Tucked into the wild coastline of Prince William Sound near Chenega, Horseshoe Bay State Marine Park offers one of Alaska’s most secluded marine escapes. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, this park rewards the effort it takes to reach it with a protected, horseshoe-shaped cove surrounded by old-growth Sitka spruce and dramatic coastal cliffs.

The bay’s sheltered waters make it a favored anchorage for kayakers and boaters navigating Prince William Sound. Harbor seals haul out on nearby rocks, humpback whales pass through the surrounding waters during summer months, and bald eagles circle overhead — wildlife viewing here feels effortless. The tidal flats at low tide reveal a rich intertidal zone worth exploring, with sea stars, anemones, and mussels clinging to exposed rock.

Paddlers will find Horseshoe Bay an ideal base for multi-day kayaking trips through the Sound’s labyrinth of islands and fjords. Fishing for halibut, rockfish, and salmon draws anglers to the surrounding waters. Beachcombing along the gravel shoreline often turns up interesting finds carried in by Pacific currents.

Camping is primitive and undeveloped — expect no facilities, no potable water, and full self-sufficiency. Pack everything in and out, and store food properly in bear-resistant containers.

The best window to visit runs from late May through mid-September, when daylight stretches long and water conditions are most manageable. Even in summer, bring layers and rain gear — Prince William Sound earns over 150 inches of precipitation annually, and weather shifts without warning.

Explore Nearby

• Cape Hinchinbrook Light — Lighthouse in Alaska
• Upper Dickey Lake Trail — Public Land in Alaska
• Chugach National Forest — National Forest in Alaska
• Moose Creek Trail — Public Land in Alaska