Seward Highway
Seward Highway
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5.0
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Konstantia M
Piraeus, Greece1,528 contributions
Aug 2022
The road that connects Seward with Anchorage in Alaska. An idyllic route that passes through some of the most isolated areas (Kennai Penninsula). It is better to go by buss and return by train (Alaska Express).Try to seat in the 1st floor (glass rooftop) An incredible experience, especially with midnight sun!
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AreWeThereYet3_11
Jacksonville, FL231 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Seward highway is the most beautiful highway and words cannot describe the magnificent beauty that you see. Mountains with ice all around you. Take your time and stop at all the stops. Have a picnic amongst this beautiful picturesque scenery. You cannot get enough.
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,283 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
We traveled the Seward Highway for its full 125½ miles from Seward to Anchorage. It was competed in 1951. It is Alaska State Route 9 for the first 37 miles from Seward to the Sterling Highway. Then, it becomes Alaska State Route 1. It runs across the Kenai Peninsula, through Chugach National Forest and Kenai Mountains, ad then past Turnagain Arm into Anchorage.
We enjoyed the scenery as we traveled to Anchorage. In Bear Creek, we saw Bear Lake. Then, we drove through the Chugach National Forest.
The Alaska Railroad followed the highway and crisscrossed under it several times. Next, the highway crossed the Snow River.
The next town was Primrose where the highway ran beside Kenai Lake, a glacial lake. Despite the gray day, the water had a greenish blue hue. We saw several fisherman on the shore. They seemed to be conditioned to the light rain common to the area.
Then, the highway ran alongside the very large Lower Trail Lake for miles.
After passing more forest and settlements, Route 9 ended and became Route 1 at Tern Lake Junction.
About 10 miles later, the highway came to the shores of Summit Lake where there was a large campground and Summit Lake Lodge.
Then, the highway turned inland again to run beside and circumvent Turnagain Arm, a large body of water too big to build a bridge across.
At Portage, there was a turnoff for Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. That looked interesting.
Then, the highway reversed around Turnagain Arm. In a mile or so, we made the exit in Girdwood for the Alyeska Highway to drop off passengers off at the Alyeska Resort. At that intersection, there was a commercial development there named Tesoro Mall. It had an ATM, restaurants, a bakery, an ice cream shop, a Tesoro gas station, and a place called The Great Alaskan Tourist Trap. That was at Mile 90 of the Seward Highway. At the resort, there was an arts and crafts event in progress. It looked like a nice event.
Back out on the highway, we entered the City of Anchorage in a few miles. We followed it right to 5th Ave. where the Westmark Anchorage was located near the city center. We passed several city attractions on the final approach.
We enjoyed our drive along the Seward Highway. We rate it a 5.0.
We highly recommend traveling on it either in a motor coach or a rental car.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
We enjoyed the scenery as we traveled to Anchorage. In Bear Creek, we saw Bear Lake. Then, we drove through the Chugach National Forest.
The Alaska Railroad followed the highway and crisscrossed under it several times. Next, the highway crossed the Snow River.
The next town was Primrose where the highway ran beside Kenai Lake, a glacial lake. Despite the gray day, the water had a greenish blue hue. We saw several fisherman on the shore. They seemed to be conditioned to the light rain common to the area.
Then, the highway ran alongside the very large Lower Trail Lake for miles.
After passing more forest and settlements, Route 9 ended and became Route 1 at Tern Lake Junction.
About 10 miles later, the highway came to the shores of Summit Lake where there was a large campground and Summit Lake Lodge.
Then, the highway turned inland again to run beside and circumvent Turnagain Arm, a large body of water too big to build a bridge across.
At Portage, there was a turnoff for Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. That looked interesting.
Then, the highway reversed around Turnagain Arm. In a mile or so, we made the exit in Girdwood for the Alyeska Highway to drop off passengers off at the Alyeska Resort. At that intersection, there was a commercial development there named Tesoro Mall. It had an ATM, restaurants, a bakery, an ice cream shop, a Tesoro gas station, and a place called The Great Alaskan Tourist Trap. That was at Mile 90 of the Seward Highway. At the resort, there was an arts and crafts event in progress. It looked like a nice event.
