large tides (check NOAA tide predictions for Anchorage and look for bore tide forecast info). Viewing spots include Beluga Point, Bird Point, and Indian. It’s a fascinating sight if you time it right!
- Indian Valley Mine (Mile 104): Step back into gold rush history. You can tour the historic buildings and even try your hand at gold panning.
- Bird Creek (Mile 101): A popular spot for salmon fishing (especially Silvers, July-September). Even if you’re not fishing, it’s interesting to see the anglers and watch for fish in the creek.
- Bird Point (Mile 96): Another excellent viewpoint with interpretive signs, offering great perspectives of Turnagain Arm and potential bore tide viewing.
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) (Mile 79): Don’t miss this! AWCC provides sanctuary and spacious, natural enclosures for orphaned and injured Alaskan animals. See bears (grizzly & black), moose, wood bison, wolves, elk, caribou, muskox, eagles, and more, often up close. You can drive or walk the loop. Open year-round with varying hours.
- Portage Valley & Glacier (Mile 78 – turn off highway): Take this short, scenic detour. Stop at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center (check seasonal operation). The main draw is the 1-hour Portage Glacier Cruise on the MV Ptarmigan across iceberg-dotted Portage Lake to the face of the glacier (operates roughly mid-May to mid-September, book ahead!).
- Girdwood & Alyeska Resort (Mile 90): This charming mountain town, originally named Glacier City, is worth a stop. The main attraction is the Alyeska Tramway (operates year-round, check summer schedule), a scenic ride up Mt. Alyeska (2,300 ft) offering breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, and mountaintop dining options like the fine-dining Seven Glaciers restaurant.
Continuing Towards Seward?
If you have more time, the highway continues south through the Kenai Mountains for another beautiful 1.5-2 hours to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and popular wildlife cruises.
Safety Tips for Driving the Seward Highway
- Use Pullouts: The views are distracting! Use designated pullouts for photos and wildlife viewing – never stop in the travel lanes.
- Wildlife Hazard: Be extremely alert for moose crossing or standing on the road, especially at dawn/dusk. Also watch for Dall sheep near cliffs.
- Road Conditions: Check Alaska 511 before you go and be aware of construction delays (common in summer) or winter driving conditions (snow, ice). Watch for frost heaves (bumps in the road).
- Speed Limits: Obey posted speed limits; the road has curves and traffic can be heavy in summer.
An Unforgettable Alaskan Drive
Driving the Seward Highway is more than just getting from Point A to Point B; it’s an experience in itself, immersing you in the grandeur of Alaska. Whether you explore for a few hours or make a full day of it, the scenery, wildlife, and accessible adventures along this route are truly world-class.
Ready to hit the road? Plan your stops or book a guided tour to experience the magic of the Seward Highway!
