Hiking the Otterbahn in Seldovia, Alaska

Hiking the Otterbahn in Seldovia

A photo gallery and hiking guide to the Otterbahn Trail
by Cecil Sanders of Last Frontier Magazine

Seldovia, a small and beautiful community along Kachemak Bay, has a variety of things to do in the outdoors. One of the most popular activities is hiking the Otterbahn Trail. The term hiking may be an overstatement, as the 1.2-mile trail (one way) is short, easy to navigate and only has a few slightly steep inclines. The temperate climate can leave the trail wet with muddy sections. If you have a few hours and want something to do, it is well worth your time. I've visited Seldovia on three separate occasions and meandered through the lush forest and out to the tidal shores of Outside Beach each visit.


otterbahn trail seldovia cecil sanders photography last frontier magazine the alaska life Main Street Seldovia heading in the direction of the small boat harbor
The boat harbor in Seldovia
Seldovia from the water otterbahn trail seldovia cecil sanders photography last frontier magazine the alaska life Seldovia from the water
To access the trail from the harbor, walk uphill on English Drive to Winifred Ave. The trailhead is located behind the Susan B. English School. A steep embankment soon levels out and you are instantly in the deep, dark forest. A few signs are available along the trail to give you more information about the wildlife, geology and area information. Approximately three-quarters of a mile down the trail you will reach a fork. Both the left fork and right lead to the same spot near the entrance to the boardwalk. You will walk along the boardwalk through a marshy area and soon up a gravel embankment that brings you to Outside Beach.
otterbahn trail seldovia cecil sanders photography last frontier magazine the alaska life The "Otterbahn Trail"
otterbahn trail seldovia cecil sanders photography last frontier magazine the alaska life One of the boardwalks leading through the marshland
otterbahn trail seldovia cecil sanders photography last frontier magazine the alaska life Salmonberries hang along the Otterbahn Trail
otterbahn trail seldovia cecil sanders photography last frontier magazine the alaska life The main boardwalk through the marsh
Morning dew hangs from grass along Outside Beach
The intertidal zone at Outside Beach
Piling on the shore at Outside Beach
Campanula rotundifolia (bluebell) hanging from the bank
Check the tidal charts before visiting if you are flexible on your time. Aim for low tide as it allows you to explore the rocky intertidal zone for a host of sea creatures including sea anemone, starfish and more. Watch for eagles, black bear, and otters. The Otterbahn Trail is occasionally used by black bear, so make noise, be alert and be prepared Bring your camera, a friend and a snack and enjoy this relatively easy and most definitely fun hike!
If you enjoyed this article, check out "A Homer Photo Tour: One of America's Top Towns."
If you are looking for great food to fuel your hiking adventures we recommend checking out the Alaskan company Heather's Choice. Type in 'THEALASKALIFE' discount code at checkout for 10% off your order. Great food options for your outdoor trips or emergency prep. Everything is Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Soy Free, but still tasty and nutritious. Heather's Choice Packaroons It's sunny in Alaska in the summer and hikes requires good shades for your eyes. Check out these wood and bamboo polarized sunglasses by Woodies. They are a great price and perfect for long Alaskan summers. Use discount code "AKSHADES" to save 5% off the already low price. Woodies Sunglasses and The Alaska Life. Perfect for Alaska and Mexico

9 comments

When another teacher and I established this project in the 1990s, it was Outside Beach – not ‘Beacher’.

Patrick Lamb April 17, 2021

You missed the Geocache.

seajello April 17, 2021

Sharing again!

Laurel Anne Hilts April 17, 2021

Awesome photos and great framing of your pictures!! Feels like I am with you on this hike!!

Dave Elliott April 17, 2021

Thank you! Yes, it is a salmonberry and the post has been updated.

Cecil April 17, 2021

Those are Salmon Berries not Raspberries :) Nice Pictures!!!

Sara April 17, 2021

I believe those are salmonberries.

Stephanie April 17, 2021

Hi Laurel, thank you for letting me know about the typo! I love visiting Seldovia. You have a beautiful trail, and a beautiful town.

Cecil April 17, 2021

Great to have the article written about our wonderful trail! Would you mind correcting the Beach name to read “Outside Beacher” rather than “Outer Beach”? Thanks!!

Laurel Hilts April 17, 2021

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published