Hiking near Seward offers a rugged and vibrant gateway into Alaska’s wild heart. Trails here challenge hikers of all levels with towering peaks, dense spruce forests, and the ever-present sound of rushing streams daring you onward. From the easy, family-friendly Coastal Trail hugging Resurrection Bay to the steep, rewarding climb of Mount Marathon, every path pushes you to engage with the landscape on its own terms.

Seward’s trails range from gentle strolls below cascading waterfalls to challenging scrambles up granite faces, often crossing soggy tundra and weather-tested boardwalks. Whether tracing the shorelines or threading through alpine meadows, expect shifting weather and ever-changing terrain that keeps the environment fiercely itself. Pack robust, waterproof footwear and layers, because trails can move from bright sun to sudden drizzle within minutes.

For a practical start, the Exit Glacier Trail provides a well-maintained 2.5-mile round trip with moderate elevation gain and up-close views of a living glacier pushing and groaning forward. The Harding Icefield Trail offers a more taxing 8.2-mile climb with nearly 2,300 feet elevation gain, rewarding persistent hikers with expansive icefield panoramas. In all cases, the sense of place is immediate—rivers challenge your passage, wind whistles through treetops, and wildlife like marmots and bald eagles offer quiet company.

Hydration is key here; water is plentiful but must be filtered. Trails are busiest in late spring through early fall, so plan weekday visits for solitude. Early morning light reveals wildlife activity and optimal photography conditions, while afternoon clouds often bring dynamic skyscapes. Packing a map and checking trailhead conditions can keep plans realistic and safe.

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