Back out on the highway, we entered the City of Anchorage in a few miles. We followed it right to 5th Ave. where the Westmark Anchorage was located near the city center. We passed several city attractions on the final approach.
We enjoyed our drive along the Seward Highway. We rate it a 5.0.
We highly recommend traveling on it either in a motor coach or a rental car.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Written 6 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chia2005
Huntington Beach, CA550 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
If you don't make any stops, you can probably make this drive from Anchorage to Seward in less than 3 hours, but especially on a sunny day, you might as well make it an overnight trip to Seward. So much to see and do along this highway. Here is the list of where I recommend to stop by.
1) Turnagain Arm- Potter Marsh, Beluga Point, Bird Point
2) Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center-check out the wildlife here, or maybe stop by on your way back if you didn't have much luck to spot them on your own
3) Portage Glacier Valley area- detour and take Portage Highway at the junction. Check the fish viewing platform briefly to see if the salmon is running, visit the visitor center for the view of glaciers from the lake, and drive thru the tunnel to go to the viewpoint on the otherside.
4) Summit Lake - pass the first point, soon parking area should appear on your left, take a peek of the creek below
5) Tern Lake
6) Moose Pass-you probably want to have lunch here, if you leave Anchorage in the morning.
Recommend Estes Bros.Grocery for a quick bite to eat & coffee and don't forget to check the watermill! Keep an eye for moose!
7) Bear Creek Weir- just before you reach Seward. If the salmon is running, good place to see them going up the creek. Turn left at Bear Lake Road and keep driving until you see the hatchery facility on your left.
8) Exit Glacier- take a left, about a 30 minute hike to the glacier from the parking lot area, probably the easiest access to a glacier on your own close to town.
1) Turnagain Arm- Potter Marsh, Beluga Point, Bird Point
2) Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center-check out the wildlife here, or maybe stop by on your way back if you didn't have much luck to spot them on your own
3) Portage Glacier Valley area- detour and take Portage Highway at the junction. Check the fish viewing platform briefly to see if the salmon is running, visit the visitor center for the view of glaciers from the lake, and drive thru the tunnel to go to the viewpoint on the otherside.
4) Summit Lake - pass the first point, soon parking area should appear on your left, take a peek of the creek below
5) Tern Lake
6) Moose Pass-you probably want to have lunch here, if you leave Anchorage in the morning.
Recommend Estes Bros.Grocery for a quick bite to eat & coffee and don't forget to check the watermill! Keep an eye for moose!
7) Bear Creek Weir- just before you reach Seward. If the salmon is running, good place to see them going up the creek. Turn left at Bear Lake Road and keep driving until you see the hatchery facility on your left.
8) Exit Glacier- take a left, about a 30 minute hike to the glacier from the parking lot area, probably the easiest access to a glacier on your own close to town.
Written 26 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ferg42995
Texas401 contributions
Jun 2020
Most beautiful highway EVER! Don't rush from Anchorage to Seward. Build in 5 or 6 hours or all day and enjoy it! It is just that beautiful.
Some of our favorite stops were:
Mile 115.1/11.9 – Potter Creek Viewpoint – View with interpretive signs. After, then drive up the hill to large parking area for viewing platform with telescopes.
Mile 111.9/15.1 -- McHugh Creek Day Use Area – Skip if vehicle is more than 24 feet. Shortly after passing the Potter Weigh Station on your left, you will see a turn out for the McHugh Creek Day Use Area (milepost 111). With just a short walk from the parking area you will find a beautiful 20 foot water fall. Second parking area has beautiful views.
Mile 110.3/16.7 – Beluga Point Lookout -- Here you'll find 180 degree views of Turnagain Arm. There's an extensive viewing area with spotting scopes and interpretive signs. Check the Anchorage area tide tables for low tide and add 2 hours 15 minutes to get the approximate time of the Bore Tide. Do not walk on sand! Much of it is quicksand and you will drown when tide rolls in.
Mile 108.7/18.3 – scenic viewpoint
Mile 106.9/20.1 – Scenic View -- Often can see Dall sheep on steep hillsides above highway with binoculars.
Mile 104/23 – Indian Valley Meats – reindeer, venison, buffalo, elk sausage and jerky.
Mile 99.3/27.7 – Paved parking area. Views across Bird Flats on Turnagain Arm to the cut in the mountains where Sixmile Creek drains into the arm. The peak visible across Turnagain Arm between here and Girdwood is Mount Alpenglow in the Kenai Mountain Range.
Mile 96.5/30.5 – Bird Point Scenic Overlook. Nice bathrooms, great views. Look for Beluga whales in the water. End of parking lot has whale sculptures. Look for Bore Tide (See Beluga Point for info) here as well.
Mile 95.3/31.7 – Scenic Turnout with interpretive signs about gold rush and Sunrise City.
Mile 94.1/32.9 – Scenic turnout with signs about whaling.
Mile 93.3/33.7 – Scenic turnout with signs about tides, mudflats, and bore tides.
Mile 92.5/34.5 – Scenic turnout with signs about 1964 Earthquake, Portage Pass.
Mile 92.2/34.8 – Scenic turnout and another good place to look for Dall sheep.
Mile 91.5/35.5 – Scenic turnout with signs about glaciers.
Mile 89.8/37.2 – Scenic View from the bridge of the glaciated Kenai Mountains.
Mile 89.1/37.9 – View of 3 hanging glaciers to the east.
Mile 84.1/42.9 – Don’t stop but the view here is of Peterson Creek and Blueberry Mountain. Watch for waterfalls between here and mile 83.
Mile 82/45 – Don’t stop but notice Spencer Glacier directly ahead.
Mile 78.9/48.1 -- Short detour onto Portage Glacier Road to Moose Flats Day Use Area (Mile 1.2 Portage Glacier Road) and check out the short “Wetland Walk” trail, pond, and look for moose and birds.
Mile 76.5/50.5 – Don’t stop but look for swans in ponds to the east.
Mile 75.5 – Scenic viewpoint
Mile 75/52 – Scenic turnout with “Welcome to Kenai Peninsula” sign.
Mile 71.2/55.8 – Scenic turnout. Waterfall at north end of turnout.
Mile 68.5/58.5 – Turnagain Pass Rec Area – beautiful views
Mile 66.8/60.2 – Scenic view turnout
Mile 59/68 – Parking area with signs about moose and rapids and good views of Six
Mile Creek.
Mile 56.7 – Canyon Creek Rest Area has a pull out on the right to stop and get a view of Six Mile Creek.
Mile 51.4/75.6 – Scenic viewpoint.
Mile 47.3/79.7 -- has a scenic turnout and a great photo spot.
Mile 45.4 – scenic viewpoint
Mile 38.4/88.6 – Scenic viewpoint of Jerome Lake.
Mile 37/90 – turn west on Sterling Hwy for access to Tern Lake USFS Wildlife Viewing Area. Explore the lake and look at wildlife. Sometimes moose, nesting birds, mountain goats, sheep.
Mile 29.7/97.3 – scenic view turnout of Trail Lake.
Mile 29.3/97.7 – Moose Pass. Look for the waterwheel on the west side of the main road in town.
Mile 22.7/104.3 – scenic view turnout of Kenai Lake
Mile 14.7/112.3 – parking area for boardwalk viewpoint of Lily Pad Lake. Look for moose and swans.
Some of our favorite stops were:
Mile 115.1/11.9 – Potter Creek Viewpoint – View with interpretive signs. After, then drive up the hill to large parking area for viewing platform with telescopes.
Mile 111.9/15.1 -- McHugh Creek Day Use Area – Skip if vehicle is more than 24 feet. Shortly after passing the Potter Weigh Station on your left, you will see a turn out for the McHugh Creek Day Use Area (milepost 111). With just a short walk from the parking area you will find a beautiful 20 foot water fall. Second parking area has beautiful views.
Mile 110.3/16.7 – Beluga Point Lookout -- Here you'll find 180 degree views of Turnagain Arm. There's an extensive viewing area with spotting scopes and interpretive signs. Check the Anchorage area tide tables for low tide and add 2 hours 15 minutes to get the approximate time of the Bore Tide. Do not walk on sand! Much of it is quicksand and you will drown when tide rolls in.
Mile 108.7/18.3 – scenic viewpoint
Mile 106.9/20.1 – Scenic View -- Often can see Dall sheep on steep hillsides above highway with binoculars.
Mile 104/23 – Indian Valley Meats – reindeer, venison, buffalo, elk sausage and jerky.
