🌤 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 publishes no separate page for this unit, so facilities, campsites, fees and current conditions are not documented here. Check with Alaska State Parks before you go.
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
