Hiking Trails in Sitka
For a beautiful outdoor trail on a time constraint:
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Sitka National Historical Park
- Easy [ 1 hr | 1.5 mi/2.4 km one-way | Elev. gain: 20 ft/6 m ]
A short walk from downtown, this park commemorates the site of the Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit Indians and the
Russians in 1804. Traditional and historic totem poles line the trails throughout the park, and interpretive guidebooks are
available at the Visitor Center. In the late summer and early fall, visitors can view the salmon spawning along the Indian
River portion of this trail.
For an easy, accessible walk and striking mountain views:
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Sitka’s Cross Trail
- Easy [ 1-2.5 hrs | 3.8 mi/6 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. Benches can be found frequently
along the trail, allowing visitors the opportunity to view Sitka’s mountains and multiple ecosystems.
Starrigavan Estuary Life
- 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 & Muskeg Trails and is close to the entrance of the
Mosquito Cove Trail.
For an easy-to-moderate hike you can do with the whole family:
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4 Indian River Trail
- Easy [ 6 hrs | 9 mi/14.5 km round trip | Elev. gain: 1000 ft/305 m ]
This trail offers a relaxing walk through northwest coast rainforest with views of the Three Sisters Mountains. The ascent
is gradual, with waterfalls located at the end of the trail. Winter is the best time for viewing the falls, but they’re beautiful
throughout the year.
5 - Moderate [ 1 hr | 1.5 mi/2.4 km round trip | Elev. gain: 281 ft/25 m ]
Mosquito Cove Trail
This loop follows the beach and forest fringe along Mosquito Cove before curving back through the forested hillside. The
Mosquito Cove Trail is a gravel-paved trail with some wooden stairs; visitors should walk carefully because these stairs
can be slippery or muddy. This trail is located at the end of Halibut Point Road and starts near Starrigavan Campground.
6 - Moderate [ 2 hrs | 3.2/5 km mi round trip | Elev. gain: 281 ft/25 m ]
Thimbleberry Lake/Heart Lake
This recently refinished trail leads to both Thimbleberry and Heart Lake and has parking available at both ends of the
trail. Fishing for trout is fair in both lakes. A small dock and skate changing area are located at Thimbleberry Lake, which
is a popular location for winter skating. Heart Lake is also a winter skating spot and a swimming hole in the summer.
8 - Moderate [ 2 hrs | 3.4 mi/5.5 km round trip | Elev. gain: 520 ft/159 m ]
Beaver Lake/Herring Cove Trail Loop
This popular loop trail skirts Beaver Lake with vistas of nearby rugged mountains and muskeg ecosystems. The beginning
and end of this trail are steep, but it is worth the hike as docks, picnic pads, and fishing platforms are available for use at
Beaver Lake.
For a challenging half-day or full-day hike to a nearby summit:
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Mount Verstovia
- Difficult [ 6 hrs | 5 mi/8 km round trip | Elev. gain: 3300 ft/1005 m ]
This is a steep, challenging, and rugged hike with rewarding views of Sitka, Sitka Sound, and Mount Edgecumbe on clear
days. The trail from Picnic Rock to Arrowhead Point is unmaintained, and visitors are urged to climb with caution. The
trailhead is located two miles east of Sitka along Sawmill Creek Road.
- Difficult [ 4-6 hrs | 12 mi/19.3 km round trip | Elev. gain: 3300 ft/1005 m ]
Gavan Hill Trail/Harbor Mountain
This strenuous hike offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and islands and is a great choice for a half-day,
full-day, or overnight hike. The Harbor-Gavan Hill Shelter is available for hikers on a first-come-first-serve basis. The
weather changes quickly along this trail, and visitors are urged to use caution. This trail is recommended between
mid-spring and fall.
On The
Trails
»
SAIL (Southeast Alaska Independent Living) sailinc.org/orca-equipment / Sitka Trail Works sitkatrailworks.org
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