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  • Great for ages 8+

Guided Caines Head Bunker Hike with Water Taxi

Quick Details

Per Person

$ 219

Book the Guide!

Exclusive up to 8 People

$ 1752

Hike to a WWII Bunker with a Guide!

Take a water taxi across Resurrection Bay and spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic coastline and WWII history of Caines Head State Recreation Site.

After checking in at Miller’s Landing, you’ll board our 2:00 PM water taxi for the ride to Caines Head. From the beach, your guide will lead you along the trail and up toward Fort McGilvray, a former World War II coastal defense installation built to protect the entrance to Resurrection Bay.

The highlight of the hike is Battery 293, where massive concrete fortifications remain tucked into the mountainside high above the bay. Along the way, your guide will share the history of Fort McGilvray and the area while you explore coastal forest, beaches, and viewpoints overlooking Resurrection Bay.

After exploring the fort, you’ll hike back to the beach for pickup on our 7:00 PM water taxi. Arrival back at Miller’s Landing is typically between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, depending on the boat schedule and conditions that day.

Essential Details

ABOUT THE HIKE

After the boat drops you off at Caines Head State Park, you’ll begin your hike to the historic Fort McGilvray. The trail is just over 2 miles to the top (5 miles round trip) with a 650-foot elevation gain, making it a moderately challenging hike. Hikers are awarded with views of the Resurrection Bay, Thumb Cove State Marine Park, and barrier islands. The trail winds through a mature spruce forest, alongside of muskeg ponds filled with lily pads, and skirts the rocky bluffs as you climb to the top of Caines Head. For information about other trails in the area, please visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aktrails/explore/trailmapguides.htm

Be sure to pack sturdy, comfortable shoes as the trail can be uneven in places. We also recommend bringing snacks, a packed lunch, and plenty of water to stay fueled for the hike.

When you return to Miller’s Landing, your adventure doesn’t have to end—our office and café are the perfect place to unwind.

WHAT TO BRING

It’s important to wear quick drying, warm, synthetic layers or wool depending on the temperature and weather conditions. We ask that you avoid cotton clothing like jeans. Here is a small list of things to bring on your hike in Resurrection Bay.

  • Water bottle
  • Rain gear
  • Synthetic or wool layers
  • Comfortable shoes that could get wet, we pull and launch your kayaks from shore so you should not be stepping into any water.
  • Depending on the weather consider bringing gloves, beanie, sun hat, extra socks, sunglasses, sunscreen.
  • Snacks or a packed meal! Or get our meal package.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Our water taxi has 16 indoor seats, with additional space for standing passengers. Your guide will be equipped with all necessary safety and first aid gear, as well as emergency snacks.

Before each trip, we provide a brief orientation covering boat and trail safety so everyone feels comfortable and prepared before departure.

Water and snacks are not provided, so be sure to pack enough for your hike! You can fill your water bottles at our office before departure, and additional food and drinks are available for purchase at our café.

Add a meal package for just $30! Enjoy a barista-made drink, a fresh sandwich, and a snack, all prepared right here at our café.

More Information

About our Guides