Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach sits on the Glacier Highway, with easy access from Alaska’s capital. While it makes for a spectacular day trip—in summer, you might spot fishing bears, soaring eagles, frolicking sea lions, and more—know that you can overnight here in either primitive camping sites (26) or one of three public-use cabins.

Spending a fair amount of time here may be a good idea, as the tides vary widely—up to 16 feet. Coming at high or low tide will change your experience considerably; at low tide, you can comb the shore for clams and driftwood, just like the waterfowl around you. But regardless of when you arrive, you’ll always get views of the Chilkat and Juneau Mountains.

• While the park is free to visit and explore, campsites and cabins have a fee (typically $20–$80).

• Cabins, the group campsite, and picnic shelters can and should be reserved in advance. You can do so online.

• Fire rings and picnic tables are always free to use and enjoy.

• Since this is bear territory, pack your trash and carry bear spray or bells.

There are three entrances to Eagle Beach, along the Glacier Highway, around mile marker 28.8. Several parking lots offer access to various environments (the beach, the trails, the cabins inland, etc.). Refer to the park map and utilize whichever makes the most sense for your adventure. Parking is free.

While the park is open year-round, you’ll get vastly different experiences from summer to winter—that should be a given, considering we’re talking about Alaska. Should you come in summer, familiarize yourself with the tide tables, as a low-tide adventure will provide you with a lot more sand to choose from. Low tides also bring out more wildlife as they scope the flats for their next meal.

Eagle Beach State Recreation Area shares a southern border with Tongass National Forest—so you know you’re somewhere wild. If you enjoy hiking, there are 20+ miles of trails here, some maintained and some not, with scenes varying from forests and beaches to marshes, the Eagle River, mountains, and beyond. In winter, the 1.3-mile cross-country hiking trail is maintained for on-snow adventures.