Eagle Beach State Recreation Area is located at the confluence of the Eagle and Herbert rivers and the Lynn Canal. It includes a campground, two day-use areas, and an extensive trail system that heads through large old-growth trees and peat bogs. The main day-use area is fully accessible with a .25-mile paved trail and viewing scopes. Several trails and a sand beach with an expansive intertidal and adjacent meadow area make for great beach combing and birdwatching.

Over 200 species have been observed at this site including a wide diversity of waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds. Most birdwatchers go to the picnic area near the sand beach at the north end of the recreation area. Be sure to check the estuary there. It’s a good place for shorebirds in both spring and fall migration. Occasionally, a Merlin may shoot out of the forest after shorebirds. The area nearly always has both high numbers and diversity of gulls. As the name implies, there is often good Bald Eagle viewing. All the trails are good for forest birds.

Directions:

Eagle Beach is north of Juneau near milepost 28.8 along the Glacier Highway. The first turnoff goes to the cabins and main day-use area. About a half mile further Out the Road, there is a small road that goes left to a picnic area and sandy beach. This is the access most frequently used by birdwatchers.

Trail Information:

•  There are several trails throughout the Eagle Beach State Recreation area; see park brochure for trail map and description.
• Alaska DNR: Eagles Beach State Recreation Area Brochure (PDF) 

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Eagle Beach SRA

Bird Species Checklist

• Juneau checklist

Other Resources:

• Alaska DNR: Eagles Beach State Recreation Area