Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

The feel

A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh. From late April through September, Canada geese, northern pintails, canvasback ducks, red-necked phalaropes, grebes and northern harriers use the wetland.

About halfway along the boardwalk, Rabbit Creek flows underneath and shows spawning chinook, coho or humpback salmon from May to August, depending on the species. Moose frequent the marsh year round. Free spotting scopes and educational panels line the boardwalk, which is accessible to those with mobility impairments.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 0.6 mile total, with about 16 ft of gain, on an accessible 1,550 foot boardwalk.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Crowds and best time

Birds use the wetland from late April through September.

Parking

Free parking, with designated accessible spaces at the main entrance.

Fees and passes

Free parking.

Dogs

No dogs allowed on the boardwalks.

Kids

Rated easy, on an accessible boardwalk.

Hazards

Cool and windy weather even on sunny days; vehicles in the lot are sometimes broken into; fishing is prohibited.

Bathrooms and water

Accessible bathrooms at the main entrance.

Season and access

The entrance is at milepost 117 of the Seward Highway at East 154th Avenue, about 10 miles from downtown Anchorage.

Mingo says

Aim for May and June if you want moose standing in the marsh. Moose are most active early in the day or late in the evening.

Before you go

• Leave valuables at home or lock them out of sight in the trunk.
• Bring wind shells and extra layers, and binoculars or a scope.
• Do not stop along the Seward Highway shoulder to look at birds.
• Leave dogs at home.

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