About Seward Alaska

Situated between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, the town of Seward is one of the oldest and most scenic communities of Alaska. It rests at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward is known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" and is a beautiful town just 126 miles south of Anchorage.



Seward can easily be reached from the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, or by alternate means such as the Alaska Railroad, by bus, and by air. After arriving in Seward you can expect to find a bustling harbor along with a variety of interesting shops and eateries.



The city of Seward is named after William H. Seward, who was the United States Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. He negotiated the purchase of the the State of Alaska from Russia in 1867.



The city covers a total area of 21.5 square miles. 14.4 square miles of this is land, and 7.1 square miles consist of water. Seward is an Alaska Railroad terminus that has a maintained dock for cruise vessels as well as controlling a shipping terminal for coal from Usibelli. A major industry of course is tourism, with the population exploding during peak summer tourist seasons.



At 3,022 feet, Mt. Marathon rises just outside of town and provides a breathtaking backdrop for the whole town. Every 4th of July, the town of roughly 4,000 people will dramatically increase to over 25,000 as the crowds watch the runners take to the trail to be the first to the summit of the mountain. Bumps and bruises are numerous as runners slide down the slopes in this grueling race, which happens to be the second oldest footrace in America.



Behind Mt. Marathon and stretching down the coast resides the extraordinary Harding Icefield. If all the glaciers which descend from the icefield in all directions were to be counted, the icefield would measure an astonishing 1,100 square miles. The Harding Icefield is one of four remaining icefields in the United States, and is the largest icefield contained fully within the United States.



The population of Seward also skyrockets during the states largest and very popular August Silver Salmon derby. If you get out on the water you should try your hand at landing a monster halibut or just go for the salmon. In some cases they are so numerous that they actually bump into your boat, and on rare occasions have been known to jump completely out of the water and into your boat!



Don’t forget to check out the Alaska SeaLife Center where you can get up close to many of the animals that you will only see from a distance if you are taking a cruise. You can get a fist hand look at puffins, harbor seals, and huge sea lions along with all kinds of other animals in their natural habitats. The SeaLife Center is not only a rehabilitation center, but also a research and education facility that allows you to watch and observe as marine research is being conducted.



You will find many kayakers leisurely paddling through the glassy waters of Resurrection Bay taking in the beautiful scenery. Not only is kayaking a great way to stay in shape, but it is also an excellent way to get up close and check out sea otters and harbor seals. Or you could hike the five mile coastal trail to Caines Head, which has been rated one of Alaska’s top 10 hikes!



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