Sawmill Bay State Marine Park sits along the southwestern edge of Prince William Sound, accessible only by boat or floatplane — and that remoteness is exactly the point. Tucked into a protected cove near Valdez, this marine park offers the kind of raw Alaskan coastline that most people only see in documentaries: tidewater glaciers visible in the distance, old-growth Sitka spruce crowding the shoreline, and harbor seals hauled out on rocky outcroppings.

The bay itself provides excellent anchorage for kayakers and boaters, with calm waters sheltered from the open sound. Sea kayaking is the standout activity here — paddle along the shoreline and you’re likely to spot sea otters, bald eagles, and humpback whales during summer months. Fishing for pink and silver salmon draws anglers when the runs peak in July and August. Beachcombing the rocky intertidal zone reveals sea stars, anemones, and the occasional curious mink.

There are no developed facilities — no docks, no restrooms, no maintained trails. This is primitive, pack-it-in-pack-it-out territory. Beach camping is possible above the high-tide line, but come prepared for rain and bears. A bear canister is essential.

The best window to visit runs from late June through early September, when water temperatures are most forgiving and daylight stretches past 10 PM. Earlier in the season brings fewer bugs but colder nights.

Sawmill Bay rewards self-sufficient travelers who want Prince William Sound’s beauty without the tour-boat crowds of Whittier or Seward.

Explore Nearby

• Chugach National Forest — National Forest in Alaska
• Tiekel Road Grade — Public Land in Alaska
• Cape Hinchinbrook Light — Lighthouse in Alaska
• Kimball Pass — Public Land in Alaska