Mile 99.3/27.7 – Paved parking area. Views across Bird Flats on Turnagain Arm to the cut in the mountains where Sixmile Creek drains into the arm. The peak visible across Turnagain Arm between here and Girdwood is Mount Alpenglow in the Kenai Mountain Range.
Mile 96.5/30.5 – Bird Point Scenic Overlook. Nice bathrooms, great views. Look for Beluga whales in the water. End of parking lot has whale sculptures. Look for Bore Tide (See Beluga Point for info) here as well.
Mile 95.3/31.7 – Scenic Turnout with interpretive signs about gold rush and Sunrise City.
Mile 94.1/32.9 – Scenic turnout with signs about whaling.
Mile 93.3/33.7 – Scenic turnout with signs about tides, mudflats, and bore tides.
Mile 92.5/34.5 – Scenic turnout with signs about 1964 Earthquake, Portage Pass.
Mile 92.2/34.8 – Scenic turnout and another good place to look for Dall sheep.
Mile 91.5/35.5 – Scenic turnout with signs about glaciers.
Mile 89.8/37.2 – Scenic View from the bridge of the glaciated Kenai Mountains.
Mile 89.1/37.9 – View of 3 hanging glaciers to the east.
Mile 84.1/42.9 – Don’t stop but the view here is of Peterson Creek and Blueberry Mountain. Watch for waterfalls between here and mile 83.
Mile 82/45 – Don’t stop but notice Spencer Glacier directly ahead.
Mile 78.9/48.1 -- Short detour onto Portage Glacier Road to Moose Flats Day Use Area (Mile 1.2 Portage Glacier Road) and check out the short “Wetland Walk” trail, pond, and look for moose and birds.
Mile 76.5/50.5 – Don’t stop but look for swans in ponds to the east.
Mile 75.5 – Scenic viewpoint
Mile 75/52 – Scenic turnout with “Welcome to Kenai Peninsula” sign.
Mile 71.2/55.8 – Scenic turnout. Waterfall at north end of turnout.
Mile 68.5/58.5 – Turnagain Pass Rec Area – beautiful views
Mile 66.8/60.2 – Scenic view turnout
Mile 59/68 – Parking area with signs about moose and rapids and good views of Six
Mile Creek.
Mile 56.7 – Canyon Creek Rest Area has a pull out on the right to stop and get a view of Six Mile Creek.
Mile 51.4/75.6 – Scenic viewpoint.
Mile 47.3/79.7 -- has a scenic turnout and a great photo spot.
Mile 45.4 – scenic viewpoint
Mile 38.4/88.6 – Scenic viewpoint of Jerome Lake.
Mile 37/90 – turn west on Sterling Hwy for access to Tern Lake USFS Wildlife Viewing Area. Explore the lake and look at wildlife. Sometimes moose, nesting birds, mountain goats, sheep.
Mile 29.7/97.3 – scenic view turnout of Trail Lake.
Mile 29.3/97.7 – Moose Pass. Look for the waterwheel on the west side of the main road in town.
Mile 22.7/104.3 – scenic view turnout of Kenai Lake
Mile 14.7/112.3 – parking area for boardwalk viewpoint of Lily Pad Lake. Look for moose and swans.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,681 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We drove Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward then back again over two days in June. The distance is about 120 miles, and it took about 2.5 - 3 hours of driving time (not counting stops). We have driven many scenic byways throughout the U.S. and this highway ranks as one of the best we've seen - and certainly some of the best scenery we saw while in Alaska. The terrain varies, with marshes, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and bays. There are many things to see and do, and I recommend allowing an entire day (or more) to fully experience it. Do a little research and plan ahead so you don't miss anything or run out of time. We got lucky and saw beluga whales and the fascinating bore tide right from the highway (check tide charts for time). The best time to drive it is probably summer, because the days are so long and the weather is more agreeable. The pavement is in good condition but keep in mind that it's primarily two lanes wide and may get congested at peak times like weekends and holidays. (We found that getting an early start worked to our advantage). There are places to pull-out and rest or take photos (some with restrooms) but they were not always signed. Bring a camera and mosquito repellent. There aren't a lot of services available so make sure you have enough gasoline. Food and gasoline are available in the Girdwood area about 30 miles south of Anchorage. Some attractions to consider (north to south, * = restroom):
Potter Marsh wetland boardwalk* (look for moose, eagles, waterfowl)
Beluga Point on Turnagain Arm (look for whales)
Bird Point* on Turnagain Arm (look for whales)
Town of Girdwood/Alyeska Resort (services, scenic views, tram ride-fee)
Wildlife Conservation Center* (indigenous animal refuge-fee)
Portage Glacier & Lake, Visitor Center* & glacier tours have fee (6 miles off Highway)
Turnagain Pass*
Six Mile Creek
Canyon Creek Overlook Trail*
Summit Lake
Tern Lake wildlife area
Trail Lake
Kenai Lake
Lily Pad Lake (short boardwalk)
Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park* (8 miles off Seward Highway)
At the south end of the highway in Seward there are stunning views of Resurrection Bay at Waterfront Park* and a harbor* where boat tours of Kenai Fjords are available (fee). Alaska Sealife Center aquarium is also located in Seward (fee).
