Alaska has a rich WWII history, as the state was on front lines as a territory of the U.S. during the war. South of Seward, Fort McGilvray was constructed as a fortification on Caines Head, a cliff 650 feet above Resurrection Bay. This area was strategically important because Resurrection Bay remains ice-free year-round and there was a serious threat of Japanese invasion. Take the resplendent Caines Head Trail to this abandoned WWII fort in lovely Seward, Alaska.
Begin your journey at the water's edge in downtown Seward. Follow the road south to the Lowell Point State Recreation Site. There are two small parking lots with a $5 daily fee.
There are several different options for lengths and difficulty of hikes at the trailhead. The full hike to Fort McGilveray is near 14 miles round-trip and an overnight stay is recommended to negotiate the intertidal zone.
The beginning of the hike follows old wagon tracks through a series of switchbacks. Then through the temperate rainforest with moss covered spruce, abundant ferns, and muskeg ponds ending at Tonsina Point.
The next section is a three mile stretch from Tonsina Point to Derby Cove, across the intertidal zone. It usually takes about 2-3 hours. Be extremely cautious of the dangers of the low areas.
There are campsites and public-use cabins available for reservation on North Beach, just near the fort. You must remain out until the next low tide allows you to hike out.
The historic Fort McGilvary is at last accessed via a section
of trail commonly referred to as Fort Trail. Hikers are rewarded with views of the
Resurrection Bay, Thumb Cove State Marine Park,
and barrier islands.
The trail is best used from May to September and dogs are permitted. The Fort and support buildings are abandoned, spooky and located in a very scenic spot.
