Birding and Wildlife Resources:
Building Community, Connectedness, & Well-Being
Our Tribal programs and services are rooted in our values, culture and Haa Kusteeyí – our way of life – that is inextricably connected to our homeland. We offer opportunities for learning, connection, creative expression, healing, and economic growth. We practice stewardship of our unceded land and waters, and live in harmony with other creatures that share this place. We extend love and support to our Elders, children, and our citizens in need of financial support. Learn more about our programs and services below.
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Another distinct advantage of choosing Sitka as your Alaskan fishing destination is that you're able to target all of the game fish for which the state is famous. You'll go fishing for dime-bright, ocean-run Alaska salmon right in the path of their migratory routes, targeting kings that peak in late May and June, and silvers that get consistent and plentiful July through September.
Bottom fishing in Sitka waters is top-notch, and you'll be targeting pacific halibut, yelloweye rockfish, black rockfish, lingcod, and sablefish, aka black cod (if you like Chilean sea bass, you'll love sablefish). Best of all, you could target all of these species in a single day.
General Area Overview and Information Sources:
Perched on the open Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountains and rich in history, Sitka is a treat for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. The Tlingit people have called Sitka home for thousands of years. Russian settlers, led by Alexander Baranov (for whom Sitka’s Banarof Island is named) occupied Sitka in the early 1800s and established it as the capital of Russian America.
A storied past mixed with jaw-dropping scenery sets Sitka, Alaska apart from other ports. Located on Baranof Island surrounded by the Sitka Sound’s icy blue water, it not only boasts lush scenery and captivating wildlife, Sitka offers a unique glimpse into Alaska history. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, and Sitka was settled as the capital of Russian America with the name New Archangel.
Sail to Sitka on an Alaska Cruise today and you’ll see vestiges of Russia’s influence. Stroll past the onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. On a Sitka, Alaska shore excursion, stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical park to peruse fascinating collections of Russian and Native Alaskan artifacts, and then join a ranger-led tour of the battlefield where Russia fought the native Tlingit people.
Surrounded by the Tongass National rain forest, nature abounds in Sitka, Alaska. A walk up Castle Hill offers the ideal vantage point to take in Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano. Visits to the Fortress of the Bear and Alaska Raptor Center are in order for any animal-lover. Both provide the opportunity to see Alaska wildlife, such as bears or raptors up-close, but safely.
A storied past mixed with jaw-dropping scenery sets Sitka, Alaska apart from other ports. Located on Baranof Island surrounded by the Sitka Sound’s icy blue water, it not only boasts lush scenery and captivating wildlife, Sitka offers a unique glimpse into Alaska history. Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, and Sitka was settled as the capital of Russian America with the name New Archangel.
Sail to Sitka on an Alaska Cruise today and you’ll see vestiges of Russia’s influence. Stroll past the onion dome of St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House, both National Historic Landmarks. On a Sitka, Alaska shore excursion, stop by the visitor center of the Sitka National Historical park to peruse fascinating collections of Russian and Native Alaskan artifacts, and then join a ranger-led tour of the battlefield where Russia fought the native Tlingit people.
Surrounded by the Tongass National rain forest, nature abounds in Sitka, Alaska. A walk up Castle Hill offers the ideal vantage point to take in Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano. Visits to the Fortress of the Bear and Alaska Raptor Center are in order for any animal-lover. Both provide the opportunity to see Alaska wildlife, such as bears or raptors up-close, but safely.