Potter Marsh wetland boardwalk* (look for moose, eagles, waterfowl)
Beluga Point on Turnagain Arm (look for whales)
Bird Point* on Turnagain Arm (look for whales)
Town of Girdwood/Alyeska Resort (services, scenic views, tram ride-fee)
Wildlife Conservation Center* (indigenous animal refuge-fee)
Portage Glacier & Lake, Visitor Center* & glacier tours have fee (6 miles off Highway)
Turnagain Pass*
Six Mile Creek
Canyon Creek Overlook Trail*
Summit Lake
Tern Lake wildlife area
Trail Lake
Kenai Lake
Lily Pad Lake (short boardwalk)
Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park* (8 miles off Seward Highway)
At the south end of the highway in Seward there are stunning views of Resurrection Bay at Waterfront Park* and a harbor* where boat tours of Kenai Fjords are available (fee). Alaska Sealife Center aquarium is also located in Seward (fee).
Written 22 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret151151
Cardiff, UK2,304 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
Fabulous! This is listed in the top ten scenic drives in the WORLD! My recommendation is that you hire a car to drive this route (approx. 125 miles): the views are fabulous at every turn and there are plenty of places to pull off. Unfortunately, we did the journey on a coach (as part of our HAL cruisetour) but only had one stop (at Por-tage Glacier for a comfort break and an ice cream!). It would have been wonderful if the driver could have just pulled over a few times to allow us to take some decent photos. I would also have liked more flexibility as for timing – the day we travelled was one of the highest boreal tides on Turnagain Arm (listed in the top 5 bores in the world!), but we missed it by an hour! Check tide tables before you go at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/13boretidesched.pdf, if you are interested in seeing a real spectacle: a huge wave being surfed and kayaked, followed about half an hour later (I’m told) by beluga whales! Warning: do NOT go on the mudflats which are like quicksand about 1500' deep: there are fatalities every year.
Some of the parking places are state parks and you need a parking pass but you only need to pay the $5 once – the pass lasts all day. For ideas of what to see and where to stop, this seems very helpful: http://www.alaska.org/guide/seward-highway. I used it as we went along!
Points worth pursuing: Exit Glacier, near Seward; views of Kenai Lake; and the quirky Moose Creek. Would strongly suggest turning up the highway to Portage Glacier. Stop for a freshen-up, an ice cream or even a meal, but don’t forget to wander up to Portage Lake and take some fabulous photos. I think there is a visitor Centre and a boat trip you can do there as well (in the Alaska Toursavers 2for1 book). Watch out for the toothpick for-est where the ground sank 10’ during the 1964 earthquake and seawater killed the trees. Watch out for wood bison grazing in the wildlife centre near Portage. Stop at Bird Point for the view and Bird Creek for salmon in season. There are often Dall sheep on the mountain at Windy Point and belugas can sometimes be seen from Beluga Point (otherwise just another fabulous view!). At one point, there is a pipe coming out of the mountain wall. There's usually someone there with a jug filling up with the glacier water filtered by the rocks. If you want a stop with a real view, turn off to Girdwood and the Alyeska cable car!
