Bird Point Scenic Overlook

The feel

Bird Point sits at Mile 95 of the Seward Highway on Turnagain Arm, with paved parking, spotting scopes and interpretive panels.

The paved path starts at Mile 96.1 and is typically 10 feet wide, open to pedestrians, bicycles and other non-motorized use. It follows the old Seward Highway for six miles to Girdwood. The wider Indian to Girdwood path runs 13.3 miles one way with benches, interpretive signs and telescopes, and it is wheelchair accessible.

What to expect

What it is

A paved overlook on Turnagain Arm, and the start of a path heading to Girdwood.

Time

The bore tide reaches Bird Point about 2 hours 15 minutes after low tide in Anchorage.

Crowds and best time

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the predicted arrival.

Parking

Paved parking.

Fees and passes

A day-use fee applies to park at the rest stop.

Dogs

Take care with pets near the road, since the path runs alongside Seward Highway traffic.

Kids

Watch children closely wherever the path runs beside the highway.

Hazards

The path twice exceeds a 5% gradient, with a maximum of 7%, and a portion near Girdwood can flood during spring run-off.

Bathrooms and water

Accessible restrooms are at the overlook, with more restrooms and picnic shelters about one mile east of Bird Point.

Season and access

The overlook is listed as open, though dates are tentative. Facilities along the path were closed for the season, and part of the path closes in winter for avalanche hazard.

Mingo says

Use the Anchorage low tide as your clock, since the bore follows it at Bird Point. Belugas may show a few hours before high tide, and the best chance comes when salmon or hooligan are running.

Before you go

• Bring $5 for the day-use parking fee at the Mile 96.1 rest stop.
• Call (907) 345-5014 for the site's phone line.
• Check before a late-season ride, since winter closures can apply to parts of the path.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.