South Esther Island State Marine Park

The sheer expanse of wild regions in Alaska almost makes the entire state a park, but there are still multiple areas set aside for the enjoyment of visitors. One of the most unique sits on Esther Island, a small landmass in Prince William Sound with a population of barely 20 people.

The Park in the middle of nowhere

South Esther Island State Marine Park is located in the middle of Alaska's Prince William Sound. The landmass known as Esther Island covers a little under 50 square miles, and the majority of it is parkland. The only other thing on the island is the Wally Noerenberg Hatchery, one of the largest salmon hatcheries in the world. The island is only accessible by boat or floatplane, making it a very distinctive destination.

Once you are there

The big draw of South Esther Island State Marine Park is the absolutely gorgeous, unspoiled scenery. This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and the park offers plenty of opportunities to appreciate it. Trails wend from the anchorages at Lake Bay and Quillian Bay deep into the woods, to emerge at gorgeous Esther Lake.

Roughing it

Because the park is in such an isolated location, there are very few amenities provided on the island. Camping areas feature only elevated platforms for pitching tents - no electricity or water hookups are located here.

Hikers and backpackers who want to commune with nature in its purest form have flocked to South Esther Island State Marine Park for years, and the time is right to join them. Revel in the gorgeous scenery in this pristine location.