Travel Guide - Seward, Alaska | Nauti Otter

Travel Guide

Traveling from Anchorage to Seward

Here are several ways to travel from Anchorage to Seward:
Seward Bus Line: Door-to-door pickup in Anchorage with drop-off at the Nauti Otter.
Alaska Railroad: Limited schedule, but offers a scenic, memorable ride.
Rental Car or Turo: Rent from traditional agencies in Anchorage, or use Turo. Our Turo vehicles are also available to rent once you arrive in Seward. The drive typically takes about two hours.

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is scenic, with several notable stops along the way. Our favorite sights are listed below. Locals refer to locations by mile markers. Anchorage begins around mile 120, and Seward is at mile 0.

Alaska Railroad

Rental Agencies

Potters Marsh

Mile marker 117

Leaving Anchorage, nature bursts into view! On your left, Potter Marsh buzzes with birds and moose munching in the shallows. Watch for muskrats gliding through the water. On your right, the Cook Inlet stretches toward Turn Again Arm. Midway, Rabbit Creek teems with colorful salmon, leaping upstream from May to August.

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Beluga Whales, Doll Sheep, and Goats

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Pulled-over cars often mean mountain goats or Dall sheep on the slopes. Along the train tracks, a stopped train could signal beluga whales in Cook Inlet. Always admire from safe spots, then snap photos of these striking creatures in their natural playground.

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Surfing the Bore Tide

Calling all thrill-seekers! Cook Inlet is home to a unique phenomenon: the bore tide. Imagine a massive wave, several feet high, surging through the water at speeds of up to 24 miles per hour. Unlike ocean waves, this one keeps rolling for miles, offering a rare surfing experience where you can ride the wave for an extended time. But there's a catch - bore tides typically occur only after a low tide in Anchorage, so timing is key.

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Chainsaw Carvings and Art

Mile marker 100

Around mile 100, a huge log cabin pops up on your left. It's my friend's business, and every sculpture you see was carved by him with a chainsaw—truly impressive! Stop by safely to admire his one-of-a-kind creations and maybe snap a photo or two.

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Last Gas Station Until Seward

Mile marker 90

Fill 'er up! The Tesoro gas station at mile marker 90 is your last chance to top off your tank before reaching Seward. If you're bypassing Seward and heading straight for Homer, there's another gas station 15 miles down the Sterling Highway after you turn off the Seward Highway.

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Tram at Alyeska Resort

Craving a breathtaking detour? Take a scenic break at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood! Hop on the tram for a quick seven-minute ride to the summit of Mt. Alyeska. Brace yourself for what might be Alaska's most impressive vista. On a clear day, panoramic views unfold before you, showcasing the Turnagain Arm, two majestic mountain ranges, and a cascade of seven hanging glaciers. After soaking it all in, indulge in a celebratory drink or a delicious lunch at the mountaintop restaurant. And depending on the season, keep your eyes peeled for ripe blueberries and raspberries dotting the hillsides!

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Amazing Waterfall and Super Short Hike

Virgin Creek Falls is a great place to visit for a short and easy hike with a beautiful payoff. The hike is only 0.5 miles long and is considered to be very easy. Here's how to get there:

-Take a left by the gas station at Girdwood.
-Go down a few miles and take a right on Timberline Drive.
-Follow Timberline Drive to the end of the cul-de-sac. There is a small parking area here.

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Earthquake Aftermath

Mile markers 87 through 77

On March 24, 1964, the Good Friday earthquake—magnitude 9.2—shook Alaska, followed by over 10,000 aftershocks across 18 months. Cities like Seward were devastated. Near the gas station, abandoned, half-buried houses and dead trees line the highway, a haunting reminder of land sinking and saltwater damage along Turnagain Arm.

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Wildlife Conservation Center

Mile marker 80

At mile 80, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center awaits! Take a self-guided driving tour and spot bears, moose, musk ox, bison, lynx, eagles, and more. Keep your eyes peeled—Alaska's fascinating creatures roam freely, giving you a front-row seat to wildlife in their natural habitat.

