Seward Highway Scenic Drive Round Trip Anchorage to Seward

Explore Alaska’s Scenic Beauty with the Seward Highway Drive

The Seward Highway Scenic Drive Round Trip offers an accessible and affordable way to experience Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. For $39.99 per group of up to four people, this self-guided tour takes you from Anchorage to Seward with numerous stops highlighting the state’s natural wonders. With a duration of 2 to 3 hours, it’s a flexible option for travelers wanting to see glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and forests at their own pace. The tour is especially suited for those who prefer a self-directed experience without the constraints of a guided bus or group tour.

One of the tour’s key advantages is its audio guide app, which works offline and provides engaging storytelling about each stop. This makes it ideal for travelers seeking informative audio narration while enjoying Alaska’s untouched landscapes. However, it’s important to note that the tour does not include entrance fees for attractions, so checking opening hours beforehand ensures a smooth experience. This tour provides a cost-effective, flexible way to explore the famous Seward Highway with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic photo stops.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $39.99 per car for up to four people
• Self-guided format with an offline audio tour app for ease and flexibility
• Multiple stops including wildlife sanctuaries, glaciers, and mountain viewpoints
• Duration of 2 to 3 hours, allowing for relaxed sightseeing
• No entrance fees included, visitors should check attraction hours
• Ideal for independent travelers who enjoy driving and exploring at their own pace

Starting Point and How to Access the Tour

This self-guided tour begins in Anchorage, with the convenience of starting anytime between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. After booking, travelers receive an email and text with instructions and a password to download the Action Audio Tour Guide App. It’s best to download the app while connected to WiFi or mobile data to ensure offline access. Once in Alaska, simply open the app, enter the password, and the audio narration will automatically activate at each stop along the route.

Since the tour is self-guided, there’s no need to meet a guide or join a group. Travelers drive their own vehicle, making it easy to pause for photos, snacks, or wildlife spotting at any point. The app’s hands-free audio means you can listen while focusing on the scenery, and the lifetime access feature allows for repeated use on future trips.

The Route from Anchorage to Seward

The drive along the Anchorage to Seward Scenic Highway showcases some of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes. The route takes you from urban Anchorage into pristine wilderness, with numerous stops designed to highlight Alaska’s diverse ecosystems. The tour features over 18 stops, each offering unique scenery, wildlife opportunities, or historical insights.

Travelers can expect to see majestic mountains, glaciers, and coastal waterways as the route winds through Portage Valley, alongside the Resurrection River, and through Chugach State Park. The stops are well spread out, allowing for short walks, wildlife viewing, or sightseeing, without feeling rushed.

Discovering the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

The first stop, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, is perfect for bird lovers. Known for its diverse bird species, approximately 130 are found here, including bald eagles, northern pintails, and Arctic terns. Visitors can take a quick 5-minute break to observe these birds using telescopes provided at the site.

This stop offers a peaceful introduction to Alaska’s avian life and wetland environment. Since there’s no admission fee, it’s an ideal first stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural sounds of the marsh. The bird sanctuary sets the tone for the rest of the drive, emphasizing the rich wildlife one can encounter.

Exploring Chugach State Park

Next, Chugach State Park impresses with its vast expanse of over half a million acres. Known as the largest state park in the U.S., it features a variety of ecosystems—lakes, tundra, and forests. The 5-minute stop provides a sweeping view of this wilderness, making it a great spot for photo opportunities and appreciating Alaska’s size and diversity.

While the stop is brief, it hints at the many outdoor activities available in the park, from hiking to fishing. No entrance fee applies, but the park’s breathtaking scenery makes it well worth a quick visit during this drive.

Turnagain Arm and Beluga Point Highlights

The Turnagain Arm Drive offers stunning views of the narrow waterway that connects the Gulf of Alaska to Cook Inlet. The 5-minute stop at Beluga Point is particularly notable, as it’s a potential wildlife spotting location for beluga whales. These small white whales, measuring 12 to 16 feet, sometimes surface near the shoreline, providing exciting viewing opportunities.

This stop is popular for wildlife observation and offers interpretive signs explaining the local marine life. It’s a perfect spot for a quick walk and wildlife photography, adding a marine element to the coastal scenery.

Visiting the Indian Valley Mine Historic Site

Approaching Seward, the Indian Valley Mine offers a glimpse into Alaska’s gold rush history. The 5-minute stop features historic structures and interpretive signs about prospecting, with the chance to learn about Peter Strong’s 1898 mining activities.

While the stop is brief and doesn’t include a tour of the mine itself, it provides a historical context for the region’s early economy. Entry is free, and the site adds a cultural layer to the otherwise natural landscape.

