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.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 30 m

Weather

Wednesday 5 November

3°C

-2°C

38 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Seward Harbor

Alaska Sealife Center

Scheffler Creek Bridge

Exit Glacier

Exit Glacier Road to Herman Leirer Road

Tonsina Creek Trail

Marmot Meadows Viewpoint

Two Lakes Park

Resurrection Bay Overlook

Lowell Point State Recreation Site Trailhead

Seward Lagoon

Race Point

Caines Head Trail - Lowell Point State Recreation Site

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️