Tucked into the western shore of Port Valdez in Prince William Sound, Shoup Bay State Marine Park offers one of Alaska’s most rewarding wilderness experiences for those willing to make the journey. Accessible only by boat or kayak from Valdez—roughly 8 miles across the bay—this remote marine park rewards visitors with a stunning tidewater glacier, pristine coastal forests, and wildlife encounters that define the Alaska experience.

The park’s centerpiece is Shoup Glacier, a tidewater glacier that calves icebergs into the bay’s turquoise waters. Sea kayakers often paddle among floating ice while watching harbor seals haul out on bergs to rest and nurse their pups. The protected waters of the bay make it an ideal destination for intermediate paddlers seeking glacier views without the rougher conditions of open Prince William Sound.

Hiking trails wind through old-growth Sitka spruce forest to overlooks with sweeping views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Black bears frequent the area, particularly during salmon runs, so proper food storage and bear awareness are essential.

The park sees its best conditions from late May through early September, when longer daylight hours and calmer seas make the crossing from Valdez more manageable. July and August offer the warmest temperatures, though rain gear remains essential year-round.

With a 4.8-star rating from visitors, Shoup Bay delivers authentic Alaska wilderness—dramatic glacial scenery, abundant marine life, and the satisfying solitude that comes from reaching a place most travelers never see.

Explore Nearby

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