Wildlife Watching at Bird Point

The Bird Point stop includes sculptures of beluga whales and telescopes for wildlife viewing. This location offers a short walk to observe the surrounding environment, with interpretive signs explaining local fauna and ecosystems.

Bird Point also functions as an access point for the Bird to Girdwood Trail, making it a convenient spot for light exploration and wildlife spotting. The free admission and scenic views make it a worthwhile stop for nature enthusiasts.

Girdwood and Alyeska Resort

The charming town of Girdwood is known for Alyeska, Alaska’s largest ski resort. The 10-minute stop provides an opportunity to enjoy this mountain town’s atmosphere, whether for a quick coffee break or sightseeing. In the summer, the area offers hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor pursuits.

For those interested in a mountain hike, the Alyeska Resort Mountain Hike lasts about 6 minutes and is suitable for those wanting to explore the ski trail network in warmer months. The scenic mountain backdrop and outdoor activities make Girdwood a highlight along the route.

The Winner Creek Trail and Portage Glacier

The Winner Creek Trail is a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike through temperate rainforest and along a blue creek, with short stops for photos. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a nature walk that showcases Alaska’s lush forests and waterways.

Portage Glacier is a major highlight, with its still-present ice and striking carved valley. The 10-minute stop provides spectacular views of this classic glacier landscape, making it a must-see for those interested in glacial geology.

Byron Glacier and Summit Lake

The Byron Glacier Trail is an easy 3-mile round-trip hike that takes roughly 90 minutes. It offers stunning glacier views and a flat terrain, perfect for a leisurely walk. The trail winds through valleys and provides opportunities for photo stops.

Nearby, Summit Lake is a peaceful spot for wildlife watching, especially for moose and beavers. Its wet environment supports diverse animals, making it an appealing nature observation point during the drive.

Tern Lake and Moose Pass

Tern Lake is a quick 5-minute stop, famous for its legendary Arctic monsters in Inuit folklore. The lake’s scenic setting makes it ideal for short sightseeing and photos.

Moose Pass functions as a rest stop with food and bathroom facilities. The town’s name originates from an 1903 incident involving a moose and a mailman, adding a touch of local lore. It’s a practical stop for a quick break before heading toward Kenai Lake.

Kenai Lake and Resurrection River

Kenai Lake marks the headwaters of the Kenai River and offers stunning views of mountain-surrounded waters. This 10-minute stop presents great photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the glacial-fed beauty.

The Resurrection River Trail is a 10-minute walk through forests and mud sections. It features blue creeks and offers a more rugged experience for those interested in Alaska’s wild side.

Unique Aspects of This Tour

This self-guided audio tour stands out by providing lifetime access, allowing revisitability on future trips. The offline maps and hands-free narration make it particularly convenient for independent explorers.

While it does not include entrance fees, the tour covers a comprehensive route with numerous stops that showcase Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and history. Its cost-effectiveness—just $39.99 per vehicle—makes it accessible for families or small groups looking to maximise their scenic experience without added costs.

The Sum Up: A Flexible and Scenic Alaska Adventure

The Seward Highway Scenic Drive Round Trip offers a well-rounded and flexible way to explore some of Alaska’s most striking sights. The self-guided format with audio narration ensures travelers enjoy educational and scenic highlights at their own pace, making it an excellent choice for independent travelers or small groups.

Its affordable price point and extensive route coverage provide great value, especially for those who appreciate wildlife viewing, glacier scenery, and mountain vistas. The main limitation is that the tour does not include entry fees for attractions, so travelers should plan accordingly. This tour is a practical, enriching way to experience the beauty of Alaska’s Seward Highway with freedom and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the tour after booking?
You receive an email and text with instructions to download the Action Audio Tour Guide App and the password needed to unlock the tour.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is self-guided and can be started anytime between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers and offers stops appropriate for all ages, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and short walks.

Do I need to pay any entrance fees at the stops?
No, the tour price does not include entrance or attraction fees. Visitors should check opening hours and fee requirements for specific stops.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Absolutely, the tour provides lifetime access that can be used anytime and on multiple trips.

Is there parking available at the stops?
Most stops are accessible by car, with parking available. Some stops, like McHugh Creek Trailhead, may have a small parking fee.

What equipment do I need for the tour?
A smartphone with the offline app, and connection to Bluetooth, USB, or AUX if you want to listen through your car stereo. Headphones are recommended for walking parts.

How long does the entire route take?
The drive lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on stops and time spent at each location.

Is the tour suitable in winter months?
The tour is available year-round, but check local weather and road conditions, especially in winter, as some stops may be affected.

What makes this tour different from other guided options?
The self-guided audio format allows complete flexibility and personal pacing, plus the cost savings of just one fee per vehicle.