More Alaska Parks | Alaska National & State Parks

Prince William Sound There are 14 park units in Prince William Sound and five in Resurrection Bay that offer magical anchorages and campsites in diverse upland, marine and intertidal environments. Both areas are naturally protected from rough seas by barrier islands and they’re surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. Lakes, coves, fjords, rain forests and glaciers make these pristine environments a photographer’s paradise, whether he explores them by boat or by boot. Nearly all the parks in Prince William Sound can be reached from Whittier. Sawmill Bay, Shoup Bay and Jack Bay SMPs are only an hour’s ride by boat from Valdez. Shoup Bay is especially worth mentioning since it has a tidewater glacier that pours into a hidden bay offering habitat to a large variety of nesting birds, bears and mountain goats. Here, there are three public use cabins and plenty of camping opportunities. Near Cordova are located three diverse marine parks featuring wetlands, tidelands and high energy beaches. Kayak Island SMP marks the approximate landing of the first Europeans to set foot in Alaska in 1741--the Bering Expedition. Few visit this remote piece of island set in precarious waters, but they are well rewarded who do. Near Seward the five marine parks in Resurrection Bay are hot spots for boaters because of protected moorings, good fishing, thick forests and spectacular glacial scenery.