Kayaking and Hiking to Fort McGilvray in Seward

Paddle to a ghost forest, climb 650 feet to a wartime fort, paddle back past wildlife

Kayak and hike in Seward combines a 10-mile paddle through Resurrection Bay with a 4-mile round-trip hike to Fort McGilvray, a World War II defensive structure at the top of Caines Head. A professional guide leads the full 8-hour day, providing all kayak gear, instruction and a safety briefing. You bring hiking boots and moderate fitness. The route passes driftwood ghost forests from the 1964 earthquake and offers views of the Gulf of Alaska, with chances to spot whales, eagles, sea lions and bears along the way.

The experience

Seward's Caines Head sits at the mouth of Resurrection Bay, and this day starts at the office at 7:45 a.m. with a parking pass and paperwork, then moves to the water by 8:25 a.m. after a warm-up and safety briefing. You paddle 5 miles out to the Fort McGilvray dock (the original landing used when the fort was active), and then step out of the kayak to begin the hike. The trail climbs 650 feet in two miles, steep and uneven, and opens onto the ruins of the fort itself, a concrete structure built into the ridge with views south across the Gulf of Alaska, the Harding Gateway and the Barrier Islands. A headlamp or flashlight lets you explore the gunning embedment, the gun positions where soldiers once watched for Japanese ships during World War II.

The paddle back to Millers Landing covers the same 5 miles but the route is the point: you pass through a driftwood ghost forest, the trees killed and bleached by the 1964 earthquake and still standing in the water decades later. Wildlife moves through the bay year-round (whales, sea otters, sea lions, eagles, mountain goats, black bears and Dalls porpoise all live in the area), and a guide who knows the water knows where to look. No kayaking experience is required. The guide handles instruction and all gear is provided, including paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, pump and paddle float. The day ends when you reach Millers Landing, around 4 or 5 p.m. depending on conditions and pace.

This is a full-body day. The paddle itself is moderate in difficulty, but the hike is steep and the total time on water and trail is eight hours, so fitness matters. Children can join if they are at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult, and weight and cockpit size have limits: participants must be under 250 pounds and able to fit in a 33-inch by 17.25-inch opening. The operator does not recommend this trip for anyone with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, walking disabilities or wheelchair use, since the trail is uneven and the hike is four miles round-trip with significant elevation.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the full day.
• all kayak gear including paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, pump and paddle float.
• safety briefing and warm-up exercises.
• landing and facility fees.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Sep 2027

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 23 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Millers Landing Inc.

Is this one for you?Book this if you're ready for a full day combining paddling and hiking. You'll cover water and trail back-to-back with a 650-foot climb, so it suits those with stamina for continuous activity rather than a leisurely outing.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Fort McGilvray and why is it at the top of Caines Head?

Fort McGilvray is a World War II defensive structure built into the ridge at the top of Caines Head to watch for Japanese ships during the war. The concrete fort includes gun positions and embedments, and you explore it with a headlamp or flashlight after the hike, then have a snack at one of the gunning positions before heading back down the trail.

How much of this day is paddling and how much is hiking?

You paddle 10 miles total (5 miles out to Caines Head and 5 miles back to Millers Landing), and hike 4 miles round-trip (2 miles up, 2 miles down) to reach the fort. The hike climbs 650 feet in two miles and is the steepest part of the day.

What wildlife might I see on the paddle?

Whales, sea otters, sea lions, eagles, mountain goats, black bears and Dalls porpoise all live in Resurrection Bay and the area around Caines Head. The guide knows where to look and the paddle passes through a driftwood ghost forest: trees killed by the 1964 earthquake and still standing in the water.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No experience is needed. The guide provides a safety briefing and warm-up exercises before you depart, and all gear is included (paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, pump and paddle float) along with instruction on how to use it.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring hiking boots for the trail and a headlamp or flashlight to explore the fort. Rain gear is available as an option at checkout. The guide provides all kayak gear, and you should be prepared to be physically active for the full eight hours.

What time does this start and end?

Check-in is at 7:45 a.m. at the office for a parking pass and forms, you meet the guide and get outfitted by 8 a.m., and the paddle departs at 8:25 a.m. The day ends when you reach Millers Landing, typically around 4 or 5 p.m.