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Caines Head Full-Day Paddle Adventure - Kayak, Hike & WWII History
Pricing
Description
Paddle to a WWII Fortress on the Shores of Resurrection Bay
This is one of the most uniquely rewarding adventures in the Seward area — a full-day guided combination of coastal sea kayaking and forest hiking that culminates at Fort McGilvray, a remarkably intact WWII defensive complex perched 650 feet (198 m) above the Gulf of Alaska inside Caines Head State Recreation Area.
The day starts by paddling 5 miles (8 km) south from Lowell Point along the dramatic coastline of Resurrection Bay. En route, you'll paddle past Tonsina Beach, where salmon spawn in season, and through the hauntingly beautiful "ghost forest" — a legacy of the massive 1964 Alaska earthquake that submerged the land and killed stands of trees whose bleached trunks still stand today. Wildlife sightings along the way are common: bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, mountain goats on the cliffs above, and occasionally black bears, humpback whales, and orca.
After landing at the original Fort McGilvray dock at Caines Head North Beach, your guide stashes the boats and the group sets out on the hike — just over 2 miles (3.2 km) to the summit through gorgeous old-growth Chugach temperate rainforest draped in moss, with berries to pick in late summer. At the top: Battery 293, sweeping panoramic views of the Gulf of Alaska, the Harding Gateway, and the Barrier Islands of Resurrection Bay — and the entrance to the WWII bunker itself. Bring a headlamp or flashlight — it's dark inside. After exploring and enjoying lunch at the gunning emplacement with that incredible view, the group hikes back down and kayaks the 5 miles back to Miller's Landing.
In total, this trip involves approximately 10 miles (16 km) of paddling and 4–5 miles (6.4–8 km) of hiking. It's a big, rewarding day and one of the best ways to experience the history and wild beauty of Resurrection Bay.
Duration
Full day. Departs 8 a.m.; returns approximately 3 p.m. (~7 hours total).
Location / Where to Meet
13880 Beach Drive, Seward, AK 99664
Ages & Requirements
- Best for ages 12 and up
- Tandem kayak maximum capacity: about 400–600 lbs (181–272 kg). Maximum 250 lbs (113 kg) per person.
- The spray skirts used on the kayaks fit waist sizes roughly up to 50 inches.
- This trip is moderate in difficulty. You will paddle approximately 10 miles (16 km) round trip and hike approximately 4–5 miles (6.4–8 km) with 650 ft (198 m) of elevation gain. The trail is well maintained. Be prepared to be active for most of the day.
- Group Tour: Up to 16 guests
- Private Tour: Up to 8 guests — just you and your group
What's Included
- Experienced, WFR-certified kayak guide
- Sit-inside tandem kayaks with spray skirts, life vests, and paddles
- Pre-trip safety and paddling orientation
- Safety and first aid equipment
- The following is available as needed, just let your guide know:
- Extra rain gear
- Pogies to protect your hands (paddling mittens)
- Neoprene Bootie
- A dry bag (recommended for cameras)
- A butt pad
Not Included
- Lunch and snacks — please pack your own lunch for this trip. Meal packages are available for purchase at checkout - see FAQs for details.
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Guide gratuity — a suggested 20% tip is greatly appreciated; your guide works hard to make your day exceptional
What to Bring / Wear
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip — you'll be on wet, uneven forest trail. Water-resistant or waterproof footwear is ideal
- Extra socks
- Wool or synthetic layers — no cotton
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Warm hat and lightweight gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Headlamp or small flashlight — essential for exploring the WWII bunker
- Lunch and snacks (unless purchasing a meal package)
- Camera with waterproof housing or dry bag (cameras can rest on the kayak under bungee cords)
- Personal medications
There is plenty of storage in the boats for spare layers and other items if packed into small bags around 25 oz. Each guest also receives a dry bag for use during the trip, if needed.
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Miller's Landing
FAQs
Caines Head Itinerary
Start your morning by meeting your guide, getting geared up and ready to paddle along the coast to Caines Head State Recreation Area.
