🌤 Weather at Surprise Cove State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–53 °F | 47–63 °F | 28–54 °F | 24–34 °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 Whittier, 10 mi away, elevation 60 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Popular Anchorage at the Mouth of Cochrane Bay
Surprise Cove State Marine Park covers 2,280 acres on the western side of the mouth of Cochrane Bay, about 10 miles (straight line) southeast of Whittier. Alaska State Parks calls it one of the most popular anchorages in western Prince William Sound. The park takes in forested uplands and two large lakes that drain into the cove; the uplands and muskeg are good for exploratory hiking.
There are about seven campsites. The most popular one sits above the gravel beach just inside the north entrance, on flat slate pebbles out of the weather, with room for about 12 tents, three tent platforms, a small bear-proof locker and a latrine. The second largest site, above the beach northeast of Point Cochrane, takes five tents but works only in fair weather because of surf. Water can be collected from the streams that feed the cove.
Things to Do
- Camping: about seven sites, the largest for about 12 tents
- Hiking: a short trail to North Lake and open muskeg
- Tide pools: at Point Cochrane during minus tides
- Kayaking and fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Western side of the mouth of Cochrane Bay, about 10 miles (straight line) southeast of Whittier |
| Size | 2,280 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat or floatplane from Whittier |
| Facilities | Campsites, tent platforms, bear-proof locker, latrine. Water from streams |
| 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 | 60.7580, -148.3840 |
Getting There
Drive the Seward Highway to Portage Glacier Road and through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (toll) to Whittier. From there go by boat or floatplane to the mouth of Cochrane Bay. The trail to North Lake starts at the head of the northern bight, marked by a small orange triangle with a black “T” next to a creek.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Entry Cove State Marine Park lies about 3 miles north, Decision Point State Marine Park about 4 miles northwest and Ziegler Cove State Marine Park about 6 miles north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Surprise Cove State Marine Park?
On the western side of the mouth of Cochrane Bay in western Prince William Sound, about 10 miles (straight line) southeast of Whittier.
Is Surprise Cove in Harriman Fjord?
No. Surprise Cove is at the mouth of Cochrane Bay near Point Cochrane; Harriman Fjord and Surprise Inlet are about 20 miles farther north.
Where does the North Lake trail start?
At the head of the northern bight, west of the largest camping beach; a small orange triangle with a black “T” marks the trailhead next to a creek.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Surprise Cove State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: Camping at Surprise Cove 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 Surprise Cove 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 Surprise Cove 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 Surprise Cove State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
