Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Accessible boardwalk sanctuary near Anchorage, offering abundant wildlife viewing of birds, moose, and salmon in a scenic wetland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildlife activity
Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Best Time
Peak wildlife activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Accessible boardwalk sanctuary near Anchorage, offering abundant wildlife viewing of birds, moose, and salmon in a scenic wetland.
"A perfect place to visit if you don’t want to travel too far from the city for spectacular scenery."
Bring Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant birds and wildlife. Many visitors recommend them for the best experience.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Observe animals from a safe distance. Never feed them. Moose and bears can be dangerous.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boardwalk Stroll
The main boardwalk
Meander over the marsh on an accessible boardwalk, offering stunning views and wildlife encounters.
Moose Sightings
Along the boardwalk and marsh edges
Keep an eye out for majestic moose, often seen grazing or crossing the marsh.
Salmon Run
Creeks feeding into the marsh
Witness salmon battling upstream to spawn during late summer and early fall.
Birdwatching Paradise
Throughout the marsh and surrounding vegetation
Spot a variety of bird species, from bald eagles to arctic terns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access Wildlife Viewing
Best Times for Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant birds and wildlife. Many visitors recommend them for the best experience.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Observe animals from a safe distance. Never feed them. Moose and bears can be dangerous.
Leave No Trace 👣
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks. Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the marsh.
Highway Noise Factor
The nearby highway can be noisy, but many birds and animals seem unfazed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting distant birds and wildlife. Many visitors recommend them for the best experience.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Observe animals from a safe distance. Never feed them. Moose and bears can be dangerous.
Leave No Trace 👣
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks. Pack out everything you pack in to preserve the marsh.
Highway Noise Factor
The nearby highway can be noisy, but many birds and animals seem unfazed.
No Pets on Boardwalk 🚫
To protect the wildlife, pets are not allowed on the boardwalk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Potter Marsh for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, all easily accessible from Anchorage. The well-maintained boardwalk makes it a perfect spot for birdwatching and spotting moose, though some note the highway noise. It's a highly recommended, free natural attraction.
"Potter Marsh is a perfect place to visit if you don’t want to travel too far from the city for a spectacular scenery. This boardwalk is build over the Marsh land and can provide the sight of wide variety of bird species on your walk. We saw several salmon that were swimming upstream into the creek for spawning. I would totally recommend this place to all. Restrooms available. Plenty of parking. Follow the trail and leave no trace."
H VS
"Just off the highway this boardwalk is great for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The interpretive signs along the way tell the story of what you can see and its history. No parking fee required."
Maria Thi Mai
"It is a beautiful place. It is very well maintained with a nice broadwalk. It is very close to Anchorage on Seward Highway and easy to access. We spotted Male bald eagle protecting it Nest, an Article Tern and Black-billed Magpie. Listening to birds and identifying sounds was fun too. Tip- carry binoculars with you."
Daraksha Mukadam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Potter Marsh is conveniently located just south of Anchorage, easily accessible via the Seward Highway. It's a short drive, often mentioned as a first stop on the scenic route to Seward. 
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Potter Marsh, making it easy to access the boardwalk.
The boardwalk at Potter Marsh is well-maintained and generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it a great option for families and those with mobility concerns.
Yes, Potter Marsh is accessible year-round. While snow may fall, the boardwalk is usually kept clear, offering a different but still beautiful experience.
Take the Seward Highway south from Anchorage. Potter Marsh will be on your right, clearly marked. It's a popular stop on the way to other destinations like Girdwood or Seward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no parking fee or entrance fee required to visit Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, making it a free and accessible natural attraction.
Potter Marsh is open year-round, from dawn until dusk. There are no set operating hours as it's an outdoor natural area.
No advance booking is necessary. Potter Marsh is a public natural area, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Yes, restrooms are available at Potter Marsh, which is convenient for visitors spending time exploring the boardwalk.
Unfortunately, pets and dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at Potter Marsh to protect the wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
Potter Marsh offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography, especially for birds, moose, and salmon. The boardwalk provides stable platforms for capturing shots.
You can photograph a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, arctic terns, black-billed magpies, moose, and during the right season, spawning salmon. +1
While you can get good shots from the boardwalk, it's important to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens is recommended for close-ups of birds and distant animals.
Early morning and late evening offer the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' and also coincide with peak wildlife activity.
The entire boardwalk offers scenic views. Look for areas where the marsh opens up or where wildlife is actively feeding or resting. Interpretive signs can also offer context for your shots.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can walk the boardwalk, observe diverse bird species, spot moose, and witness salmon runs. Interpretive signs provide information about the local ecosystem and history.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring Potter Marsh, allowing time for walking the boardwalk, wildlife viewing, and photography.
The primary accessible path is the boardwalk. While there might be some unpaved areas, the boardwalk is the main feature for easy exploration.
Be patient and quiet. Scan the marsh and surrounding vegetation. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Binoculars are highly recommended.
Expect to see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. Common sightings include bald eagles, arctic terns, and various ducks and geese.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, and take advantage of the restrooms. The interpretive signs can also make it an educational experience, teaching children about local wildlife and conservation. Remember to emphasize the importance of staying on the boardwalk and observing animals from a safe distance. It's a great opportunity to foster a love for nature and wildlife in a safe and engaging environment.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Wellness Seekers
The accessible boardwalk allows for a relaxed pace, perfect for a mindful walk and reflection. Bring your binoculars and a journal to document your sightings and thoughts. It's an ideal spot to decompress, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the simple beauty of Alaska's natural landscapes.
📸 Photographers
+1 Focus on capturing the majestic moose, the intricate details of birds in flight, or the dramatic salmon run. +1Utilize the golden hours of dawn and dusk for the best lighting conditions. While close-ups are possible, a telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture wildlife without disturbing them. Don't forget to experiment with wider shots to showcase the expansive marsh and surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Potter Marsh
+1 Remember to always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals, as they are wild and can be unpredictable. During the late summer and early fall, Potter Marsh becomes a crucial stop for salmon as they make their arduous journey upstream to spawn. Witnessing this natural phenomenon is a unique experience, and the interpretive signs along the boardwalk often explain the life cycle of these important fish.
While the highway noise can be noticeable, many visitors find that the abundance of wildlife and the scenic beauty of the marsh more than compensate for it. The accessibility of the boardwalk makes it an ideal location for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful nature experience close to the city.
Navigating the Boardwalk and Accessibility
Families with strollers will also find the boardwalk easy to navigate, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Interpretive signs are strategically placed along the boardwalk, providing fascinating insights into the flora, fauna, and history of the marsh. These signs enhance the educational aspect of the visit, making it more than just a scenic stroll.
It's important to remember that while the boardwalk is accessible, pets are not allowed on it to protect the wildlife. Visitors are also encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, staying on the designated paths and packing out all trash to preserve the natural beauty of Potter Marsh for future generations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit