🏆 Prince William Sound Marine — Pristine beaches on Hinchinbrook Island in Prince William Sound
Boswell Bay Beaches State Marine Park protects pristine beach and coastal forest on the south shore of Hinchinbrook Island in Prince William Sound. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, the park offers wilderness beach camping, excellent fishing, and the chance to observe sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles in one of Alaska’s most spectacular marine environments. The volcanic sand beaches face the open Gulf of Alaska.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hinchinbrook Island, Prince William Sound, AK |
| Access | Boat or floatplane only |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Wildlife | Sea otters, seals, sea lions, eagles |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there?
Charter a boat or floatplane from Cordova or Whittier. There are no roads or scheduled ferry service to Hinchinbrook Island. This is true wilderness — bring all supplies and be bear-prepared.
How do I get to Boswell Bay?
By boat or float plane from Cordova. No road access exists — Cordova itself is only accessible by ferry or plane. This remoteness is what makes the experience extraordinary.
Is camping allowed?
Yes — primitive beach camping. Bring all supplies including bear-proof food containers. There are no facilities. This is genuine Alaska wilderness — self-sufficiency is required.
More parks nearby: Sawmill Bay State Marine Park is elsewhere in the state, while Jack Bay State Marine Park lies elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🦅 Visit Boswell Bay Beaches SMP
Prince William Sound wilderness — pristine beaches on Hinchinbrook Island.
About Boswell Bay Beaches
Boswell Bay Beaches State Marine Park on Hinchinbrook Island in Prince William Sound protects pristine wild beaches accessible only by boat or floatplane. The remote island beaches face the open Gulf of Alaska and are home to Sitka black-tailed deer, brown bears, and sea otters. Hinchinbrook Island is one of the wildest places in already-wild Alaska.
Things to Do
Beachcombing on remote wild beaches, wildlife viewing (brown bears, sea otters, seals), fishing for salmon and halibut, kayaking in protected waters, and camping on remote beaches. Access by boat or floatplane from Cordova.
Insider Tips
Remote beauty: Boswell Bay on Hinchinbrook Island is accessible only by boat or float plane — true Alaska wilderness. Pro tip: Charter a water taxi from Cordova (30 miles). Wildlife: The beaches support Sitka blacktail deer, brown bears, and massive colonies of sea birds. Humpback whales feed in the bay from May through September.
Best Time to Visit
June-August: Best weather window for boat access. May: Migrating shorebirds by the millions pass through the Copper River Delta (adjacent). Fall: Silver salmon runs. Winter: Inaccessible for most visitors due to weather.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Boswell Bay Beaches State Marine Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Boswell Bay Beaches State Marine Park?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Boswell Bay Beaches State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
