🌤 Weather at Shoup 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, 7 mi away, elevation 62 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Shoup Glacier, a Kittiwake Rookery and Three Cabins, Five Miles from Valdez
Shoup Bay State Marine Park covers 4,560 acres five miles southwest of the Port of Valdez. Most visitors come by boat, though an 11-mile trail also leads from Valdez to the park. Alaska State Parks says the bay is known for the 150-foot wave that is said to have surged in and out of it three times during the 1964 earthquake. Since then Shoup Glacier has retreated about a mile and a half, exposing new land and forming a brackish lagoon linked to the bay by a tidal river; use the 1996 USGS map, which shows these changes.
The uplands are mostly young alder and spruce, and the steep mountain walls are habitat for mountain goats and black bears. The highlights are Shoup Glacier and the black-legged kittiwake rookery in the lagoon; bald eagles, arctic terns and many kinds of waterfowl are also seen. Please do not disturb the rookery or nesting birds.
Things to Do
- Cabins: three public-use cabins: Kittiwake, McAllister and Moraine, run by permitted private operators
- Camping: group sites at the east end of the lagoon and at the spit, plus single sites around the bay
- Hiking: the 11-mile trail from Valdez
- Wildlife viewing: the kittiwake rookery, bald eagles, arctic terns, mountain goats
- Kayaking: listed by Alaska State Parks
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Five miles southwest of the Port of Valdez |
| Size | 4,560 acres |
| Access | By boat, or the 11-mile trail from Valdez |
| Facilities | Three public-use cabins, campsites, trails, toilets. Drinking water near the head of the bay |
| Fees | No entrance fee. Cabin rates are in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Contact | Kenai/Prince William Sound Area Office, (907) 262-5581 |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 61.1381, -146.5900 |
Getting There
Most visitors come by boat from Valdez; the 11-mile trail is the land route. Anchorage in the bay is fair to poor, but good for small boats in the lagoon, which can be reached only at high tide. Watch for icebergs and give them plenty of room.
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 6 miles south and Sawmill Bay State Marine Park about 9 miles southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Shoup Bay State Marine Park?
By boat from Valdez, five miles to the northeast, or on foot along the 11-mile trail from Valdez.
Can you rent a cabin at Shoup Bay?
Yes. The Kittiwake, McAllister and Moraine cabins are public-use cabins run by permitted private operators; rates are listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule.
Can boats reach the Shoup Bay lagoon?
Only small boats, and only at high tide; anchorage in the bay itself is fair to poor, according to Alaska State Parks.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Shoup Bay State Marine Park; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Shoup 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 Shoup 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 Shoup Bay State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