In addition, you’ll see bald eagles, perhaps moose or bear, and the train as it chugs across the countryside, some-times directly alongside the road. And if you’re into birds, there is Potter’s Marsh on the way to Anchorage http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.pottermarsh
Some of the parking places are state parks and you need a parking pass but you only need to pay the $5 once – the pass lasts all day. For ideas of what to see and where to stop, this seems very helpful: http://www.alaska.org/guide/seward-highway. I used it as we went along!
Points worth pursuing: Exit Glacier, near Seward; views of Kenai Lake; and the quirky Moose Creek. Would strongly suggest turning up the highway to Portage Glacier. Stop for a freshen-up, an ice cream or even a meal, but don’t forget to wander up to Portage Lake and take some fabulous photos. I think there is a visitor Centre and a boat trip you can do there as well (in the Alaska Toursavers 2for1 book). Watch out for the toothpick for-est where the ground sank 10’ during the 1964 earthquake and seawater killed the trees. Watch out for wood bison grazing in the wildlife centre near Portage. Stop at Bird Point for the view and Bird Creek for salmon in season. There are often Dall sheep on the mountain at Windy Point and belugas can sometimes be seen from Beluga Point (otherwise just another fabulous view!). At one point, there is a pipe coming out of the mountain wall. There's usually someone there with a jug filling up with the glacier water filtered by the rocks. If you want a stop with a real view, turn off to Girdwood and the Alyeska cable car!
In addition, you’ll see bald eagles, perhaps moose or bear, and the train as it chugs across the countryside, some-times directly alongside the road. And if you’re into birds, there is Potter’s Marsh on the way to Anchorage http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewinglocations.pottermarsh
Written 19 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catdoodlz
Houston, Texas25 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
The most spectacular vistas in Alaska are the ones you'll see while traveling on the Seward Highway! I live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for five months of the year, so I see plenty of beautiful mountain vistas and am not easily impressed. However, the scenery on the drive from Seward to Anchorage blew me away. When I realized that our cruise ended with a 3 hour bus ride to Anchorage I was not happy. After absolutely breathtaking scenery and awesome (in the true sense of the word) attractions during our week in Alaska, 3 hours on a bus promised to be a tremendous letdown. I was so wrong! That bus ride was one of my favorite parts of our Alaskan adventure. I have never seen vistas like those available on the Seward Highway. Every turn in the road presented a breathtaking scene, each more spectacular than the last. I really don't think there is any way to accurately describe what we saw - the incredible mountains, lakes, and rivers, and the beautiful snow white mountain goats and eagles seen along the way.. So I'll just say that If I ever return to Alaska this will be at the top of my list of places to revisit.
Written 21 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbugDelhi
New Delhi, India787 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
We did this drive in May on a beautiful,bright sunny day......clear blue skies, shining snowy icy peaks,forests,glaciers, blue water running alongside the highway, life is definitely worth living ! We drove till the wildlife conservation centre & afterwards visited Girdwood. The drive takes much longer than expected as one has to stop at almost every turn to just stare at the panoramic views & take pictures but no photograph can ever do justice to what you experience . Its easily one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
The next day we took the train to Seward as we had read that the train goes through otherwise inaccesible areas. The train follows alongside the highway & then branches off.
The next day we took the train to Seward as we had read that the train goes through otherwise inaccesible areas. The train follows alongside the highway & then branches off.
Written 26 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhys J
Llanbedr, UK2,926 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
My wife and I travelled along the Seward Highway during our escorted ‘Natural Wonders of Alaska’ tour with Titan Travel. We travelled twice along this scenic highway which has some of the most amazing scenery in Alaska. Our first journey by motor coach was from Anchorage to Seward for a 1 night stay on a room only basis in the comfortable and friendly BEST WESTERN PLUS Edgewater Hotel. Our second journey was our return drive to Anchorage for a 1 night stay on a room only basis at The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel on the shores of Lake Hood. On the journey to Seward, our knowledgeable tour manager explained that this highway, covering a distance of 125 miles, was completed in 1951 and passes through the scenic Chugach National Forest and along the Kenai Peninsula which offers some of the best panoramic views of the Kenai Mountains and the Turnagain Arm. The highway is known as Alaska Route 1 (AK-1) for the first 88 miles from Anchorage to the connecting Sterling Highway and as AK-9 for the remaining 37 miles to Seward. It is also the route of US Bicycle Route 97 established in 2011, the cycle route running parallel with the highway. The highway is listed on the US National Highway System, acknowledging it's importance as a key route supporting Alaska's economy.
