Caines Head Trail
~2 days · 7.2 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Caines Head Trail is known for
Coastal route from Lowell Point near Seward along Resurrection Bay to North Beach and the WWII ruins of Fort McGilvray at Caines Head, about 7 miles one-way. The 3-mile beach stretch between Tonsina Point and North Beach is passable only at low tide, so the trip must be timed to the tides. Hiked as an out-and-back with camping at Derby Cove or North Beach.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 151 ft to 2,119 ft over 7.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.7 mi · 52%
- Downhill 3.2 mi · 44%
- Flat 0.3 mi · 4%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Caines Head Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Caines Head Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 7.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Caines Head Trail?
The Caines Head Trail climbs roughly 2,270 ft total — about 315 ft per mile, topping out near 653 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.