Turnagain Arm Trail

The feel

The trail follows a support route made in the 1910s to build the Alaska Railroad, above the Seward Highway with sweeping views of Turnagain Arm. Beluga whales can be seen cresting above the surf.

Moose and bears use it as a travel corridor, and moose calve around the McHugh Creek Day Use Area. Dall sheep show up at Windy Corner. Because it faces south, it is one of the first trails to melt out in spring.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point to point, 9.4 miles, with 200 to 1000 ft of gain. Sections run Potter to McHugh Creek 3.4 miles, McHugh Creek to Rainbow 4.2 miles, and Rainbow to Windy Corner 1.9 miles. Rainbow to Windy Corner is the shortest and easiest.

Time

About 4.5 hours for the whole trail.

Crowds and best time

Typical season May to October. It is one of the first trails to melt out in spring.

Parking

Trailheads are at Seward Highway mile 115 (Potter), mile 112 (McHugh Creek), mile 108 (Rainbow) and mile 106 (Windy Corner). Windy Corner is a tiny lot, basically a wide spot in the road.

Fees and passes

$5 or a state parks pass at Potter and McHugh Creek. No fee at Rainbow or Windy Corner.

Dogs

On a leash in the trailhead lots, and under control on trails and in the backcountry.

Hazards

Moose and bears. Make noise when rounding corners. Stay off the mudflats, where the surface can suddenly become like quicksand in the rapidly rising tide.

Season and access

Typical season May to October. Hiking only, no bikes.

Mingo says

Go in spring if you want a trail that has already melted out. Do a single section and leave the whole 9.4 miles for another day.

Before you go

• Park at Rainbow or Windy Corner to skip the $5 fee.
• Leave the bike at home, since bikes are not allowed.
• Call Chugach State Park Headquarters at (907) 345-5014 for trail questions.

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