🌤 Weather at Decision Point State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–53 °F | 47–63 °F | 28–54 °F | 24–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Whittier, 8 mi away, elevation 60 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Where Passage Canal Opens to Port Wells, Eight Miles from Whittier
Decision Point State Marine Park covers 460 acres at the eastern end of Passage Canal, approximately eight miles from Whittier. Alaska State Parks explains the name: this is the point where you decide whether to head out into the larger open water of Port Wells.
The park is used mostly by kayakers and small boats, because there is no adequate anchorage. Forested uplands of spruce and hemlock back two camping beaches, and the park has campsites and toilets. A public-use cabin, the Squirrel Cove Cabin, can be rented.
Things to Do
- Kayaking: from Whittier along Passage Canal
- Camping: on the two camping beaches
- Cabin: Squirrel Cove Cabin, a public-use cabin for rent
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Eastern end of Passage Canal, about eight miles from Whittier |
| Size | 460 acres |
| Access | No road access. Kayak or small boat; no adequate anchorage |
| Facilities | Campsites, toilets, one public-use cabin (Squirrel Cove Cabin) |
| Fees | No entrance fee. Public-use cabin rates are in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not an ADA facility, according to Alaska State Parks |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 60.7991, -148.4608 |
Getting There
Whittier is the starting point. From the harbor it is about eight miles along Passage Canal to the park. Because there is no adequate anchorage, larger boats cannot stay overnight; kayaks and small boats land on the beaches.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Entry Cove State Marine Park lies about 3 miles east, Surprise Cove State Marine Park about 4 miles southeast and Ziegler Cove State Marine Park about 5 miles northeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Decision Point State Marine Park?
At the eastern end of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, approximately eight miles from Whittier, where the canal opens into Port Wells.
Is there a cabin at Decision Point?
Yes. The Squirrel Cove Cabin is a public-use cabin in the park; rates are listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule.
Can larger boats anchor at Decision Point?
No. Alaska State Parks says there is no adequate anchorage, so the park is used mainly by kayakers and small boats.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Decision Point State Marine Park; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: At Decision Point State Marine Park, Alaska State Parks takes online bookings for cabin rentals through reservealaskastateparks.com. Campsites cannot be reserved online. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Decision Point 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 Decision Point 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 Map
Plan your gear for Decision Point State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
