Anchor River Beach

The feel

This is the beach at the end of the road in Anchor Point, the most westerly point on the U.S. Highway System. Across Cook Inlet you can see three of the seven volcanoes that border it: Mount Augustine to the south, then Mount Iliamna, and Mount Redoubt to the north.

Bald eagles, moose, beaver, mink, harbor seals, sea otters and beluga whales near shore all turn up around here. When the salmon are running, the beach and river mouth can get crowded with anglers.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 2 miles, with about 30 ft of gain on beach and river shallows.

Time

About 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

The beach and river mouth can get crowded during fishing season.

Parking

A 1.6-mile road through the recreation area ends at the beach.

Fees and passes

$5 per vehicle per day for parking.

Kids

Rated easy.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water are available in the recreation area, along with 20 picnic sites.

Season and access

Turn west off the Sterling Highway at milepost 156.9 into the Anchor River State Recreation Area.

Mingo says

Nearly 9,000 Chinook return from May through July and almost 20,000 coho in August. Expect company on the beach in those windows.

Before you go

• Bring rubber boots for the beach and river shallows.
• Keep off the sensitive wetland vegetation near the river.
• Pay the $5 daily parking fee.

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