Hiking & Trails

Find beautiful hikes for all ability levels in Seward.

There are a variety of maintained trails in the surrounding public lands and some right in town! Start with these five local favorites, or explore the other trail options at our nearby public lands by visiting the Chugach National Forest, Kenai Fjords National Park, or Alaska State Parks.

  • Exit Glacier - Easy - The Glacier View Loop Trail is a one-mile trail with minimal gain and is wheelchair accessible. It begins at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and meanders through a cottonwood forest before arriving at a panoramic vista of the glacier spilling down from the Harding Icefield. The Glacier Overlook Trail is an additional 0.6 miles of jaw-dropping views. 

  • Two Lakes - Easy- This one-mile trail with 100 feet of elevation gain is located right in town. The family-friendly hike will take you over small streams and past several waterfalls. Winding through temperate rainforest and around two small lakes, this path offers kids of all ages ample opportunities to marvel at various natural wonders. 

  • Tonsina Point - Moderate - A round trip 4.2 miles, this out and back trail will bring you across over 750 feet of elevation before landing you on a beautiful beach, a petrified forest, and a mossy wonderland under towering spruce. Plan to spend some time combing the beach before returning. 

  • Mt. Marathon Bowl Strenuous - Quickly gain up to 2,750 feet of elevation on this 5-mile round trip hike. This popular trail leads to a high alpine valley known locally as the Mt. Marathon bowl. The hiker’s path (also known as the jeep trail) climbs steeply from the trailhead. Above the treeline, you’ll enjoy beautiful waterfalls along the bench trail before climbing again to the bowl, surrounded by towering peaks and sweeping views.

  • Harding Icefield Trail - Strenuous - This 8.2 mile out and back trail is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Alaska, literally. It’s a 3,000-foot climb to get to the top of this trail where you’re rewarded with vistas of the vast Harding Icefield, which feeds nearly 40 different glaciers. Although the view from the top is well worth the effort, shorter hikes to Marmot Meadows or the Top of the Cliffs overlook offer incredible views of Exit Glacier and the valley.

GUIDED HIKES & BACKPACKING

Guided hiking is a great way to discover new terrain. Book a tour with a knowledgeable guide to safely explore our beloved trails and learn about local flora and fauna. Strenuous options also exist for fit hikers seeking a quintessential alpine experience. Guided fly-in trips to more remote locations are also available. 

Get off the grid and into the wilderness with a multi-day adventure. Take advantage of our region’s rustic public use cabins or pitch your own tent. Due to the remote and wild nature of our public lands, this option is best suited for experienced backcountry travelers.

GLACIER HIKING & ICE CLIMBING

Explore extraordinary glacier features—including blue ponds carved from ice and filled with crystal clear water—on a guided tour of Exit Glacier. Your adventure begins with an invigorating hike on the scenic Harding Icefield Trail before donning safety gear and descending onto the ice. For another unforgettable experience, take a helicopter across Resurrection Bay to hike on the less traveled but equally spectacular Godwin Glacier.