Entry Cove State Marine Park

Tucked along the rugged shores of Prince William Sound near Valdez, Entry Cove State Marine Park offers a quintessential Alaska marine park experience — remote, wild, and surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. Accessible primarily by boat or kayak from Valdez, this park rewards those willing to make the journey with sheltered waters, forested shorelines, and the kind of quiet that only exists when you’re miles from the nearest road.

The cove serves as a natural harbor, making it a popular stopover for sea kayakers exploring the western reaches of Prince William Sound. Paddlers often use Entry Cove as a launching point or rest stop while navigating between Valdez and more remote destinations like Shoup Bay or Columbia Glacier. Wildlife viewing is a highlight — watch for sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and humpback whales passing through the sound. Fishing for salmon and halibut draws anglers to the surrounding waters during summer runs.

As a marine park, Entry Cove is designed for boat-in access with basic shoreline camping opportunities. Expect primitive conditions: no developed facilities, no potable water, and a strict pack-in, pack-out policy. Come prepared with bear-resistant food storage and layers for rapidly changing coastal weather.

The best window to visit runs from late May through mid-September, when longer daylight hours and calmer seas make water-based travel more manageable. July and August bring the warmest temperatures, though rain gear remains essential year-round in Prince William Sound.

Explore Nearby

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