This marine park is located on the southern end of Esther Island, including Lake and Quillian Bays. Lake Bay houses one of the world's largest fish hatcheries while Quillian Bay remains relatively undisturbed. Quillian Bay provides anchorages behind the larger island. You can also carefully navigate to the head of the bay for an anchorage. A hike along the eastern edge of the lagoon and through a low, forested pass brings you to Esther Lake. The land is too wet and uneven for camping.
The Wally H. Noerenberg Fish Hatchery is owned and operated by the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC). PWSAC is a private, non-profit corporation operating under a special permit with Alaska State Parks. The facility offers tours to visitors free of charge. Please check in with the Hatchery office before exploring the hatchery grounds. Fresh water can be obtained from the floating dock near the hatchery. Mooring buoys in front of the hatchery may be used if available.
The park offers not only a protected anchorage but two easily accessible scenic overlooks. Esther Lake and the Esther Falls Overlook are two of the outstanding features of the Lake Bay area. Fishing is good but sport fishermen should avoid getting in the way of the daily operations of the hatchery. Sportfish regulations prohibit fishing within 300 feet of the holding pens. During commercial openings the fishing fleet crowds the area and you are advised to stay clear of the nets and boat traffic. During the height of the fish run, black bears can be seen near the hatchery.
Facilities:
- ADA Facility - No
- 3,360 Acres
- Campsites
- Toilets
Activities
- Trails
- Limited Fishing
