Turnagain Pass Rest Area Northbound
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Sitka, AK to Bear Creek, AK
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
50h 45m
Distance
845.3 mi
1,360 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
4-day trip
Fuel Cost
$187
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
50h 0m
★
6 AM
50h 46m
8 AM
52h 17m
10 AM
51h 18m
12 PM
51h 9m
3 PM
51h 23m
5 PM
52h 13m
8 PM
50h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sitka, AK
Wikimedia Commons
Bear Creek, AK
Yuanpang Wa
Trip Overview
Sitka, AK to Bear Creek, AK is 845.3 miles and takes about 50h 45m via Alaska Marine Highway, with a fuel budget near $190 and requiring multiple days. This extensive route keeps you within Alaska for its entirety, primarily utilizing ferry services for the bulk of the travel. With 14 planned stops and a recommended 4 days for the trip, this is a substantial undertaking designed for those who appreciate a deliberate pace and the unique experience of Alaska's marine highway system. Expect a significant time commitment, but the journey is structured to allow for exploration and rest along the way.
Trip Pace
Best split across 4 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
14 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
422.7 miles from Sitka, AK
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 26h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat | 334.5 mi | 22h |
| Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat | 262.6 mi | 17h |
| Alaska Marine Highway - Sitka-Juneau | 153.9 mi | 9h 30m |
| Seward Highway | 74.5 mi | 1h 35m |
| Halibut Point Road | 6.6 mi | 11m |
| Portage Glacier Road | 5 mi | 7m |
| Portage Glacier Highway | 4.7 mi | 10m |
| West Camp Road | 1.5 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
— 334.5 mi, about 22h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sitka, AK and Bear Creek, AK.
1
Start on Baranof Street
221 ft
·
15 sec
·
Baranof Street
2
Turn left onto S-933
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
·
Sawmill Creek Road
3
Enter roundabout onto F-99
59 ft
·
1 sec
·
Halibut Point Road
4
Continue on F-99
6.6 mi
·
11 min
·
Halibut Point Road
5
Turn left
0.1 mi
·
48 sec
6
Turn straight onto Alaska Marine Highway - Sitka-Juneau
154 mi
·
9 hr 30 min
·
Alaska Marine Highway - Sitka-Juneau
7
Turn sharp left onto Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat
263 mi
·
17 hr
·
Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat
8
Turn sharp left onto Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
334 mi
·
22 hr
·
Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
9
Continue
374 ft
·
7 sec
10
At end of road, turn right onto West Camp Road
173 ft
·
9 sec
·
West Camp Road
11
Continue on West Camp Road
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
West Camp Road
12
Continue on Portage Glacier Highway
4.7 mi
·
10 min
·
Portage Glacier Highway
13
Continue on FFH 35
5.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Portage Glacier Road
14
At end of road, turn left onto AK 1
75 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
Seward Highway
15
Turn left onto Nash Road
246 ft
·
12 sec
·
Nash Road
16
Turn left onto Salmon Creek Road
0.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Salmon Creek Road
17
Turn right onto Moat Way
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Moat Way
18
Turn left onto Excaliber Way
0.2 mi
·
54 sec
·
Excaliber Way
19
Continue on Camelot Drive
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Camelot Drive
20
At end of road, turn right onto Wizard Avenue
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
Wizard Avenue
21
Arrive at destination
Wizard Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 50h 45m duration, planning for 4 days is wise to avoid overtiring yourself. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight hours during your ferry segments. With 14 stops, you can effectively break down the mileage and enjoy the experience. Keep a close eye on your fuel budget, estimated at $190, and ensure you have provisions for longer stretches, especially the 334.5-mile leg on the Whittier-Yakutat ferry. Booking ferry passage in advance is highly recommended for this route.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 4-day trip.
Plan roughly 14 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 422.7 miles from Sitka, AK, or about 26h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 334.5 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 186 miles or 11h 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 422.7 miles or 26h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 211.3 miles or 12h 59m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 49h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bear Creek, AK than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Sitka, AK so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 4-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sitka, AK
Aim for roughly 211 miles and 12.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Keep the middle miles efficient
Aim for roughly 211 miles and 12.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 3
Keep the middle miles efficient
Aim for roughly 211 miles and 12.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 4
Finish the approach into Bear Creek, AK
Aim for roughly 211 miles and 12.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 186 miles from Sitka, AK.
This route usually feels better as a 4-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 14 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat for about 334.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First major stop
Coffee and fuel
279 mi into the route
Best for: Coffee, fuel, and an easy first stretch
This is a natural early stop once the first hours of the drive are behind you.
Overnight Options
Night 1
211 mi · about 12.7h in
A practical overnight split lands near Lena Beach, AK after about 211 miles or 12.7 hours of driving.
Find hotelsNight 2
423 mi · about 25.4h in
A practical overnight split lands near Falls, AK after about 423 miles or 25.4 hours of driving.
Find hotelsNight 3
634 mi · about 38.1h in
A practical overnight split lands near Falls, AK after about 634 miles or 38.1 hours of driving.
