Fort McGilvray (Caines Head)

The feel

This is a walk to a World War II fort that once defended the Port of Seward. Fort McGilvray sits on a 650 foot rocky cliff above Resurrection Bay, where the firing platforms of the two six-inch guns still stand. The trail climbs through mature spruce forest, past muskeg ponds filled with lily pads and along rocky bluffs, with views of Thumb Cove State Marine Park and the barrier islands.

Getting there is a tide-timed trip. The three mile stretch between Tonsina Point and Derby Cove is intertidal beach, and most hikers who go as far as North Beach stay overnight.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 13.5 miles total, with about 2000 ft of gain. A beach section passable only at low tide, then a steady climb through spruce forest from North Beach to the fort. Beach rocks can be very slick, and the trails have muddy sections and pooling water.

Time

About 6.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Plan the day around the tide tables, since the beach section sets your schedule.

Parking

Lowell Point State Recreation Site, about 2.5 miles south of downtown Seward at the end of Lowell Point Road. Two small lots; no motorhomes or trailers.

Fees and passes

$5 daily parking fee at Lowell Point.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed; keep them on a leash on the Tonsina Point Trail.

Kids

Rated hard.

Hazards

Bear country. Seward gets more than 60 inches of rain a year. A landslide about 300 yards south of the Tonsina Point Cabin along the beach may mean climbing over debris. Bring a light source and take care exploring the fort.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms at the Lowell Point lower parking lot. Treat all park water by filtering, boiling or purification tablets.

Season and access

Reached on foot from Lowell Point, or by water taxi, which does not run October through April.

Mingo says

Leave the trailhead 2 hours before a low tide of three feet or lower. Coming back from North Beach, leave 1.5 hours before low tide. Pack for wet, cool weather.

Before you go

• Check the Seward tide tables before you book a day or a night at North Beach.
• Carry bear spray and a headlamp or other light for the fort.
• Bring $5 for the Lowell Point parking fee, and leave the motorhome at home.
• Carry a filter, purification tablets or a way to boil water.

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