Alaska Region Viewing Area
LOCATION and PHOTOS
A portion of Turnagain Pass seen from a parking area off of the Seward Highway.
Chocolate lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis) and Narcissus-flowered anemone (Anemone narcissiflora) in the meadows of Turnagain Pass.
Turnagain Pass Viewing Area
Forest: Chugach National Forest
District: Glacier Ranger District
Description: The Turnagain Pass area features a rich mixture of plant communities in road accessible subalpine setting. The Seward Highway crosses Turnagain Pass and large, frequently used, parking areas are located on each side of the highway. Trails radiate out from these parking areas into the surrounding herb-rich meadows. These meadows are graced with numerous species of beautiful wildflowers including tall fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium), chocolate lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis), northern geranium (Geranium erianthum), Nootka lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis), and Sitka valerian (Valeriana sitchensis).
Safety First: Brown bears (grizzlies) occur in the area.
Directions: From Anchorage, take the Seward Highway south to the Turnagain Pass parking areas at milepost 68.
Ownership and Management: Lands in the area are managed by the Chugach National Forest, U.S. Forest Service.
Closest Town: Turnagain Pass is about 60 miles from Anchorage and 70 miles from Seward, Alaska.
For More Information:
For Current Weather Conditions:
- Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Road Weather Information System - Seward Highway at Turnagain Pass MP 69.9
- Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center: Current Weather for Turnagain Pass
Gallery:
Nootka lupine. Photo by R.L. DeVelice.
Turngain Pass meadows with Nooka lupine, Sitka valerian, and Alaska Indian paintbrush visible. Photo by R.L. DeVelice.
Sitka valerian. Photo by R.L. DeVelice.
Drummond's cinquefoil. Photo by R.L. DeVelice.
Nagoonberry. Photo by R.L. DeVelice.