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ALASKA'S SCENIC BYWAYS
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Seward Highway: All American Road

Recognized for its scenic, natural, historical and recreational values, the 127-mile Seward Highway holds triple designation: USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and All-American Road.

The first 50 miles of the Seward Highway skirts the base of the Chugach Mountains and the shore of Turnagain Arm, where it's common to see beluga whales, Dall sheep, waterfalls and eagles. The remainder of the drive courses through the mountains, offering dramatic views of wild Alaska.

photo of Byron Glacier
Byron Glacier. Credit: Jack Stickel, Alaska DOT&PF

Highlights image

  • Learn about moose eating habits, the boreal forest, and the Alaska Railroad at Potter Creek Viewpoint and Trail just south of Anchorage.
  • Look for bore tides, beluga whales and the effects of the 1964 9.2 magnitude earthquake along the road. Hundreds of spruce trees were killed when the ground dropped and the trees were standing in salt water.
  • Check out the picturesque town of Girdwood or pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine.
  • Hike a portion of the 23-mile Johnson Pass Trail, which follows the path of the old Iditarod Trail.
  • Drive to the historic mining town of Hope, a beautiful 18-mile side trip from Canyon Creek Bridge.
  • Summit Lake gives you a taste of alpine Alaska where swans rest on their spring and fall migrations.
  • Moose Pass and Trail Lakes offer recreation and flight-seeing opportunities. Visit the hatchery at Trail Lake.
  • Once you arrive in Seward, visit Exit Glacier and see if you can see the glacier moving - you can't!
  • Don't miss a bit of the town of Seward - go fishing, participate in the 4th of July Mount Marathon Run festivities, take the Walking Tour and visit the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Calendar of Annual Events

January

  • Anchorage Folk Festival
    Anchorage, 907-566-2334
  • Polar Bear Jumpoff Festival
    Third Saturday in January Seward
    907-224-5230

February

  • Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
    Anchorage, 907-274-1177

  • Qutekcak Native Tribe's Scholarship Auction

March

  • Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
    Anchorage, 907-276-4118

May

  • Harbor Opening Weekend
    Third weekend in May
    Seward, 907-224-3160
  • Qutekcak Native Tribe hosts Alaska Native Arts & Craft Fair

June

  • Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon
    Anchorage, 907-276-4118

July

  • Fourth of July celebrations
    Regionwide
  • Girdwood Forest Fair
    Girdwood, 907-566-9039

August

  • Alyeska Blueberry & Mountain Arts Festival
    Girdwood, 907-754-1111

September

  • Qutekcak Native Tribe's Annual Sobriety (Healthy Living) Gathering

November

  • Annual Crafts Emporium
    Anchorage, 907-263-2800

December

  • Annual Holiday Train Ride
    (roundtrip Anchorage-Seward)
    Anchorage, 800- 544-0552
  • Alyeska's New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
    Girdwood, 907-754-2209
Canyon Creek Bridge photo
Canyon Creek Bridge on the Seward Highway.
© Paul Souders

Visitor Contact Information

 

photo
Bird Point Wayside. © Jack Stickel, ADOT&PF

Turnagain Arm photo
Turnagain Arm at dusk.
 
Seward Highway moose photos
A moose crossing the Seward Highway.
© Paul Souders

 

Questions about the Scenic Byways web site? emaildot.scenic.byways@alaska.gov