< The community of Sitka is located on Baranof Island, adjacent to the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. Sitka is part of the traditional homeland of the Tlingit people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Sitka is a large town by Southeast Alaska standards, with a population of over 8,000 people, and it easily accommodates visitors hoping to explore the area. The town supports a significant amount of summer tourism as well as commercial fishing and other businesses dependent on the natural resources of the area. More than 230 bird species have been documented in the Sitka area. It boasts a significant seabird colony, as well as other attractions for birders such as the Alaska Raptor Center. Download the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The Mount Edgecumbe Volcano and volcanic field are perhaps the most striking geological features in the Sitka area. The Mt Edgecumbe Volcanic field makes up the southern half of Kruzof Island that forms the northern edge of Sitka Sound. The volcanic geology of Kruzof Island contributes much to the abundant fish and wildlife found in the Sitka area, and likely played a role in the first humans settling here. The Tlingit People are said to have lived here for thousands of years. Kruzof island is uninhabited but has lots of facilities for outdoor recreation including trails, beaches, and forest cabins that are available to the public. For trail information please visit and support Sitka Trail Works at www.SitkaTrailWorks.org. You can find additional information and make reservations for the forest cabins by following this link www.recreation.gov. Sitka Alaska Outfitters provides marine transportation to forest cabins and has cabin camping equipment packages available for rent in the excursion catalog. Mud Bay ATV Trails on Kruzof Island, there are over 30 miles of OHV trails to explore. A very popular place for both residents and visitors to ride, camp, hike, fish, hunt and just generally get out there. Some of the highlights are the Iris Meadows estuary arguably the best place in the Sitka area for viewing Alaska Coastal Brown Bears in nature. The meadows are also filled with beautiful wild flowers in season. The Shelikof River that flows through the meadows has runs of salmon and char and is a great location for fly fishing. There are 2 public forest cabins accessed from the mud bay trail system called Shelikof Cabin and North Beach Cabin, both are situated in the trees just up from beautiful sand beaches. The North Beach Cabin you can ride ATV's to and the Shelikof Cabin involves a approximate 2 mile hike along the estuary. It is a good idea to consider the tides when hiking to the Shelikof Cabin. Access to Mud Bay is by boat approximately 12 miles from Sitka. Harbor Mountain Road is an access road that was built by the army corps of engineers in WW2 to service radar installations. It is the only road up to the sub alpine region of the forest in Southeast Alaska. Harbor Mountain Road is part of the Tongass National Forest and managed by the local forest service who periodically close off access for safety and resource preservation. Along the way you will find beautiful forest views and scenic vistas overlooking Sitka Sound. At the top of the road you will find a trail that leads to the peak of Harbor Mountain, hiking up here will reward you with amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains and an arial view of the city of Sitka. Sitka Trails provide great access to the forest and there are a nice variety to chose from for most skills and fitness levels. The trails are maintained by Sitka Trail Works a local non profit that does an amazing job, please visit their site for detailed information about local hikes. www.SitkaTrailWorks.org St Lazaria Island is a small island off the southern coast of Kruzof Island. St Lazaria is a part of the Alaska national wildlife refuge system and protected as a seabird sanctuary. Thousands of birds nest here every summer this combined with the stunning rock formations make this a popular destination for day tour boats. You can visit St Lazaria on one of the ocean raft trips found in our online catalog. Goddard Hot Springs are located on the western most tip of Baranof Island in a sheltered cove just up the beach from the sea. The springs are property of the City of Sitka who maintains the baths and also rents out a public recreation cabin on a nearby island called the Tom Young Cabin. Access is by boat approximately 16 miles south of Sitka. Redoubt Lake is a large lake in the Tongass National Forest Baranof Island that has an elevation of just a few feet an easy portage for a kayak and a good place to go view bears during salmon season. Redoubt Lake has some of the larger salmon runs in the Sitka area and a popular place for resident subsistence fishermen. Salmon Lake, River, Trail, Cabin excellent for hiking, camping and fly fishing located 10 miles south of Sitka by water. West Chichagof Yakobi Wilderness I could go on all day about this place but instead I'm going to keep its secrets for those who choose to go there and explore. I highly recommend this wilderness for multi-day trips because there is so much to see and do there and it is more remote. Sitka Alaska Outfitters holds a permit to provide outfitting and guide services and offers custom multi day trips, marine transportation, and trip consulting for excursions in this area. False Island OHV Trails, Sitkoh Lake Cabin are located on the southern part of Chichagof Island this area is usually accessed by boats that can carry ATV's and camping gear. A great place for muti day trips this area was originally developed for logging and now is used for recreation, ATV riding, hiking, camping and fishing. There are 2 forest cabins at Sitkoh Lake. Floatplanes provide transportation services to Sitkoh Lake, it can also be accessed by hiking up from Sitkoh Bay on the trail or by ATV on the roads from False Island.The Sitka area has lots of exciting natural features to explore, here is a short list.
