🌤 Weather at Sawmill Bay State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–53 °F | 44–62 °F | 21–53 °F | 15–31 °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 Valdez, 13 mi away, elevation 62 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Protected Anchorage in Valdez Arm, Three Miles West of Valdez Narrows
Sawmill Bay State Marine Park is 15 miles from Valdez and three miles west of Valdez Narrows. Alaska State Parks calls it one of the most popular anchorages in Valdez Arm: the bay is ringed by 4,000-foot peaks, and its southwest arm is protected. Boreal forest of spruce and hemlock, mixed with muskeg, covers the uplands. Land and sea otters, seals, bears and many birds can be seen in the bay.
The park covers 40 acres. Two tent platforms, a fire ring and a bear-proof food locker sit north of Steller Creek on the west side of the bay, and there are toilets. Fresh water comes from Steller Creek and other streams.
Things to Do
- Camping: two tent platforms north of Steller Creek
- Anchoring: the protected southwest arm of the bay
- Wildlife viewing: otters, seals, bears and birds
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Valdez Arm, 15 miles from Valdez and three miles west of Valdez Narrows |
| Size | 40 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat |
| Facilities | Two tent platforms, fire ring, bear-proof food locker, toilets. Water from Steller Creek |
| Fees | No entrance fee listed by Alaska State Parks (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not an ADA facility, according to Alaska State Parks |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 61.0200, -146.7000 |
Getting There
Valdez is the starting point, 15 miles away through Valdez Narrows. Anchor in the protected southwest arm of the bay; the tent platforms are on the west side, north of Steller Creek.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Jack Bay State Marine Park lies about 5 miles northeast and Shoup Bay State Marine Park about 9 miles northeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sawmill Bay State Marine Park?
In Valdez Arm, 15 miles from Valdez and three miles west of Valdez Narrows; there is no road access.
Can you camp at Sawmill Bay?
Yes. There are two tent platforms with a fire ring and a bear-proof food locker north of Steller Creek on the west side of the bay.
Is there fresh water at Sawmill Bay?
Yes. Alaska State Parks says fresh water can be taken from Steller Creek and other streams in the bay.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Sawmill Bay State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: Camping at Sawmill Bay State Marine Park cannot be booked online; Alaska State Parks lists no reservable sites for this park. Cabins and campsites that can be booked are listed at reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sawmill 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 Sawmill 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 Location
Plan your gear for Sawmill Bay State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
