Walking through town (Whittier) to Lu Young Beach

Question

Hi, I am looking to possibly go to Lu Young Beach this May on a cruiseship stop.

When I google the best way to walk there it tells me I need to hike Portage Pass, which I do not want to do as this walk will be done alone.

Google maps has a route through town which looks safer to me. How busy are the roads if I walk through town? Are there sidewalks? Is it a safe route in regards to traffic, bears, being desolate?

In this case, since walking alone, I would prefer a 'busier' route as long as the road is safe for pedestrians.

Will the park and beach area most likely have others around? This would be mid May.

Thanks for any input :)

Any thoughts?

Answer

Whittier is one of the most unique small towns in Alaska, and walking anywhere there feels a little different than in a typical cruise port. The town is tiny, quiet, and surrounded by mountains. Walking to Lu Young Beach is absolutely possible, but it’s helpful to understand what the route is like and what to expect in mid-May.

The good news is that you do NOT need to hike Portage Pass to reach Lu Young Beach. The “town route” on Google Maps is the correct walk for someone wanting an easy, paved approach. However, Whittier is small, lightly trafficked, and somewhat industrial, so knowing the conditions will help you decide if it feels comfortable for you.

Here is what walking through town to Lu Young Beach is like:

Road conditions: The walk follows Whittier Street and other town roads. These are paved, generally quiet, and mostly flat.
Traffic: Traffic is very light. Whittier has roughly 300–400 residents and very few cars. Most traffic comes from cruise days, fishing boats, or vehicles headed to the tunnel. It’s not a busy, urban environment—expect long periods with almost no vehicles passing.
Sidewalks: Whittier has limited sidewalks. In many areas you’ll be walking along the roadside. The roads are slow-speed, and cars are used to seeing walkers because nearly everyone in town walks.
Personal safety: There is nothing unsafe about the route in terms of crime. Whittier is extremely safe, even for solo travelers.

What about wildlife, especially bears?

Whittier is surrounded by wilderness, so bears are always *possible*, but the roads through town and the approach to Lu Young Beach are not considered risky bear habitat. You’ll mostly be walking near buildings, parking areas, and the waterfront. Bears are more commonly encountered on back trails like Portage Pass or remote forested areas—not the town roads you're considering.

For peace of mind:

Walk during active cruise-ship hours when more people are moving around.
Avoid wooded shortcuts—stick to open, paved areas.
Carry noise (talking, steps, etc.) which naturally alerts wildlife.

Is the route “busy” enough to feel comfortable?

Whittier is never truly busy. Even on cruise days, it’s nowhere near the foot-traffic you’d see in ports like Juneau, Skagway, or Ketchikan. That said, walking from the cruise dock through town will usually put you near other passengers, especially in mid-May. It won’t feel isolated in the sense of “total solitude,” but it won’t feel bustling either—it’s more like a small coastal village where you see other people periodically.

What about Lu Young Beach—will others be around in mid-May?

Yes, usually. The beach is small but sits right by the road and is popular with:

locals taking a short break
cruise passengers on foot
kayakers or small tour groups
photographers

Mid-May is early season, but there will almost always be at least a few people around, especially on a cruise-ship day. It will not feel deserted, and it’s within sight of the road, so you’re not isolated.

What to expect at Lu Young Beach:

A beautiful cove with mountain views, driftwood, and calm water.
Benches and open space—good for relaxing, photos, and watching boats.
A simple, quiet atmosphere—not a large “recreational beach.”

Final advice for a solo walker:

Stick to the road route—no need for trails or wooded shortcuts.
Walk during cruise-day peak hours for more people around.
Bring a light jacket—Whittier can be windy even in May.
Cell service works in town but becomes spotty farther out.
Let someone on your ship know where you’re headed if you prefer peace of mind.

Overall: Yes, the road route to Lu Young Beach is safe to walk alone. It’s quiet but not desolate, and mid-May typically brings enough visitors and locals that you won’t feel completely isolated. It’s an easy, scenic, low-stress walk—perfect for someone avoiding the Portage Pass trail.

Enjoy your stop in Whittier—it's one of Alaska’s most memorable small towns!