Seward

Hiking

Caines Head Trail. The Caines Head Trail allows easy, flat hiking along the coast, but a large portion of the hike is over tidal mudflats, so care must be taken to time the hike correctly—with tides here running in the 10- to 20-foot range, bad planning isn't just a case of getting your feet wet. It's officially advised that the trail be hiked only when there's a "plus 4-foot tide or greater" in summer. The trail is 4.5 mi, starting from Lowell Point, and two cabins can be rented at Derby Cove and Callisto Canyon. Seward, AK.

Lost Lake/Primrose Trail. The Lost Lake/Primrose Trail is a 16-mi end-to-end loop through spruce forests and up into the high alpine area. The Lost Lake trailhead is near Mile 5 of the Seward Highway, and the other end is at the Primrose campground at Mile 17. The trails are steep and usually snow-covered through late June, but the views along the Lost Lake valley are worth the climb. Above the tree line you're in mountain-goat country—look for white, blocky figures perched on the precarious cliffs. The lake is a prime spot for rainbow trout fishing. As usual, be bear aware. The Dale Clemens cabin, at Mile 4.5 from the Lost Lake trailhead, has propane heat and a stunning view of Resurrection Bay. Seward, AK.

For a comprehensive listing of all the trails, cabins, and campgrounds in the Seward Ranger District of Chugach National Forest, check the Web site of the U.S. Forest Service.

Mt. Marathon Race. One of the biggest events of the year in Seward is the Mt. Marathon Race, run on July 4 since 1915. Folks come from near and far to run, and the entire town comes out to celebrate. It doesn't take the winners very long—44 minutes or so—but the route is straight up the mountain (3,022 feet) and back down to the center of town. Ambitious hikers can hit the Runner's Trail behind Providence Medical Center on Jefferson, while those who prefer a more leisurely (though still steep) climb can take the Hiker's Trail from 1st Avenue. Seward, AK.

Seward Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce. Box 749, Seward, AK, 99664. 907/224-8051. www.sewardak.org.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Adventure and Wildlife Viewing
• Boating

• Deep-Sea Fishing
• Hiking