Granite Bay State Marine Park

Granite Bay State Marine Park consists of 2,015 acres on the northwest side of Esther Island, 25 miles from the small town of Whittier. The park sports two bays, protective islands and forest uplands of old growth. While the water sports for kayaks, sailboats and pleasure boats are fantastic, the shoreline is steep with granite cliffs and other rock formations. Camping is rough, but possible, and the strong hiker can tour many islands to view bays, coves, lakes, mountains, glaciers and fjords. Fishing, clamming, wildlife-viewing and a tour to one of the largest fish hatcheries in the world are all possible. Well-prepared campers can find beautiful scenery and serenity.

Terrain of Granite Bay State Marine Park

The hillside around the rocks provides great hiking and climbing with beautiful views of lakes, ponds and other areas of untouched nature. Rainbow trout is stocked in Tange Lake for every fisherman's dream. Both bays have room for many boats with good anchorage. Between the bays, behind the islands, a mooring buoy is found, but there are no campsites. At the southern mouth of the bay, two pebble beaches offer camping spots during low tide. A tent platform on the northernmost island of the north bay provides a campsite. Just south of the mouth of the southern bay lies a reef stretching out a mile offshore. If you plan to boat that area, keep that in mind. The area of Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay are where Georg Steller landed as the first European in Alaska, not far from Granite Bay State Marine Park in 1741 during the Bering Expedition.

The climate in the area is wet and windy, and the temperature ranges from 40 to 65 degrees during the summer months. During World War II, the U.S. military chose nearby Whittier because the port was protected by cloud and fog cover. Average annual rainfall is nearly 200 inches, and snowfall 40 inches more, yet the waters are ice-free all year long. Strong winds prevail, with a mean hourly speed of 10 to 15 mph, but at times they reach 40 to 60 mph, generating four to six foot waves. Bring extra clothes and a sturdy raincoat to enjoy your experience at Granite Bay State Marine Park.