Potter Marsh

Description: Potter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is one of the most accessible and scenic wildlife viewing areas in Alaska. Spruce, cottonwoods, and alders frame the north and east borders of the marsh. To the south, Turnagain Arm sweeps out to Cook Inlet. Bald eagles, water birds, and spawning salmon flourish here. A 1,550-foot boardwalk with interpretive signs (and, often, local naturalists) provides access to the northern part of the marsh. A small highway pullout at the southern end of the marsh allows for viewing and photography from a vehicle.

Bird viewing at Potter Marsh is best in the mornings or on those rare days when there is little or no wind. From mid-May through August, numerous species nest and raise young in the marsh, including bald eagles, red-necked grebes, lesser Canada geese, northern shovelers, American wigeons, green-winged teal, yellowlegs, and arctic terns.

Viewing Information: The marsh hosts the greatest number of birds between late April and the end of May. Bald eagles, northern harriers, yellowlegs, Arctic terns, pintails, Canada geese, red-necked grebes, and Pacific loons stay through the summer. Muskrats and moose frequent the marsh year-round; in May and June, look for them in the evenings as they forage on the new green growth. From June through September, three species of salmon return to spawn in Rabbit Creek, which flows under the boardwalk. FISHING IS PROHIBITED. In winter, skiers can follow the tracks of resident snowshoe hares, coyotes, beavers, weasels, mink, voles, and shrews. Ice skaters will find “pushups,” piles of sedges stored by muskrats for winter food. Commercially guided tours are available from Anchorage. Visitors should dress for cool, windy weather even on sunny days.

Directions: The boardwalk starts at the brown highway sign on the Seward Highway at mile 117.4. Drive 10 miles south from downtown Anchorage; the sign is just past the Rabbit Creek Road exit.

Contact: Alaska Department of Fish and Game (907) 267-2556; Anchorage bird hotline (907) 338-2473

Size: 540 acres

Closest Town: Anchorage