Turnagain Arm, AK

When traveling to Alaska, seeing wildlife is definitely on the agenda. If you are in Anchorage and have a vehicle available to you, driving along Turnagain Arm is a great way to see some beautiful terrain and wildlife.

Eli enjoying the view

Turnagain Arm is located just south of Anchorage and drives along the water and Chugach Mountians (driving guide HERE). You drive out of Anchorage South and enjoy the views. As you leave the city, you will pass through a protected wetland that has long wooden board walks that birders use to get closer to nature without venturing too far from the city. And as you travel, tell the kids to keep their eyes out for wildlife on both sides of the car. On the passenger side, there is the waterway and you will see anything from eagles, marine birds, to marine mammals. On the driver’s side are steep rocky cliffs that are home to Dall sheep.

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The kids used the view finders to spot wildlife in the water, air, and mountains.

Beluga whales often can be seen during the months of mid-July through August. In August, when my family was going out to see the bore tide, a pod of beluga was just feet away from the shore at one of the look-outs. The kids were thrilled to see them splashing around so close.

On the rocky cliff side we have often seen Dall sheep roaming around. There are several pull off points along the road so as you spot them, pull over for a better look. But CAUTION: you are not the only one trying to spot wildlife and pull over. The driver must pay careful attention as the other cars may suddenly pull over or out onto the curvy two lane road.

Another reason to go to Turnagain Arm is to watch the rip tide. As a result of the terrain, there are a few times of the year when the tide comes into the inlet very fast and creates a wall of water. Depending on the tide and weather, it can be rather ho-hum or quite dramatic. You can find expected dates and times HERE.

The bore tide varies in level of impressiveness and this one was neat to see but not as thrilling as they sometimes are.

Where you can watch the tide, you also have plenty of space for the kids to roam around a bit, have a picnic, or look at the tide pools. If you are lucky, the wales may come and say hi too.

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