Our drive along this highway was slower compared to our similar journeys along the Glenn and the Richardson Highways due to the volume of traffic. That was to our advantage as we had more time to marvel at the scenery and take in the fabulous views. We were fortunate again on this journey to be travelling on a clear sunny day and the views even through the tinted windows of our motor coach were spectacular and offered some excellent photo. opportunities!.Among the highlights I enjoyed during our drive were:
- eagles (thank goodness I had binoculars!) soaring high in the distance above Potter Marsh (Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and a popular stop for migratory birds) about 10 miles south of Anchorage;
- beautiful views of the Chugach State Park and the stunning Kenai Mountains from the Turnagain Arm;
- the snow and ice covered majestic peaks surrounding Mount Alyeska with spectacular hanging glaciers. It's a good place according to our tour manager to spot some amazing wildlife (from marmots to black bears) in July/August;
- the unexpected spears of dead salt-soaked trees in Portage Valley, being the remains of a forest destroyed when the 1964 earthquake enabled the soil to be covered with sea water;
- our memorable visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (on our return journey to Anchorage), a non-profit wildlife refuge well worth a visit. I enjoyed close-up sightings of various mammals and birds in numerous enclosures including bald eagles, moose, elk, caribou, brown and black bears, musk-ox and wolves;
- some breathtaking views as we travelled over Turnagain Pass down through Canyon Creek and passing the crystal clear waters of lakes such as Jerome, Tern and the impressive Kenai;
- the small settlement of Moose Pass as we approached Seward with some spectacular views of the ice fields surrounding Paradise Peak;
- the interesting town of Seward on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay and home to our welcoming and comfortable hotel and the wonderful Alaska SeaLife Centre, a highlight of my stay in Seward.
My lesuirely journey from Anchorage to Seward took about 5 hours which enabled our tour group to really appreciate the spectacular landscape and beautiful fjords which makes this highway so popular with locals and tourists alike. Our return journey also took about 5-6 hours to allow us enough time to enjoy our visits to the Alaska SeaLife Centre and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Should you have the opportunity to travel this highway between Anchorage and Seward, I hope you'll enjoy the spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife as much as I did!
Our drive along this highway was slower compared to our similar journeys along the Glenn and the Richardson Highways due to the volume of traffic. That was to our advantage as we had more time to marvel at the scenery and take in the fabulous views. We were fortunate again on this journey to be travelling on a clear sunny day and the views even through the tinted windows of our motor coach were spectacular and offered some excellent photo. opportunities!.Among the highlights I enjoyed during our drive were:
- eagles (thank goodness I had binoculars!) soaring high in the distance above Potter Marsh (Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and a popular stop for migratory birds) about 10 miles south of Anchorage;
- beautiful views of the Chugach State Park and the stunning Kenai Mountains from the Turnagain Arm;
- the snow and ice covered majestic peaks surrounding Mount Alyeska with spectacular hanging glaciers. It's a good place according to our tour manager to spot some amazing wildlife (from marmots to black bears) in July/August;
- the unexpected spears of dead salt-soaked trees in Portage Valley, being the remains of a forest destroyed when the 1964 earthquake enabled the soil to be covered with sea water;
- our memorable visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (on our return journey to Anchorage), a non-profit wildlife refuge well worth a visit. I enjoyed close-up sightings of various mammals and birds in numerous enclosures including bald eagles, moose, elk, caribou, brown and black bears, musk-ox and wolves;
- some breathtaking views as we travelled over Turnagain Pass down through Canyon Creek and passing the crystal clear waters of lakes such as Jerome, Tern and the impressive Kenai;
- the small settlement of Moose Pass as we approached Seward with some spectacular views of the ice fields surrounding Paradise Peak;
- the interesting town of Seward on the shores of beautiful Resurrection Bay and home to our welcoming and comfortable hotel and the wonderful Alaska SeaLife Centre, a highlight of my stay in Seward.
