Expect to pay $5 for parking in this trailhead lot. From here, you can make the relatively easy hike out to Tonsina Point, or you can hike all the way to Caines Head (sometimes known as North Beach, because you arrive at the north beach of Caines Head).

If you plan to hike all the way to Caines Head, please be aware that some parts of the trail are underwater at high tide. Alaska has some of the most extreme tidal differentials in the world, and the water is cold and fast-moving. Alaska State Parks recommends leaving Seward at least two hours before low tide to make sure you don't get stranded, but you'll also need to make sure the tide is sufficiently low for you to cross those areas; get more information here: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/cainesheadsra.htm

It's too far to hike out to Caines Head and back in a single tide, so if you do go, either arrange for a water taxi to meet you at the beach and bring you back, or be prepared to wait until the next low tide (about 12 hours). This is also a very popular backpacking destination; people sometimes hike there with tents and other camping gear, then camp out overnight as they wait for another tide. If you plan to do this, be aware that the shale beach can make it challenging to properly stake out a tent, so you might need to employ some creative solutions (like tying guy lines to driftwood, if there is any available).

🕊️ 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒓

February 9, 2019

Paid parking at the trailhead to Tonsina Creek (1 mile), and on to Caines Head.

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Elevation 30 m

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Wednesday 24 December

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Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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Location: Lowell Point, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States

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Caines Head Trail - Lowell Point State Recreation Site

1. Beach walk to North Beach (Caines Head) — Caines Head State Recreation Area

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