🌤 Weather at Granite Bay 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, 6 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 — state marine park on Esther Island in Port Wells
Granite Bay State Marine Park is a marine park unit of the Alaska state park system in northern Prince William Sound, about 22 miles (straight line) east of Whittier. Alaska law lists it among the state marine parks in AS 41.21.304, item 25, and describes its land by township and section. The park’s coordinates are 60.8810, -148.0803.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Esther Island, Port Wells, Prince William Sound, AK |
| Nearest town | Whittier, about 22 miles (straight line) |
| Access | No road access |
| Legal basis | AS 41.21.304 (25) |
The Alaska State Parks map of the Resurrection Bay, Prince William Sound and North Gulf Coast state parks shows the unit on the Port Wells side of Esther Island, north of South Esther Island State Marine Park.
Alaska State Parks describes the unit on its Granite Bay page: two bays with protective islands on the northwest corner of Esther Island, about 25 miles from Whittier, with steep granite cliffs and slabs along the shore and muskeg and old-growth forest above. The park is undeveloped. Both bays offer anchorage for several boats, and a mooring buoy sits between them behind the islands. Campsites are scarce: a tent platform stands on the northernmost island at the mouth of the north bay, and two moderately exposed pebble beaches at the southern point of the bay mouth can be used during low tide cycles. Water is available at the head of each bay and from lake outlets. The hills around the bays are good for hiking, and Tange Lake, which drains into the head of the northern arm, has been stocked with rainbow trout. A reef extends nearly a mile offshore just south of the mouth of the southern bay. No fee for Granite Bay is listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Granite Bay State Marine Park?
It lies on Esther Island in Port Wells, northern Prince William Sound, about 22 miles (straight line) east of Whittier. There is no road access.
Keep exploring: The closest parks in our guide are South Esther Island State Marine Park (about 6 miles) and Ziegler Cove State Marine Park (about 9 miles), both in Prince William Sound.
Camping reservations: Alaska State Parks lists no reservable sites for Granite Bay State Marine Park. Cabins and campsites that can be booked are listed at reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Granite Bay 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 Granite Bay 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 Granite Bay State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
