🌤 Weather at Entry Cove State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–53 °F | 44–63 °F | 28–56 °F | 20–35 °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 Wally Noerenberg Hatchery, 10 mi away, elevation 35 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Prince William Sound Cove — Sheltered cove for kayakers and boaters in Prince William Sound
Entry Cove State Marine Park protects a small, sheltered cove in Prince William Sound. The cove provides safe anchorage and beach camping for kayakers and boaters exploring the sound’s labyrinth of islands, glaciers, and fjords. The surrounding old-growth Sitka spruce forest meets the shoreline, creating a classic Southeast/Southcentral Alaska coastal environment.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Prince William Sound, AK |
| Access | Boat or kayak |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Camping | Beach camping (primitive) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there fresh water?
Not guaranteed. Bring all water or a reliable filtration system. Streams may be available seasonally but are not dependable year-round.
About Entry Cove
Entry Cove State Marine Park in Prince William Sound protects a sheltered cove and beach surrounded by old-growth temperate rainforest. The cove provides safe anchorage for boaters exploring the western sound. The dense Sitka spruce forest comes down to the waterline, and black bears forage on the beach at low tide.
Entry Cove State Marine Park protects a sheltered anchorage in Prince William Sound’s western reaches. The cove provides protection from the Gulf of Alaska’s frequent storms and serves as a waypoint for kayakers and boaters exploring the sound. Prince William Sound’s coastline is longer than the entire Eastern Seaboard — over 3,000 miles of deeply indented fjords, islands, and glacier-carved inlets.
Things to Do
Anchorage for boaters, beach camping, kayaking, wildlife viewing (black bears, sea otters, bald eagles), fishing, and exploring the old-growth rainforest. Access by boat from Whittier.
Boat-in camping, kayaking, fishing, wildlife observation for sea otters and Steller sea lions, beachcombing, and sheltering in one of Prince William Sound’s protected anchorages.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Granite Bay State Marine Park (a short drive away) or South Esther Island State Marine Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🛶 Visit Entry Cove SMP
Prince William Sound — sheltered cove camping for kayakers and boaters.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Entry Cove 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 Entry Cove 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 Entry Cove State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
