Boswell Bay

Boswell Bay State Marine Park encompasses a protected bay on Hinchinbrook Island in Prince William Sound. The marine park provides wilderness anchorage and shore access in the outer reaches of the Sound. Located on the Gulf of Alaska side of Hinchinbrook Island, the park offers a wilder and more remote experience than inner Sound locations.

The exposed Gulf of Alaska location supports exceptional marine wildlife including humpback and orca whales, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. Sea otters have recovered strongly since the 1989 oil spill. Seabird colonies nest on rocky shores, including puffins, murres, and kittiwakes. Brown and black bears forage along the beaches.

Coastal rainforest covers protected areas of the bay, with Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominating. Exposed areas support coastal tundra vegetation and rock gardens. The understory includes devil's club and salmonberry, while intertidal zones display diverse marine algae and kelp.

Hinchinbrook Island was formed through accretion of oceanic terranes to North America and shaped by glacial erosion. The island was heavily impacted by the 1964 earthquake, with portions uplifted several feet. The bay displays classic glacially-carved topography with U-shaped valleys and steep walls.

The outer Prince William Sound location brings more exposure to Gulf of Alaska weather systems. Temperatures are moderated by maritime influence but conditions can be severe. Annual precipitation is very high, with rain, fog, and strong winds common. Summer brings the most favorable conditions for visiting.

Chugach peoples utilized Hinchinbrook Island for generations, with the bay providing shelter and resources. The island saw activity during World War II as part of coastal defenses. Commercial fishing has been important throughout the Sound, and the area was impacted by the 1989 oil spill.

Boswell Bay State Marine Park was established to protect wilderness anchorage and shore access in outer Prince William Sound. The marine park provides a destination for adventurous boaters seeking true wilderness in the accessible Sound. It helps maintain public access to remote coastlines.

The remote wilderness setting is the primary attraction for those seeking solitude and adventure. Wildlife viewing opportunities include whales, sea lions, and seabirds. Shore exploration reveals old-growth forest and scenic beaches. The Gulf of Alaska setting provides dramatic scenery and weather watching.

The marine park provides anchorage accessible only by boat. There are no developed facilities; visitors must be completely self-sufficient. The park is reached from Cordova or Whittier via extended boat travel. The outer Sound location requires significant maritime experience and seaworthy vessels.

The marine park protects pristine coastal wilderness while allowing adventurous public access. The remoteness naturally limits visitation and impacts. Ongoing oil spill recovery monitoring continues in portions of the Sound. The park represents some of the wildest coastline accessible from the road system.