The Road to Seward
Travel Notes
The Last Road – Anchorage to Seward
There’s a road that runs from Anchorage to Seward — just 125 miles long — but it carries the kind of beauty that stays with you long after the journey ends. If this truly was our last road trip in Alaska, then it felt right that it ended here, where the mountains meet the sea, and the highway feels more like a farewell written in winding curves and changing skies.
We left Anchorage early, the city still wrapped in a quiet morning hush. Almost immediately, the Seward Highwaydelivered what it's known for — untamed beauty and unexpected calm. To our left, the Turnagain Arm shimmered beneath low clouds, while the Chugach Mountains stood tall on our right, their snow-streaked peaks holding onto the last of the season.
We stopped at Beluga Point, hoping to catch a glimpse of the whales this spot is named after. No luck this time — but standing in that wind, with the tides churning below and the mountains behind us, felt like a scene we were meant to pause for.
At Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, we each found our own rhythm. Sylvia and Sharon took the tram up the mountain, floating above the trees to take in sweeping views of glaciers and valleys. John stayed at the café, sipping coffee, enjoying the stillness. I went for a short hike through the woods, where the trail was quiet and alive. Every step was worth it — a gentle climb that led to a wide view, a moment to breathe. Alyeska was more than just a stop; it offered something personal to each of us.
Later, at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, we stood in awe of Alaska’s great animals — moose, bison, bears — all surrounded by glacier-touched backdrops. The musk ox stole our attention, ancient-looking and patient. Something about the place made us slow down, reflect, and feel part of the land.
We turned into Portage Valley and walked the Byron Glacier Trail. It was a short and quiet walk, but the valley whispered stories — of melting ice, rushing water, and time moving in silence. At Portage Lake, wind swept across the surface, and the glacier sat back in the mist — distant but powerful.
As we neared Seward, we passed through Moose Pass, a town that felt like a dream you might have forgotten — serene and still. A man at the old waterwheel sharpening stone smiled and said, “Keep your eyes open — you’ll find more than you’re looking for.” He was right.
When we finally reached Seward, it greeted us like an old friend. Fishing boats rocked in Resurrection Bay, mountains rose like watchmen over the harbor, and the streets felt festive. A street market filled the town center, an early celebration for the Fourth of July already in motion. Local vendors, kids with flags, the smell of smoked salmon and fresh bread — it was more than a market; it was a gathering of life. The kind that reminds you joy is meant to be shared, and arrival is something to be felt, not just reached.
Reflections from the Road
If this was our last road trip in Alaska, it couldn’t have ended more perfectly. Not in grandeur, but in stillness. Not in rush, but in rhythm.
Each of us found something on the road:
A mountain’s view, a warm drink, a quiet trail, a sense of celebration.
The Anchorage to Seward drive is more than a journey — it’s a passage between worlds, from what’s behind us to what still waits ahead.
It’s a memory in motion.
And now, it’s part of ours.
The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most scenic in Alaska — and arguably, in the world. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours along the Seward Highway (AK-1 to AK-9), a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. You’ll pass glaciers, fjords, mountains, and wildlife with plenty of places to stop, stretch, and soak in the landscape.
🚗 Seward Highway Overview
Distance: ~125 miles (200 km)
Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours without stops (you’ll want to stop!)
Road Condition: Paved and well-maintained, open year-round
Vibe: Rugged mountains on one side, glistening Turnagain Arm waters on the other, with endless chances for adventure.
📍 Top Stops Along the Way
1. Beluga Point (Mile 110)
A great early stop just 20 minutes from Anchorage.
Viewpoint where you might spot beluga whales during the right tide (especially late July to August).
2. McHugh Creek (Mile 112)
Picnic spot with a short trail and views of waterfalls, Turnagain Arm, and Dall sheep on the cliffs above.
3. Girdwood (Mile 90)
A charming ski town tucked in the forest.
Visit Alyeska Resort – ride the tram for panoramic views or hike Winner Creek Trail.
Try a meal at Jack Sprat or The Bake Shop for casual local eats.
4. Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Mile 79)
A must-stop to see moose, musk oxen, brown bears, wolves, and bison in a natural setting.
Educational and beautifully located where Turnagain Arm meets Portage Valley.
5. Portage Valley & Portage Glacier (Mile 78)
Turn off the highway and drive about 5 miles to explore:
Portage Lake – boat tours in summer.
Byron Glacier Trail – easy and scenic.
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center – for glacier exhibits and info.
6. Moose Pass (Mile 29 on Seward Highway)
A quaint mountain village by a lake.
Beautiful stop for a picnic, photos, or a short walk to the waterfall.
Known for its hand-operated waterwheel sharpening stone.
7. Tern Lake Junction (Mile 36/Intersection of Hwy 1 & 9)
Stunning reflections of surrounding mountains on a calm lake.
Great for birdwatching and photography.
🏞️ What You'll See
Turnagain Arm: Tidal waters with some of the fastest tides in the world.
Kenai Mountains: Towering, snow-capped peaks lining the horizon.
Wildlife: Dall sheep, eagles, moose, bears (if lucky), and migrating birds.
Glaciers: From roadside lookouts or accessible trails.