Kayak and Hike to Historic WW2 Army Fort in Alaska!
Overview
Paddle & Hike in Caines Head!
8 hour Paddle & Hike
This fantastic World War II defensive structure is located at the top of Caines Head, as part of the Caines Head State Park Recreation area. We paddle out and land at the original Fort McGilvray dock. From there, we begin our Alaskan hike, complete with an exhilarating 650′ of elevation gain in two miles. Atop you find a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Alaska, Harding Gateway, and the Barrier Islands of Resurrection Bay! Bring a headlamp or flashlight to explore Fort McGilvray and have a snack at the gunning embedment before heading back down the trail for a fun kayaking adventure to Millers Landing.
What's Included
- Tour escort/host
- Landing and facility fees
- Local taxes
- Kayak & Associated Gear: Paddle, Spray Skirt, Life Jacket, Pump, Paddle Float
- Professional guide
- Rain Gear
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting Location
Beach Drive
Seward, AK 99664, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Itinerary
• 7:45 a.m. check in to office for parking pass and to sign necessary forms
• 8 a.m. meet guide, get outfitted for paddle
• 8:15 a.m. warm up exercises, safety briefing
• 8:25 a.m. depart for paddle
• Paddle to Caines Head (5 miles) and hike (2 miles each way 4 miles round trip) to Fort McGilvray
• Depart for Miller’s Landing in kayaks (5 miles)
More Information
Be prepared to be physically active for the entirety of this Seward kayaking and hiking trip. If you’re not comfortable hiking and paddling all day we have easier trips that we can set you up with!
• Get a panoramic view of the Gulf of Alaska from the top of Caines Head!
• Watch for whales, eagles, sea lions, sea otters, mountain goats, black bears, and Dalls porpoise!
• Paddle past driftwood ghost forests from the 1964 Alaskan earthquake
• No experience needed, all gear, and instruction provided.
Bring your hiking boots! From surf to turf, we begin our two-mile hike to the top of Caines Head to view the historical WWII remains of Fort McGilvray.
We retrace our steps and paddle back to Miller’s Landing, watching for wildlife all along the way.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult, 12 years minimum age to participate
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair - a 4 mile Hike is involved
- Due to comfort and weight / balance / cockpit size of the Kayak, participants must be under 250lb and able to fit within a 33″ x 17.25″ / 83.8 x 43.8 cm cockpit opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What's included in the price?
A: The following is included: Tour escort/host.Landing and facility fees.Local taxes.Kayak & Associated Gear: Paddle, Spray Skirt, Life Jacket, Pump, Paddle Float.Professional guide. The following is NOT included: Rain Gear.Food and drinks, unless specified.Gratuities.Hotel pickup and drop-off. Read more Apr 2025
Cancellation Policy
Traveler Photos





Reviews
Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 71 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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