Entry Cove State Marine Park

Overview

Entry Cove State Marine Park is one of the most popular and scenic wilderness coves on the northern side of the entrance to Passage Canal, situated approximately 12 miles northeast of Whittier. The park covers 224 acres of dense spruce forests, gravel beaches, and a unique geological feature: a massive natural rock arch that is easily transitable by dinghy or kayak at higher tide cycles. It serves as an excellent, highly accessible anchorage for vessels transitioning from Passage Canal into the wider expanses of Port Wells.

Approach

The approach into Entry Cove is remarkably straightforward, making it an ideal choice for mariners new to Prince William Sound.

• From Passage Canal: Head northeast past Decision Point. Look for the low, timbered spit forming the southern arm of the cove.
• Hazards: The entrance is deep and free of submerged rocks or reefs. However, watch for floating glacial growlers that occasionally drift into the mouth of the cove from nearby Blackstone Bay or Harriman Fjord.

Anchoring

The interior basin of Entry Cove provides good, reliable shelter from typical summer winds blowing out of the north, east, and northwest. It is, however, vulnerable to strong southwesterlies funneling directly down Passage Canal, which can kick up a light chop in the outer portion of the basin.

• Bottom: Soft, sticky black mud throughout the primary basin. Anchor holding is highly reliable once set.
• Depths: The best anchoring sits in the center of the inner cove in 15 to 35 feet of water.
• Caution: The inner mudflats at the extreme head of the cove dry out completely during low tide cycles. Maintain an adequate distance from the western beach to avoid grounding.

Natural Arch & Shore Logistics

The defining highlight of Entry Cove is the Entry Cove Natural Arch, located on the narrow spit separating the cove from the Passage Canal main channel.

• Kayak Transit: You can paddle directly through the spectacular rock arch during mid-to-high tide cycles. At low tide, the arch is dry and can be explored on foot.
• Camping: Excellent gravel beaches are suitable for beaching sea kayaks and landing dinghies. There are undeveloped wilderness campsites nestled in the spruce trees behind the arch.
• Fresh Water: A small seasonal stream at the western head of the cove provides fresh water (must be filtered or treated).

Notes

• Cell Service: Intermittent but usable LTE signal from Whittier transmitters is typically available near the entrance, but drops off deep inside the cove.
• State Park Rules: No fees are required for anchoring or wilderness camping. Pack out all trash. Bear-proof food storage is mandatory due to frequent black bear sightings.