Sterling AK Scenic Byway and AK Marine Hwy at Homer Spit - Homer, AK
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NorStar
N 59° 36.107 W 151° 24.699
5V E 589651 N 6608135
Homer Spit, a long land protrusion into beautiful Kachemak Bay, is where the Sterling Alaska Scenic Byway connects to the Alaska Marine Highway, Gulf Coast Route.
Waymark Code: WMA86D
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 11/30/2010
Views: 4
The Sterling Highway is the main connection between Homer, Alaska, and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula and eventually to Anchorage, by way of the Seward Highway. This highway is also one of the state's Scenic Byways, running from a junction with the Seward Highway to Homer Spit, where it connects with the Alaska Marine Highway - Gulf Coast Route.
Homer Spit is a natural feature - though artificially kept in place - that runs several miles into Kachemak Bay. The town of Homer encompasses this spit, and is the most populated town in the area. Homer is a traditional fishing village that is proud to be the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World" as proclaimed by its welcome sign further north. On the spit is a variety of activity. There are the stores that line either side of Homer Spit Road (the last portion of the Sterling Highway). There is a boat marina, there is the Land's End Restaurant and Hotel (and Lounge and Gift Shop) right at the circle where road finally ends. And, there is the Homer Ferry Terminal by that circle.
Besides the commercial and industrial activity, there are locations where you can either look or even camp on the spit and take in the awesome view of Kachemak Bay. On the other side of the bay are the Kenai Mountains that are ice capped - as well as often cloud capped. You can observe birds on the Homer Slough back toward land, or find a seagull or bald eagle on a post or flying above you. In the ocean, you might see puffins, sea otters, porpoises, or other animals go by.
A fitting place for the scenic Sterling Highway to end at, and a beautiful place to transition to the Alaska Marine Highway.
Program: US State Program
Website: [Web Link]
Official Name: Sterling Alaska Scenic Byway
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