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Prince William Sound wilderness guide
Protected Area · AK

Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound, a stunning coastal region in southern Alaska, offers remarkable opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring its dramatic fjords and rich marine life.

Protected Area6,000,0001+ Trails

Designation

Protected Area

Total Wilderness Area

6,000,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound, a stunning coastal region in southern Alaska, offers remarkable opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring its dramatic fjords and rich marine life.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Prince William Sound is located in southern Alaska, bordered by the Chugach National Forest and mountains on one side and the Gulf of Alaska on the other. It covers an area of around 10,000 square miles and features over 3000 miles of shoreline. The region is characterized by its breathtaking fjords, glaciers, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, it is known for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, which had a significant environmental impact. Ecologically, the Sound is home to humpback whales, sea otters, and an array of bird species, highlighting its rich biodiversity. Visitors can engage in a myriad of recreational activities such as kayaking among icebergs, fishing in its pristine waters, or hiking through lush coastal forests. The sound's wilderness appeal, complemented by its serene waters and dramatic landscapes, draws nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Field Guide · Protected Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Prince William Sound

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Scenic Waterfall and Forest Trail near Whittier, Alaska★ 7.2⌖ 26 miHiking
Emerald Cove Trail

Scenic Waterfall and Forest Trail near Whittier, Alaska

Explore the easy Emerald Cove Trail near Whittier, Alaska, featuring a scenic waterfall and lush forest. Ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography, this accessible trail offers peaceful vibes and a refreshing outdoor experience from late spring through early fall.

Discover the Wonders of Prince William Sound★ 9.2⌖ 26 miKayaking
Prince William Sound

Discover the Wonders of Prince William Sound

Explore the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. Known for kayaking near glaciers and diverse wildlife, it's a remote adventure perfect for thrill-seekers. Access via boat; best visited late spring to early fall. Enjoy the quiet beauty and abundant marine life.

Glacier Waterfalls: Nature's Masterpiece in Whittier, Alaska★ 9.3⌖ 28 miPhotographing
Glacier water falls

Glacier Waterfalls: Nature's Masterpiece in Whittier, Alaska

Explore Glacier Waterfalls near Whittier, AK, offering stunning views of cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and lush vegetation. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers, this spot provides hiking and kayaking opportunities. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

PhotographingView Details→
Breathtaking Beauty of Chugach National Forest★ 8.9⌖ 32 miHiking
Chugach National Forest

Breathtaking Beauty of Chugach National Forest

Explore the Chugach National Forest's Harding Icefield Trail near Seward, Alaska. Considered a hard trek, this 8.2-mile round trip offers spectacular glacier views and diverse wildlife. Popular for hiking, kayaking, and fishing, summer provides the best conditions.

Majestic Trails of Girdwood: North Face Trail★ 8.0⌖ 43 miHiking
North Face Trail

Majestic Trails of Girdwood: North Face Trail

Explore the challenging North Face Trail in Girdwood, Alaska, a hard route rewarding hikers with stunning views of Turnagain Arm and Chugach peaks. Ideal for experienced adventurers, it's best visited in spring or summer. Wildlife sightings are a bonus.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ College Fjord, known for its mesmerizing collection of tidewater and valley glaciers.✦ Renowned for its unique ecosystem, including the vibrant puffin colonies on Hinchinbrook Island.✦ The Whittier Tunnel, offering a direct gateway for visitors to access this incredible wilderness area by car.✦ Remote kayak campsites on rugged shores, providing secluded spots for immersion in nature.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Prince William Sound

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Prince William Sound
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Prince William Sound
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Prince William Sound
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Prince William Sound
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Prince William Sound
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Prince William Sound
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Prince William Sound.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; ferry and charter fees apply for travel.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Prince William Sound

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Begich, Boggs Campground

Located near Whittier, offers easy access for visitors exploring the Sound’s waters and trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Prince William Sound

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Whittier
⌖ 28.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whittier, Alaska

A secluded gateway to Alaskan wilderness offering unique water and mountainside adventures surrounded by breathtaking fjords and glaciers.

Valdez
⌖ 55.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Valdez, Alaska

A remote Alaskan adventure hub surrounded by towering mountains and pristine waters, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences on land and sea.

Moose Pass
⌖ 56.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moose Pass, Alaska

A rugged gateway town where wild coastal forests meet towering mountains, offering intimate access to Alaska’s untamed wilderness and the scenic Kenai Peninsula.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Hope
⌖ 61.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hope, Alaska

A tranquil gateway to wilderness adventures where rugged mountain trails, crystal-clear waters, and historic charm converge in Alaska’s scenic Kenai Peninsula.

Late spring through early fallExplore Town
Chickaloon
⌖ 65.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chickaloon, Alaska

A rugged Alaskan gateway where vast wilderness meets cultural heritage, perfect for adventurers seeking remote, multi-season thrills amid stunning mountain landscapes.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Eagle River
⌖ 67.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eagle River, Alaska

An Alaskan gateway to wild mountain trails, rivers, and forests where outdoor enthusiasts enjoy year-round adventure amid stunning wilderness.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snow adventuresExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Prince William Sound

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Glacier Quest Cruise: High-Speed Glacier Viewing in Prince William SoundWhittier, Alaska · 28.25 mi away
On the Water· Phillips Cruises & Tours

Glacier Quest Cruise: High-Speed Glacier Viewing in Prince William Sound

Board at Cliffside Marina in Whittier for a 3 hour 45 minute high-speed cruise into Blackstone Bay to watch tidewater glaciers calve, scan a 10,000-bird kittiwake rookery, and search for whales, otters, and coastal wildlife. Comfortable, narrated, and family-friendly—this trip makes Prince William Sound’s big ice accessible in a single afternoon.

3–4 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.