Tonsina Creek Trail is a 4.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Seward, Alaska that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
If you park at the upper trailhead parking area, there's a $5 parking fee. This is a year-round trail, so lots of people will usually be out when the weather is nice. It's also a fairly easy trail and is popular with out-of-towners who have to stick to easier trails. Might need spikes in winter. To hike just to Tonsina Beach, you don't need low tide like you do if you continue to Caines Head.
January 16, 2021Great little hike! It’s packed down enough to just use hiking boots and cleats. Was a bit slick with the warmer weather today. We used poles to help balance on the slick parts but snow was too deep and trail hard packed to be useful in areas.
October 11, 2020
September 26, 2020Totally worth it rain or shine!
September 25, 2020September 21, 2020Nice trail with gorgeous views!
September 17, 2020September 16, 2020I’d rate this trail as easy actually, especially if you are just going to Tonsina River. But it is actually beautiful also. The switchbacks are the “hardest” part but are beet well worn and footing isn’t too tough. At the river we veered off to the trail on the left and went out to to waterfront. We walked along the beach for about 0.5 mile, then met back with the trail at a dry river bed. The part of the trail heading back to Tonsina creek was so gorgeous. Definitely recommend this trail and going past Tonsina if you can
September 14, 2020September 12, 2020Nice trail.
September 6, 2020This was a great hike. Some inclines but has switch backs that help with the gain. This was a easy moderate hike with a beautiful panoramic view of mountains and water
September 6, 2020September 5, 2020Posted in wrong trail
September 5, 2020September 4, 2020Easy hike to the coast
September 1, 2020August 22, 2020Easy hike
August 16, 2020Lots to see, 2 beautiful bridges over the river, a brief walk through a rain forest and a path that’s somewhat challenging but pretty easy. Great for families, ends at the beach, what’s not to like!
August 9, 2020Hiked out to the Derby Cove Cabin. It was a fantastic place to stay. The hike out was slippery in the rain, but the clouds were beautiful. The way back was gorgeous and way easier on dry rocks. Make sure you check the tides, and you'll have a great time! If its raining, trekking poles would help on the slippery rocks. Caught some pinks and silvers from the beach at Derby Cove, and really loved playing horseshoes at the cabin!
August 4, 2020July 14, 2020Wonderful trail- very scenic forest and river views. It is rocky, but well maintained. If you have poles, I would recommend using them. However, they are not a requirement. Although you have a $5 parking fee, it's definitely worth it. If we ever visit Alaska again, we would prepare ourselves to go further along the trail.
July 4, 2020July 2, 2020A lovely sunny day for a hike. Well maintained and busy trail. Our pups loved it!
June 29, 2020wonderful family hike on 6/27 while camping at millers landing. ages 3 to 69 enjoyed a picnik on the beach.
June 23, 2020Hiked on 6/19/20. Absolutely beautiful views of the Alaskan forest. Very missy and tall trees. Excellent trail and easy to follow. Took us about an hour and a half.
June 18, 2020Great relatively easy hike down to a gorgeous endless beach. At low tide it’s just beach for days and at high tide it’s just as beautiful. Great place to pack a lunch and sit on the beach to enjoy. Also lots of space for an overnight camp, which would be quite a view to wake up to!
March 14, 2020beautiful day out 3-14-20. nice stroll through old growth forest for a mile or two, then when you get to the tonsina river crossing it opens up to a beach area. I made it back to the tonsina cabin on the second opening at the end of this particular route. no worries with tides