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Portage Glacier

Mile marker 80

At mile 80, detour onto Portage Glacier Road to witness Alaska's icy grandeur. Once leading to the town of Portage, destroyed in the 1964 earthquake, it now features the Portage Glacier Visitor Center and a glacier-fed lake dotted with icebergs. Explore on foot or take a thrilling boat tour.

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Whittier Tunnel

Approaching Whittier? Buckle Up for a Unique Tunnel Experience!

Past the Portage Glacier Visitor Center, tackle the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—the longest highway tunnel in North America! This single-lane marvel handles cars and trains, fierce winds, and -40oF temperatures. Arrive early, enjoy the short wait, and allow 20–30 minutes for the full experience through this engineering wonder.

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Photo Op!

Mile marker 75

Entering the Kenai Peninsula in Style! Keep your eyes peeled on your right as you climb away from the breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm. You'll soon spot a designated pullout marking the official "Welcome to the Kenai Peninsula" sign. This is a perfect opportunity to snap a photo commemorating your arrival on this legendary Alaskan landscape!

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The Road to Hope

A Charming Detour: Hope, Alaska (Mile Marker 57)

As you continue along the Seward Highway, consider a detour to the historic town of Hope at mile marker 57. Take Hope Road for 16 miles to discover this quaint little mining town.

Hope offers a glimpse into Alaska's gold rush era, with a handful of restaurants, a bar, and a general store. In fact, if you looked across Turnagain Arm while driving from Anchorage, you might have spotted Hope nestled on the opposite shore!

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Cooper Landing Detour

Cooper Landing: Nature, Wildlife, and Rafting (Mile Marker 37)

As you travel along the Seward Highway, you'll approach a fork in the road near mile marker 37. Taking the exit to Homer (Sterling Highway) for about 15 miles will lead you to the charming town of Cooper Landing.

Nestled on the banks of the glacier-fed Kenai River, Cooper Landing is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Combat Fishing: Witness the thrilling spectacle of combat fishing, where experienced anglers compete to catch salmon in the Kenai River.

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Moose Pass

Craving a Local Flavor? As you cruise along the Seward Highway around mile marker 30, keep an eye out for the charming town of Moose Pass. This delightful stop offers a chance to support local businesses and fuel up for your Alaskan adventure.

Mom-and-Pop Gem: Don't miss the charming mom-and-pop store on your right. Here you can find a steaming cup of coffee, unique Alaskan treats like reindeer sausage, and homemade fudge – perfect for a picnic!

Picnic Paradise: Just a short drive away from Moose Pass, you'll find Ptarmagin Campground, an ideal spot to enjoy your tasty local finds amidst the stunning Alaskan scenery.

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Salmon Viewing at Ptarmigan Creek

Nature's Spectacle at Ptarmigan Creek (Mile Marker 23):

Nature lovers, don't miss Ptarmigan Creek Campground at mile 23! Enjoy picnicking, berry picking, and a salmon-viewing platform overlooking the creek. From late July to early October—peak mid-August—sockeye salmon return to spawn, creating a spectacular natural show. A perfect stop to stretch your legs and soak in Alaska's wildlife.

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Welcome to the Nauti Otter!

Heading to Nauti Otter? Here's How to Find Us!

For the Nauti Otter Inn:

-Continue straight on the Seward Highway until you reach mile marker 5.5.
-Look for a long, straight section of highway that lasts for about 4 miles.
-As the road curves, you'll see a green house on your right.
-The Nauti Otter Inn is the yellow house directly following the green one. Be sure to slow down, or you might miss it!

For the Nauti Otter Yurt Village:

-If you're aiming for the Yurt Village, keep an eye out for Stoney Creek Road on your left between mile markers 6 and 5.
-Turn left onto Stoney Creek Road.
-Take your first right turn onto Bruno Road.
-Then, make your first left turn onto Trail Road.
-You'll find the Nauti Otter Yurt Village on your right, about a quarter mile down Trail Road.

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