Alaska is made up of millions of acres set aside for public use.(Forest Service) And there is no shortage of ethereal and connective experiences out here. However, many locations are very remote and require extensive transportation planning just to reach them. Some road stretches in Alaska offer this amazing experience without the logistical hassle. All from traveling down a well-established highway. One of our favorites: The Seward Highway.

Scenic Traveling

Some articles and magazines have dubbed this stretch of road one of the “Most Scenic Drives in the World”. (Afar)And for good reason. The highway starts in Anchorage and careens you past many viewing and recreation opportunities from start to finish. In the first 50 miles, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Chugach Mountains. And, adjacent to them, the Turnagain Arm. This is a coastal region with mud flats, sights of the Bore Tide, and chances to spot whales migrating.
This scenic byway has no billboards or toll booths. (US Law)Be prepared with snacks and plenty of gas to get from place to place. Once you’ve got that planned out, you can enjoy the epic views. As you travel along the coast, your views will shift to countless waterfalls, glaciers, and more chances to get outside and connect with nature.
From there, it is time to take in highlights like Bear Creek, the Alaska Railroad line, and Exit Glacier. Once you’ve taken in all the sights and sounds, you will find yourself in awe of the wonders of Resurrection Bay and the fishing lifestyle. And of course, the city of Seward itself, draped in history and spectacular views.

Highway Highlights

Stop at the many pullouts, take the junctures, and make the most of this world-renowned experience.(World Travel) Here are some extra activities along the highway you can stop to enjoy, by section.

Anchorage to Girdwood

  • Explore Potter Marsh
  • Visit the Alaska Railroad
  • Saunter along the McHugh Creek and Falls area
  • View the mudflats at the Turnagain Arm
  • Spot the Bore Tide
  • See whales migrating at Beluga Point
  • Explore trout streams and see the salmon run
  • Alyeska Aerial Tram sight seeing

Chugach National Park

  • Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Spot the Portage Glacier
  • Explore the Chugach State Park recreation areas
  • Stop by the town of Hope
  • Adventure around Tenderfoot Creek and Summit Lake
  • Take in the views from Moose Pass
  • Revel in the scenery of Kenai Lake

Bear Creek to Seward

  • Explore the Harding Icefield
  • Land on Exit Glacier
  • Traverse the Kenai Fjords National Park
  • See Seward
  • Take a sea kayaking or boat tour
  • Revel in the scenery of Resurrection Bay

What is the Seward Highway?

The Seward Highway stretches from Anchorage to the coastal city of Seward. This 127-mile-paved road offers awe-inspiring scenery, history, recreation opportunities, and more. The road is a scenic byway, so there are many more places to pull out, enjoy basic amenities, and have photo opportunities than any of the backroad adventures you might find yourself on in Alaska. (Seward)This trip showcases everything from glaciers to mountains, and back through geologic wonders and coastal magic.

The History of the Highway

Many roads in Alaska that we know today started as access roads to territorial resources. Seward was one of those locations. The roadway started in segments. The first one was completed in 1923, and by 1951 an array of segments had finally been completed and connected.(Seward Highway Explained) Anchorage and Seward now had the quickest road connection. This contrasted with the previous options of boat, plane, or train systems.
The entire length was paved, and folks were ready to set out on this newer, smoother ride. However, when the 1964 Alaska earthquake hit, the highway and bridges had to be built higher so they wouldn’t sink into the Turnagain Arm coastline. (USGS) Now, what once was a supply shipment line is an access route for anyone looking to see Alaska’s gems.
person staring at Chugach Mountains
coastal mountain view from the Seward Highway
Kenai Mountain Sunset
lady looks out from whale watching boat in seward
Waterfall into the ocean
harbor seal Alaska

Navigation

Traveling the highway itself is pretty straightforward, and there is plenty of signage along the way. It is always helpful to download a map for areas where you might lose service. Map out where you plan to fuel up and pop that emergency kit into the back just in case.
This road provides access to many other attractions: Alyeska Highway, Portage Road, Hope Highway, Exit Glacier Road, Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the city of Whittier, and more. (Travel Alaska)There is a junction with the Sterling Highway, an entrance to Soldotna, Homer, and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula. (The Mile Post)This junction is well marked.
This well-maintained two-lane highway is your ticket to Alaska’s hallmark views and adventures. And lots of chances to use one of the many pullouts to take it all in. See the grandeur of the Chugach and Kenai Mountains, spot wildlife in its natural habitat, and take in the abundance of life across the sprawling landscapes.
This road is lined with memories waiting to be made. Want some tips and tricks on how to vehicle camp while on the road in Alaska? Click here to read a helpful article on how to have a successful vehicle camping trip.