Tonsina Point

The feel

The trail leaves the upper Lowell Point parking lot and follows a mellow grade, with two steep sections, through temperate rainforest down to Tonsina Point. It ends at a wild black-sand beach on Resurrection Bay.

Seward gets more than 60 inches of rain a year, so the trail is wet, with running or pooling water and mud on the switchbacks. There are campsites at Tonsina Point.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, about 3 miles, with 200 to 300 ft of gain. Temperate rainforest on a mellow grade with two steep sections, wet and muddy on the switchbacks, ending at a black-sand beach.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Parking

Lowell Point State Recreation Site has two small lots; the upper lot serves the Tonsina Trail. No motorhomes or trailers. Lowell Point is 2.5 miles south of Seward at the end of Lowell Point Road.

Fees and passes

$5 day use, paid at the Lowell Point lot.

Dogs

Keep pets on a leash.

Hazards

The first mile of the trail runs through private property on both sides, so stay on the designated trail. Beyond Tonsina Point the beach can only be hiked at a low tide of three feet or lower. Bears.

Bathrooms and water

Two latrines at the recreation site, one at the lower lot and one at the upper trailhead lot. Treat all water by filtration, boiling or purification tablets.

Mingo says

Bring wet-weather gear, and keep to the trail instead of cutting the switchbacks. If you plan to go past the point, leave 2 hours before low tide.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day-use fee at the Lowell Point lot; no motorhomes or trailers.
• Stay on the designated trail through the first mile of private land.
• Check the Seward tide tables before going beyond Tonsina Point.
• Carry bear spray.

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