Boswell Bay State Marine Park

Boswell Bay State Marine Park is situated on the eastern tip of Hinchinbrook Island, approximately 20 miles southwest of Cordova. Bordering the high-energy waters of Hinchinbrook Entrance and the open Gulf of Alaska, this park offers a unique wild landscape of sandy ocean beaches, tidal lagoons, and coastal wetlands.

⚓ Extreme Grounding & Moorage Hazard

Boswell Bay is one of the most hydrodynamically challenging anchorages in Prince William Sound and requires extreme caution:

Tidal Siltation: The bay suffers from severe, continuous siltation. At low tide, the inner bay goes nearly completely dry, exposing extensive mudflats and sandbars.
Keeled Vessel Restriction: Keeled vessels and deep-draft cruisers must never attempt to enter or moorage inside the inner bay. If you must stop, anchor in the outer channel in 12–20 feet of water and monitor your depth sounder continuously.
Tidal Range Adjustments: With vertical tide ranges in the Sound exceeding 15–20 feet, a vessel anchored in 10 feet of water at high tide will be high and dry on the mudflats within six hours.
Tide Rips: The entrance to Boswell Bay and the surrounding passages are prone to violent tide rips (standing waves), especially when strong currents flow directly against prevailing ocean winds.

⛺ Wilderness Camping & Beach Operations

Despite moorage limits, Boswell Bay is a spectacular destination for beach beachcombing and wilderness exploration:

Coastal Hiking: The outer beaches face the open Gulf of Alaska, providing world-class beachcombing, driftwood accumulation, and views of Cape Hinchinbrook.
Kayaking/Paddling Staging: Paddlers staging transits across Hinchinbrook Entrance or heading toward Cordova utilize the park as a crucial weather refuge.
Leave No Trace: Camp on the high gravel beaches well above the high-tide line. Disperse campfires completely.
Bear Safety: Dense populations of Chugach brown bears and black bears roam these coastal corridors. Store all food in approved bear-proof containers or on-board your vessel.

📋 Critical Mariner Checklist

Keeled Vessels Stay Out: Never enter the inner bay; remain in deep outer channels.
Carry a Tide Book: Calculate exact low-tide windows before planning moorage.
Rig High Scope: Ensure anchor lines are long enough to handle massive vertical swings.
Secure Beach Crafts: Tie all beached tenders or kayaks securely well above the high-tide mark to prevent them from drifting away in the swift current.