The Road to Seward
Anchorage to Seward
Just 125 miles—yet the road feels endless in wonder.
We left Anchorage beneath a quiet sky, and the Seward Highway opened its arms: tides shimmering on one side, snow-dusted peaks on the other.
We paused for whales, climbed above treetops, wandered into still woods, and stood face to face with wild bears.
By the time we reached Seward, joy had already arrived—a harbor buzzing with life, flags waving, mountains watching.
It wasn’t just a road trip. It was a slow unfolding of presence, place, and the kind of beauty that lingers..
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.