🌤 Weather at Thumb Cove State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–53 °F | 46–62 °F | 27–56 °F | 21–34 °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 Seward Airport, 9 mi away, elevation 22 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Two Public-Use Cabins Below Porcupine Glacier in Resurrection Bay
Thumb Cove State Marine Park lies approximately nine miles south of Seward on the east side of Resurrection Bay. Its 720 acres include the southeast shoreline of the cove, a long beach of fine to medium sand and cobble, forested uplands of spruce, hemlock and alder, and most of the waters of Thumb Cove. Porcupine Glacier towers above the park.
Thumb Cove is a favorite stop for Seward boaters, and beach camping is popular. Salmon fishing is good during the runs, and the cove gives good protection from the often unstable weather of Resurrection Bay. Fresh water comes from a stream that flows from Porcupine Glacier. The park has campsites, toilets and two public-use cabins, the Porcupine Glacier Cabin and the Spruce Glacier Cabin; one of them is wheelchair accessible.
Things to Do
- Cabins: Porcupine Glacier Cabin and Spruce Glacier Cabin
- Camping: campsites along the beach
- Fishing: salmon during the runs
- Kayaking: from Seward along the east side of Resurrection Bay
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East side of Resurrection Bay, approximately nine miles south of Seward |
| Size | 720 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat or kayak |
| Facilities | Two public-use cabins, campsites, toilets. Water from a glacier-fed stream |
| Fees | No entrance fee. Cabin rates and the daily parking fee are in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | One of the two public-use cabins is wheelchair accessible |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 60.0067, -149.3047 |
Getting There
There is no road. Seward is the starting point, about nine miles to the north; boaters and kayakers follow the east side of Resurrection Bay. The cove offers good shelter from the bay’s often unstable weather.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Safety Cove State Marine Park lies about 3 miles southeast, Caines Head State Recreation Area about 3 miles southwest and Sandspit Point State Marine Park about 5 miles south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thumb Cove State Marine Park?
On the east side of Resurrection Bay, approximately nine miles south of Seward, below Porcupine Glacier; there is no road access.
Can you rent a cabin at Thumb Cove?
Yes. The Porcupine Glacier Cabin and the Spruce Glacier Cabin are public-use cabins; rates are listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule.
Is Thumb Cove wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Alaska State Parks says one of the two public-use cabins is wheelchair accessible; the park itself is reached only by boat.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Thumb Cove State Marine Park; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Thumb 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 Thumb 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 Map
Plan your gear for Thumb Cove State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