My lesuirely journey from Anchorage to Seward took about 5 hours which enabled our tour group to really appreciate the spectacular landscape and beautiful fjords which makes this highway so popular with locals and tourists alike. Our return journey also took about 5-6 hours to allow us enough time to enjoy our visits to the Alaska SeaLife Centre and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Should you have the opportunity to travel this highway between Anchorage and Seward, I hope you'll enjoy the spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife as much as I did!
Written 13 March 2017
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Anyone done this drive in early March? Will be driving from Anchorage to Seward during this time. Tips? Road conditions?
Written 16 September 2019
Hi TA members. Will be taking this drive from Seward to Anchorage - can anyone recommend a great place to stop and have lunch along the way? Thank you.
Written 29 July 2019
We end our early September cruise on a Sunday morning in Seward. We are planning to rent a car. I would like to see Exit Glacier, and then travel the scenic highway to Anchorage, enjoying the vistas along the way. We are overnighting in Anchorage, near the airport (flying home the next morning). Is this doable? How many hours should we budget for Exit Glacier and how many to enjoy a leisurely drive?Is there a place to buy snacks to have in the car near where you get off the ship? Thanks for any input!
Written 21 June 2018
We arrive in Seward from a cruise on a Sunday on June24, we are staying overnight in Seward and doing the Kenai Fjord boat cruise on the 24th ,staying overnight and then doing a few things in Seward(Exit glacier , Alaska Sea Life center) and then plan on driving around Alaska till 7/3 . We pick up a car from Anchorage on 6/26 early am to start our drive around, first to Denali from Anchorage for 3 nights in Denali ,then to Matanuska glacier view overnight then onto Girdwood and over night and then onto Homer for two night and then back to Anchorage to fly home. ( to rent a car from Seward and drop off 10 days later at Anchorage was about 900-1000 more than getting a car from Anchorage and returning it there) As of now I made a reservation on the Dome rail car from Seward to Anchorage, to spend the night and pick up rental car. Then a couple days later(today) noticed that a one way car from Seward to Anchorage was actually $110 less than the Dome train. I can cancel my dome train reservation and lose $45 dollars, which would make the care about $70 cheaper. I hear the drive from Seward to Anchorage is beautiful. We are later in the trip at the end actually driving from Matanuska Glacier View to Girdwood then onto Homer and then back to Achorage after Homer to fly home . . It looks like we will be driving the same almost the whole same road to Homer from Girdwood, except where it turns to go to Homer instead of Seward. So my question is should we drive from Seward to Anchorage and also then drive back down on the same road when we go to Homer, or take the Dome train from Seward to Anchorage and then have the car drive on the end of our trip thru this area. You say you did both the drive partially to Seward (to Girdwood?)from Anchorage. and then you also took the train? do you actually see anything different on the train ? Does it follow the highway or ver off and you see other scenery that is worth taking the train one of our ways as compared to driving both times on this highway area?
thanks for input
Written 20 January 2018
Hi! I want to drive from Anchorage to Seward in April. What should I expect as far as road conditions that time of year? Is the highway kept pretty well cleared of snow?
Written 9 December 2016
What is the drive from Anchorage to Seward like in terms of heights? I have a ridiculous fear of mountain edges when it comes to driving on passes... i would like a heads up before i get there on what i am in for. We will be driving it the end of april. Might there be snow still on the pass? Is it safe to do that drive during that time of year? Thank you!
Written 5 December 2016
I don't know about the snow but my guess is that there will still be some in the higher elevations - we saw some in June. I think they keep this road plowed. You do go through some passes where the road is somewhat curvy, but I don't remember any tight hairpins, switchbacks or any places with sheer drop-offs. If you have access to Google Earth (satellite images through Google Maps), you can zoom into the street view and see exactly what it looks like. You can also go to 511.alaska.gov for road conditions.
Written 5 December 2016
We have limited time in Alaska. I have planned to do the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Whittier. But will I be missing a lot of spectacular scenery if we don't take the highway down to Seward also.......or is most of the Best scenery on that part I have organised to see? Thanks for your advise.
Written 30 January 2016
Could anyone give me a idea of how long the drive is from Anchorage to Seward (in July). We're not in a hurry and want to take our time, but I'm just trying to get a rough idea. Thanks.
Written 24 January 2016
how long does this tour last with the glacier cruise?
Written 3 June 2015
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