Resurrection Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Resurrection Bay |
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Sailboats on Resurrection Bay
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 Resurrection Bay
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Kenai Peninsula, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 59°58′12″N 149°22′52″W / 59.970°N 149.381°W |
| Primary inflows | Resurrection River, Fourth of July River, Likes Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 18 mi (29 km) |
| Max. width | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Average depth | 500 ft (150 m) |
| Max. depth | 972 ft (296 m) |
| Frozen | Never |
| Islands | Fox Island, Rugged Island, Hat Island, Hive Island, Barwell Island, Cheval Island |
| Sections/sub-basins | Derby Cove, Thumb Cove, Humpy Cove, Halibut Cove, Sunny Cove, Bulldog Cove, Mary's Bay, Porcupine Cove, Agnes Cove, Pony Cove |
| Settlements | Seward, Lowell Point |
Resurrection Bay is a long, narrow arm of the sea, also known as a fjord, located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, United States. It is sometimes called Blying Sound or Harding Gateway in its outer parts. The main town on the bay is Seward, found at the very end of the bay.
The bay got its name from Alexandr Baranov. He was a Russian explorer who had to hide in the bay during a big storm in the Gulf of Alaska. When the storm finally stopped, it was Easter Sunday. So, he named the bay and a nearby river "Resurrection" to honor the holiday. The name "Harding Gateway" refers to the passage between Rugged Island and Cheval Island.
Resurrection Bay is home to Caines Head. On top of Caines Head is Fort McGilvray, a military base built 650 feet (198 meters) above the sea. The United States Armed Forces built this fort during World War II. It was meant to protect against a possible attack by the Imperial Japanese Army. The bay never freezes, even in winter. This makes it easy for ships to travel through it all year.
Many people call Resurrection Bay the "gateway to the Kenai Fjords." This is because many boats, like water taxis and kayak tours, use the bay. They travel through it to reach the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park nearby. It's also a popular spot for fishing and other fun activities on the water.
Contents
Exploring the Geography of Resurrection Bay
Resurrection Bay is quite deep, reaching 972 feet (296 meters) near Caines Head. It has many deep, sheltered inlets called coves. Some of the most well-known coves include Thumb, Humpy, Bulldog, Pony, and Derby Coves. To the west, the Aialik Peninsula and Aialik Bay border Resurrection Bay. To the east, you'll find the Resurrection Peninsula and Day Harbor.
Parks and Outdoor Fun in Resurrection Bay
Several parks are located in and around Resurrection Bay, offering many ways to enjoy nature.
Kenai Fjords National Park: A Boat Trip Away
Kenai Fjords National Park is mostly reached by boat from the town of Seward. This park is famous for its glaciers and wildlife.
Caines Head State Recreation Area: History and Trails
Caines Head State Recreation Area is another popular spot. Many people visit it by boat. You can also reach it by a trail from Lowell Point State Recreation Site. This site is a 19-acre park with beach access and parking for the trailhead. Be careful when using the trail between the two parks. Some parts are only open when the tide is low, so you need to plan your visit carefully.
Sandspit Point State Marine Park: Kayaking and Camping
Sandspit Point State Marine Park is a large, undeveloped park covering 1,135 acres. It's a favorite place for kayakers. You can camp on the beach and explore tide pools, which are small pools of water left behind by the tide.
Sunny Cove State Marine Park: Island Adventures
Sunny Cove State Marine Park is a 960-acre park located on Fox Island. It's also undeveloped and does not have fresh water. The park has a beach area where people can camp and land small boats. It also features steep, rocky cliffs.
Thumb Cove State Marine Park: Developed for Visitors
Thumb Cove State Marine Park is one of the few parks in the area that has some facilities. It offers special buoys where small boats can tie up safely. You can also enjoy beach camping and use two public cabins. From this park, you can see beautiful glaciers like Porcupine Glacier, Spoon Glacier, and Prospect Glacier.
See also
In Spanish: Bahía Resurrección para niños
