2026 Hiking Guide

18 Sitka National Historical Park Easy [ 1 hr | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km round trip | Elev. gain:

20 ft / 6 m ] This area commemorates the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Russian traders and indigenous Tlingít. Traditional and historic totem poles line the trails throughout the park. In the late summer and early fall, visitors can view the salmon spawning along the Indian River portion of this trail.

20 Sitka’ s Cross Trail Easy [ 1-5 hrs | 7.8 mi / 12.5 km one way | Elev. gain:

200 ft / 61 m ] This is a wide, accessible, gravel-paved trail perfect for year-round walking and biking. There are multiple access points throughout the trail, connecting it with local neighborhoods and visitor destinations.

3 Starrigavan Estuary Life Trail Easy [ 3 hrs | 2 mi / 3.2 km round trip | Elev. gain: 150

ft / 46 m ] This is an ADA accessible boardwalk trail with a bird viewing platform and picturesque view of Upper Starrigavan Valley. This trail connects to the gravel-paved Ben Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg Trails and is close to the entrance of the Mosquito Cove Trail.

22 Kaasda Héen( Indian River) Trail Easy [ 6 hrs | 9 mi / 14.5 km round trip | Elev. gain: 1,000 ft / 305 m ] This trail offers a relaxing walk through the Northwest Coast rainforest, highlighting views of the Three Sisters Mountains. Rushing waterfalls, located at the end of the trail, complete this gradual ascent.

25 Thimbleberry Lake / Heart Lake Trail Moderate [ 2 hrs | 3.2 mi / 5 km round trip Elev. gain: 281 ft / 25 m ] With parking available at both ends of this trail, hikers can choose their favorite route to both Thimbleberry and Heart Lake.

1 Mosquito Cove Trail Moderate [ 1 hr | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km round trip | Elev. gain: 281 ft / 25 m ] The Mosquito Cove Trail is made up of gravel-paved pathways and wooden stairs. This loop follows the beach and forest fringe along Mosquito Cove before curving back through the forested hillside.

28 Herring Cove / Beaver Lake Trail Loop Moderate [ 2 hrs | 3.4 mi / 5.5 km round trip Elev. gain: 520 ft / 159 m ] This popular loop trail skirts Beaver Lake and is nestled among rugged mountains and muskeg ecosystems. The beginning and end of this trail are steep, but the hike is worth it as docks, picnic pads, and fishing platforms are ready for use at Beaver Lake.

21 7 Gavan Hill Trail / Harbor Mountain Trail

Difficult [ 4-6 hrs | 12 mi / 19.3 km round trip | Elev. gain: 3,300 ft / 1,005 m ] A great choice for a half-day, full-day, or overnight hike, this strenuous climb offers breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains and islands. The Harbor-Gavan Hill Shelter is available for hikers on a first-come, first-served basis.

24 Mount Verstovia Trail Difficult [ 6 hrs | 5 mi / 8 km round trip | Elev. gain: 1,550 ] This steep, challenging, and rugged hike comes with rewarding views of Sitka, Sitka Sound, and Mount Edgecumbe on clear days. The trail ends at the viewpoint of Picnic Rock, looking down from 2500 feet above sea level.

OFF-MAP TRAILS

15 Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Site

Easy [ 2-3 hrs | 3 mi / 4.8 km round trip ] This unique park is only accessible by water. Visitors can take a short kayak or boat ride to discover Sitka’ s WWII history.

16 Kruzof Island Accessible by boat, this island has miles of open muskegs, steep volcanic slopes, and beautiful sandy beaches. This area is a prime habitat for bears, so make sure you have your gear and plan ahead. Mount Edgecumbe / Sea Lion Cove / Kruzof Multi-Use Logging Roads

29 Medvejie Lake Trail Moderate [ 2 hrs | 1.5 mi / 2.4 km round trip | Elev. gain: 519 ft ] Set between sheer mountainsides, an unmarked trailhead begins the rugged trek from Medvejie Hatchery to a crystal clear lake. 3.25 Green Lake Rd.

30 Salmon Lake Trail Moderate [ 2 – 4 hrs 3.5 mi / 5.6 km to cabin | 5.8 mi / 9.3 km to Redoubt Lake | Elev. gain: Minimal ] Known for its fishing and bear sightings, this area offers hikes, lake access, and a cabin for visitors. There is good fishing at Salmon Lake. Bears are common in the area.

31 Lake Eva Trail Moderate [ 2 hrs | 3.5 mi / 5.6 km round trip to lake | Elev. gain: 106 ft ] Accessed by water taxi, the scenic hike to Lake Eva begins at Hanus Bay. The cabin is located on the far side of the lake. You will need a packraft or fly in to access the cabin. There is an accessible slough for those with limited mobility.

= Water Taxi = Float Plane = Access by Kayak

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Visit Sitka Alaska

SITKA HIKING GUIDE

If you encounter a bear, DO NOT RUN. Back away slowly while facing the bear. Make noise and try to look large. Use bear spray if necessary.

• Share your hiking plans with someone else

• Make noise to announce your presence

• Hike in groups, and keep dogs on leashes

• Carry bear spray in an accessible area and know how to use it beforehand

• Stay alert and approach blind corners with caution

• Pack it in. Pack it out. Throw away trash in bear resistant dumpsters

Sitka is located on Baranof Island where the brown bear population is about one bear per 1.5 square miles. While trekking through bear country, remember the following:

Carry bear spray. Know how to use it.

Be alert. Make noise. Hike in groups. Don’ t run.

Bear Aware

1. Map- paper copy 2. Water- the more the better 3. Food- snacks to stay energized 4. Layers- don’ t forget a waterproof layer 5. Firestarter- lighter or waterproof matches 6. First aid kit and knife 7. Flashlight 8. Sun protection 9. Bear spray

Even if you’ re taking just a short hike, we recommend you always bring these basics:

Essential Hiking Tips

Keep dogs on-leash & pick-up their poop.

Be considerate of others.

Respect wildlife.

Carry out what you bring in.

Take only photos and leave only footprints.

Be a good trail steward:

Scan the QR code for more maps and trail information from Sitka Trail Works!

Hikers in Sitka are encouraged to carry basic survival gear, navigation aids and an emergency communication device. Be sure to let someone know where you are hiking and when you expect to return. As an added precaution, submit your trip plans to the Search and Rescue team at the Sitka Fire Department( 907) 747-3233, as noted on the map. You can also borrow a Marine VHF-radio from the Fire Department for the length of your trip.

Plan for Safety

Thanks to years of planning and development by the nonprofit Sitka Trail Works, our trail systems offer whatever you seek. @ sitkatrailworks

Sitka Trail Works

From local tips to equipment & gear rental, Sitka has you covered.

Our island home has all the amenities & services you need for your adventure.