Bird Point is located on the north shore of Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet, approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) southwest of the community of Bird Creek and 7.5 miles (12 km) west of Girdwood, Alaska. The name was first reported in 1898 by Captain Edwin Glenn during explorations for the U.S. Army. Bird Point offers an excellent vantage point for observing tidal bores and, occasionally, the adventurous surfers who ride the bore wave.

A tidal bore is a natural phenomenon where the leading edge of an incoming tide forms a single wave that travels up a river or narrow bay. The term “bore” comes from the Old Norse word “bára,” meaning “wave” or “swell.” Bores occur in few locations worldwide, typically in areas with a large tidal range, such as Cook Inlet, where the tidal range can exceed 30 feet (9m). They occur when incoming tides are funneled into long, shallow, and narrowing bays like Turnagain Arm. A tidal bore occurs during the flood tide and never during the ebb tide. It induces strong turbulent mixing, often creating a loud roar. In Turnagain Arm, the tidal bore can reach velocities of 24 miles per hour (38km/h) and, depending on conditions, can be up to 6 feet (1.8m) high.

Bird Point offers a scenic overlook on the Indian to Girdwood Trail, a 13-mile (20-km) paved bike path locally known as the Bird to Gird Trail. This trail follows a section of the old highway that once hugged the steep slopes of Turnagain Arm. This area is prone to winter avalanches, which often closed the old road and eventually led to its relocation to a safer distance from snow and rock slides. The old road was repurposed as a bike path, providing stunning scenery and the possibility of encountering wildlife. Visitors should also be prepared for the unpredictable weather of the Alaskan mountains. Read more here and here. Explore more of Bird Point and Turnagain Arm here: