Fort McGilvray

The feel

Fort McGilvray sits on a 650 foot rocky cliff above Resurrection Bay, in Caines Head State Recreation Area. The firing platforms of the two six-inch guns that once defended the Port of Seward are still here, and beneath them runs a maze of underground passages and rooms that are pitch black.

The fort is reached by boat or on foot. On foot, the Coastal Trail from Lowell Point leads to North Beach, and historic trails that follow old army roads climb from there to the fort and on to South Beach.

What to expect

What it is

A World War II coastal fort on a 650 foot rocky cliff above Resurrection Bay, with the firing platforms of two six-inch guns and underground passages and rooms.

Time

The trail to North Beach is 4.5 to 5.1 miles and takes the average hiker two to three hours. The fort is 7.4 miles one way from Lowell Point, with 650 feet of gain from North Beach to the fort.

Parking

Lowell Point State Recreation Site, about 2.5 miles south of downtown Seward at the end of Lowell Point Road, has two small lots. No motorhomes or trailers are allowed.

Fees and passes

$5 daily fee at the Lowell Point lots.

Hazards

Part of the trail can be hiked only in a low tide of three feet or lower; leave Seward at least two hours before low tide, and leave North Beach 1.5 hours before low tide when heading back to Lowell Point. Keep a safe distance from the cliffs. The land on both sides of the first mile of the trail is private property, so stay on the designated trail.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms are at the lower Lowell Point lot.

Season and access

On foot from Lowell Point or by boat. Charter boats in Seward provide shuttle service to and from the park and its cabins.

Mingo says

Treat this as an overnight at North Beach, since most hikers stay until the next low tide. Check the tide tables before you leave Seward. Seward gets more than 60 inches of rain a year, so pack for wet, cool weather.

Before you go

• Carry a flashlight for the underground passages.
• Bring $5 for the daily fee at the Lowell Point lots, and leave motorhomes and trailers at home.
• Call (907) 269-8400 for park information.
• Charter boats in Seward shuttle visitors to and from the park and its cabins.

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