Find hotelsPacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 186 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Halfway reset
Meal breakThe midpoint is around 422.7 miles from Sitka, AK, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 334.5 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 211 miles or 12.7 hours on the road.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Turnagain Pass Rest Area Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 125 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 757.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
S-933 / Sawmill Creek Road
Turn left onto S-933 / Sawmill Creek Road
Navigation decision point
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
F-99 / Halibut Point Road
Enter roundabout onto F-99 / Halibut Point Road
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
160.8 mi into trip
|
~9h 43m in
|
Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat
Turn sharp left onto Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
423.4 mi into trip
|
~26h 43m in
|
Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
Turn sharp left onto Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
5
757.9 mi into trip
|
~48h 43m in
|
West Camp Road
At end of road, turn right onto West Camp Road
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$187.43 one way
$374.86 round trip
$5.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
296 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.95 | $198.15 | $396.29 |
| premium | $6.10 | $203.07 | $406.14 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $178.05 | $356.09 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$187
Hotel (3n)
$240–$420
Meals
$100–$200
Total
$527–$807
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 295.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $89 in charging · 3 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 253.6 | 3 | $88.76 | $40.57 |
| Efficient EV | 211.3 | 2 | $73.96 | $33.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 338.1 | 4 | $118.34 | $54.10 |
Gas CO2
296 kg
EV CO2
99 kg (67% less)
Plan for 3 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Sitka, AK
Morning in Sitka on Wednesday
Local time
11:05 AM
AKDT
Current temp
44°F
Mostly Cloudy
E 5 mph
3% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 31 at 9:14PM AKDT until June 2 at 8:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 31 at 2:40PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
Destination
Bear Creek, AK
Morning in Bear Creek on Wednesday
Local time
11:05 AM
AKDT
Current temp
40°F
Scattered Rain Showers then Chance Light Rain
W 0 to 5 mph
50% chance
Live forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 31 at 9:14PM AKDT until June 2 at 8:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued May 31 at 2:40PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
50h 45m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Sitka National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and Indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Totem poles from Tlingit...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The vast majority of this 845.3-mile trip is on the water, with 0% on traditional highways. Your longest continuous stretch will be 334.5 miles along the Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat. You'll notice the shift from land-based travel to the unique experience of navigating Alaska's coastal waterways. Given the ferry-based nature, expect periods of open water cruising rather than typical road conditions.
0% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 334.5 mi on Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
At 50h 45m, this is a long-haul route where pacing matters more than any single turn. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near S-933 / Sawmill Creek Road.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 845.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (S-933 / Sawmill Creek Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (F-99 / Halibut Point Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 160.8 miles (Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
609 ft
0 ft
Total Climb
609 ft
Total Descent
487 ft
Highest Point
609 ft
~785 mi in
Elevation Range
609 ft
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Highliner Coffee
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Sitka
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Hours: Mo-Fr 06:00-17:00; Sa-Su 06:00-16:00
The Backdoor Cafe
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Sitka
Ludvig's Chowder Cart
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Cuisine: soup;sandwich
Big Brew Energy
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Sitka, AK
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteColdwater Bar & Grill
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Sitka, AK
Cuisine: american;seafood;grill
Hours: 24/7
Visit websiteSubway
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Sitka
Cuisine: sandwich
Visit websiteWildFlour Cafe & Bakery
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Sitka, AK
Cuisine: organic;sandwich;bakery
Visit websiteYuyo's Mexican Restaurant
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Sitka, AK
Cuisine: mexican;pizza
Hours: Tu-Su 12:00-21:00
Visit websiteThai Alaska Kitchen
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Sitka, AK
Cuisine: thai
Hours: Fr-Su 11:00-18:30
Visit websiteMangiare
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Sitka, AK
Cuisine: italian
Visit websiteViewpoint
Viewpoint
Near the start, right off the route
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Gavan Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Gavan Lookout
Viewpoint
Near the start, short detour
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Forest Acres Campground
Camp_site
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Seward, AK
Shotgun Cove Campsites
Camp_site
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
Xa 'Tulitseen
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Shee-atika Corporation Totem Pole
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey House
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
The Prospector
Monument
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Baranov Totem Pole
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Haa Léelk’u Ha’s Kaasdahéeni Deiyí Saanaheit Pole Kootéeyaa Pole
Memorial
Near the start, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
Spruce Hotel
Motel
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~4 min detour
Hours: 24/7
Visit websiteSeward Windsong Lodge
Hotel
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.5 mi from route
~4 min detour
Seward, AK
Visit websiteCreekside Cabins
Guest_house
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Steller Bed and Breakfast
Guest_house
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Twin Peaks Lodge & RV Park
Guest_house
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Exit Glacier Lodge
Hotel
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Sitka, AK
Full guide →Founded 1799
Sitka is a city of about 9,000 on the Pacific Ocean coast of Baranof Island in Alaska. First settled by Tlingit Aboriginal people, Sitka also has history as a Russian settlement, established in 1799 by Alexander Baranoff of the Russian American Company, which became the Russian capital of Alaska. In 1867, when Russia sold Alaska to the US, the transfer ceremony took place on Castle Hill at Sitka on October 18, a day celebrated as Alaska Day. Sitka now attracts about a quarter million visitors a year.
Top landmarks
- • St. Michael's Cathedral — historic church in Alaska, United States
- • Sitka National Historical Park — United States national park in Alaska
- • Castle Hill — National Historic Landmark and state park in Sitka, Alaska, USA
Arriving in Bear Creek, AK
Full guide →Seward ("SOO-word") is a small port city (population ~2,700) located at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska. Seward was named in honor of William H. Seward, President Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State, who was responsible for negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Solo Traveler
50h 45m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Long-haul drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 334.5 miles on Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier-Yakutat. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 4-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 211 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 2 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bear Creek, AK before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 14 meaningful breaks. There are 2 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through AK can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (S-933 / Sawmill Creek Road): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (F-99 / Halibut Point Road): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 160.8 miles (Alaska Marine Highway - Juneau-Yakutat): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.
Yes — Sitka National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 50.8 hours each way, a round trip means 101.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bear Creek, AK before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Explore more options from Sitka, AK or browse trips ending in Bear Creek, AK.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse AK road trips.