From there we paddle past Tonsina Beach, where salmon spawn (when in season), and view the beautiful yet mysterious ghost forest remains from the ruins of the 1964 Alaskan earthquake. We continue on to Caines Head State Park. Paddlers often see eagles, sea otters, sea lions, and sometimes mountain goats, black bears, and orca and humpback whales.
Hike up to Fort McGilvray through the stunning Chugach National Forest, admiring the blankets of moss and picking berries late summer. Then you will find yourself at the entrance of the WWII bunker. Hopefully you brought your flashlight because it’s dark inside. Enjoy lunch (not provided– please pack one along!) with a view of the bay then hike back down to the beach where we landed. The hike is roughly 5 miles, and the trail is well maintained with a 650-foot elevation gain.
We retrace our steps and paddle back to Miller’s Landing, watching for wildlife all along the way.
This paddle is ideal for those wanting to paddle, hike, and explore all that Resurrection Bay has to offer. No sea kayaking experience is necessary; however, be prepared to be active all day.
What is Fort McGilvray and why is it worth visiting?
Fort McGilvray is a remarkably well-preserved WWII military installation built in the early 1940s to defend the approaches to Seward and its vital railroad terminal. Battery 293 at the summit housed large coastal defense guns, and the underground bunker complex — tunnels, fire control rooms, and ammunition magazines — is largely intact and explorable. It's a genuinely rare opportunity to step inside a functioning piece of WWII history in a stunning wilderness setting. Bring a headlamp or flashlight — it gets dark in the tunnels.
How hard is the hike?
The hike is moderate. It's just over 2 miles (3.2 km) to the summit and about 5 miles (8 km) round trip, with 650 ft (198 m) of elevation gain. The trail is well maintained and runs through beautiful temperate Chugach rainforest. You should be reasonably comfortable hiking on uneven, potentially slippery terrain. The total day also includes approximately 10 miles (16 km) of paddling, so come prepared to be active for the full 7 hours.
What is available to purchase for lunch?
Fuel your adventure with freshly prepared meals from our on-site café. Menu options ma vary based on the trip you choose. Premium Meal Package ($60):
- Premium barista drink - Pick up at the cafe in the morning
- Breakfast - Burrito or Sandwich
- Lunch - Fully loaded sandwich
- Snack Item
- A drink like Gatorade
- Coffee, Beer, or drink upon return
Standard Meal Package ($30):
- Premium barista drink - Pick up at the cafe in the morning
- Lunch - Fully loaded sandwich
- Snack Item
- A drink like Gatorade
What wildlife might we see on the paddle?
The coastline between Lowell Point and Caines Head is excellent for wildlife. Bald eagles are common, sea otters frequently dot the bay, Steller sea lions haul out nearby, and mountain goats are often visible on the cliffs above. In season, salmon can be seen spawning at Tonsina Creek. Humpback whales and orca are spotted in the area as well, though never guaranteed.
What is the "ghost forest"?
During the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake — the second most powerful earthquake ever recorded — the coastline along Resurrection Bay subsided several feet, submerging the root systems of large stands of Sitka spruce. The trees died in place, and their pale, barkless trunks still stand as a haunting and dramatic reminder of one of Alaska's most powerful geological events.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
None at all. A guide provides a brief orientation on sea kayaking and safety before every trip. This tour is suitable for first-time paddlers, though you should be comfortable being active for an extended period.
Is there a shorter version of this trip?
Yes — the Caines Head Sea Venture with Water Taxi covers the same ground but uses the water taxi one way, reducing total paddling to 5 miles (8 km) one way. It's a great option for those who want the full Caines Head and Fort McGilvray experience with less time on the water. Ask about availability at booking.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes. Cameras can be worn around your neck or stored in a dry bag on the kayak under bungee cords. A waterproof case is strongly recommended. Inside the bunker, a camera with good low-light capability will help — it gets very dark in the tunnels.
Cancellation Policy
- A $10 fee is levied on all cancellations: 30 or more days prior = 90% refund,
- 15-29 days prior = 75% refund,
- 0-14 days prior = 50% refund only if we are able to re-book your trip/stay.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
13890 Beach Drive
Seward, AK, 99664
US
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