🌤 Weather at South Esther Island 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, 1 mi away, elevation 35 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lake Bay, Quillian Bay and Esther Lake on the South End of Esther Island
South Esther Island State Marine Park covers 3,360 acres on the southern end of Esther Island in Prince William Sound, about 22 miles (straight line) east of Whittier. It includes Lake Bay and Quillian Bay. Lake Bay is home to a large fish hatchery, which Alaska State Parks calls one of the largest in the world, while Quillian Bay is relatively undisturbed.
Quillian Bay has anchorages behind the larger island, and you can carefully navigate to the head of the bay. A hike along the eastern edge of the lagoon and through a low, forested pass leads to Esther Lake. Esther Lake and the Esther Falls Overlook are the two scenic overlooks of the Lake Bay area. Tent platforms give flat, raised camping along the muskeg and forest, and the park has toilets.
Things to Do
- Hiking: from the lagoon through a forested pass to Esther Lake
- Overlooks: Esther Lake and the Esther Falls Overlook
- Camping: tent platforms along the muskeg and forest
- Fishing: limited; no fishing within 300 feet of the hatchery holding pens
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern end of Esther Island, Lake Bay and Quillian Bay, about 22 miles (straight line) east of Whittier |
| Size | 3,360 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat from Whittier |
| Facilities | Campsites with tent platforms, toilets, trails |
| 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 | 60.8000, -148.0500 |
Getting There
Drive the Seward Highway to Portage Glacier Road and through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (toll) to Whittier. From there Esther Island is boat access only. During commercial openings the fishing fleet crowds the area; stay clear of nets and boat traffic.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Granite Bay State Marine Park lies about 6 miles north, Ziegler Cove State Marine Park about 9 miles west and Entry Cove State Marine Park about 11 miles west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Esther Island State Marine Park?
On the southern end of Esther Island in Prince William Sound, including Lake Bay and Quillian Bay, about 22 miles (straight line) east of Whittier.
Can you fish near the Lake Bay hatchery?
Yes, with limits: sport fishing regulations prohibit fishing within 300 feet of the holding pens, and Alaska State Parks asks anglers to stay out of the hatchery operations.
How do you get to Esther Lake?
Hike along the eastern edge of the lagoon and through a low, forested pass; Esther Lake and the Esther Falls Overlook are the two overlooks of the Lake Bay area.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, South Esther Island State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at South Esther Island 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 South Esther Island 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 South Esther Island State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
