Decision Point State Marine Park

Decision Point State Marine Park

Whittier, Alaska (Prince William Sound area parks County)

3.5 (2 reviews)

Decision Point State Marine Park sits at the entrance to College Fjord in Prince William Sound, one of Alaska’s most spectacular waterways. Accessible only by boat or floatplane from nearby Whittier, this remote marine park rewards visitors with the kind of raw, untouched coastal wilderness that defines southcentral Alaska.

The park occupies a narrow peninsula where Passage Canal meets the broader waters of Prince William Sound, creating a natural waypoint for kayakers paddling toward the tidewater glaciers of College Fjord and Harriman Fjord. Most visitors arrive by sea kayak from Whittier — a paddle of roughly 10 miles through protected waters that regularly deliver sightings of sea otters, harbor seals, humpback whales, and bald eagles.

A small gravel beach provides landing access, and dispersed primitive camping is available along the shoreline. There are no facilities — no water, no restrooms, no docks — so pack everything in and everything out. Bear-proof food storage is essential, as black bears frequent the area.

Fishing for pink and silver salmon draws anglers during summer runs, and the surrounding waters offer some of the best saltwater kayaking in the state. Beachcombing at low tide reveals colorful sea stars and tidal pool life along the rocky shore.

The best window to visit runs from late May through early September, when longer daylight hours and calmer seas make the crossing from Whittier most manageable. Expect cool temperatures even in summer — layers and rain gear are non-negotiable in Prince William Sound.

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