Sawmill Bay State Marine Park

A short boat ride - or long kayak trip - west of Valdez, Alaska, Sawmill Bay State Marine Park is worth the 15-mile trek. Incredible scenery and ease of accessibility make this bay one of the most popular anchorages in the area.

Sawmill Bay

Surrounded by 4,000-foot mountain peaks, the protected bay offers panoramic views. The boreal forest habitat supports a wealth of wildlife that calls Prince William Sound home. Land and sea otters and seals are permanent residents, as are bears. Bird watchers thrill at the assortment of bird life seen in and around the bay. Perfect for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts alike, each area of the park offers unique and unforgettable viewing opportunities.

Park details

Although there are no designated trails in the park, the landscape lends itself well to exploration on foot. Camping is available to the west of Sawmill Bay, close to both good anchorage sites and access to the park’s wilderness areas. Bear-proof food lockers and tent platforms are available, and fresh water is plentiful and readily available from the numerous creeks and streams. Campers are urged to help preserve the natural beauty of the park by practicing low-impact camping techniques. This includes relying on gas stoves for cooking, removing all trash and leaving non-game and marine life intact.

Sawmill Bay State Marine Park combines the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s wilderness with the ease of boat access. For an experience unlike anything you ever had before, plan a visit to the Prince William Sound area today.