Mount Marathon looms directly above Seward, its summit visible from every point in town. The hiking route to the summit is not technically difficult but it is extremely steep — more of a scramble than a walk, with loose scree and some sections that require using your hands. The reward at the top is a view down the full length of Resurrection Bay to the sea, with the Kenai Mountains spreading in every direction.
The Race Route is the most direct but also the steepest path up; the more gradual Jeep Trail offers a less brutal ascent. Allow two to three hours up and less than half that coming down. Bring layers — the summit can be cold and windy even on warm summer days. The trailhead is at the south end of Monroe Street, a short walk from the town center.