A Guide to Sitka, Alaska

Sitka Area - Trails Accessible from the Sitka Road System

Map of Sitka Road System Trails

Beaver Lake Trail - National Forest System trail
This trailhead can be accessed by driving east of Sitka on Sawmill Creek Road. At mile 5.5 across from the Sawmill Cove Industrial Park turn left on Blue Lake Road (can be rough in places and not suitable for RV's). Go 1.5 miles to Sawmill Creek Campground. The trail begins in the large turnaround gravel area and follows a footbridge over Sawmill Creek. The trail is about 1 mile in length (40 minute walk) and ends at a picturesque mountain lake called Beaver Lake. Level of difficulty is moderate. Recommended season of use is early spring through late fall. Brown bears may be present.

This is a popular trail well suited for family outings. It is steep in the beginning with an elevation gain of 250 feet spread over several switchbacks passing through an open forest of hemlock, Sitka spruce and yellow cedar. After the steep climb, the planked boardwalk portion of the trail begins as it breaks out into muskeg and stunted forests. Then the boardwalk runs through open forest and parallels the Beaver Lake outlet stream and associated marshes. The trail continues to several fishing platforms along the southern edge of the lake. Beaver Lake has in the past been stocked with grayling. There are good vistas of nearby rugged mountains.

Cross Trail - City and Borough of Sitka trail
This trail is 2.5 miles long and crosses the Indian River Trail and the Gavan Hill Trail. One access point is .16 mile up the Indian River Trail. Follow Sawmill Creek Road to Indian River Road, then about 1 mile passing the new housing developments to the end of the road. Indian River Trail begins west of the pump house and dam at the end of Indian River Road. The trail can also be accessed from Gavan Hill Trail, from behind the Sitka High School, and the Landfill ball fields. The trail ends at the water tower near Georgeson Loop. There currently is no way of exiting the trail without crossing private property. It is best to exit the trail when you see the ball fields. The Cross trail provides a great opportunity for a short hike that is close to town. It can be combined with other trails and short roadway connections for loop walks. The trail begins on the floodplain of the Indian River among huge Sitka spruce and western hemlock. It continues through bogs and the stunted fringe of forest that surrounds them. The Cross Trail intersects Gavan Hill Trail at about the 1-mile mark. After leaving the huge trees of Gavan Hill, the trail passes through young forests that have grown back after harvesting. The trail branches off to the Sitka High School 1.7 miles from the start. This stretch of the trail widens to 11 feet where it is located on an old logging road. It continues on for another ¼ mile then branches again to come out behind the baseball field across from Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School. This is a good place to exit the trail. The trail actually terminates a few hundred feet further just before the water tower. However, the exit to this trail has not been completed and currently crosses private property. Brown bears may be present.

Estuary Life Trail - National Forest System trail
This trailhead is located seven miles north of Sitka on Halibut Point Road and .7 mile north of the ferry terminal. The entrance to the trailhead parking lot is just before the Starrigavan Campground entrances and before the end of the road. This boardwalk trail is about ¼ mile long and can easily be hiked in about 15 minutes ending at a river viewing deck on Nelson Logging Road. Level of difficulty is easy. The trail is accessible to people with physical disabilities with grades less than 5%. The Estuary Life Trail is part of the Starrigavan Recreation Area, managed jointly by the USDA Forest Service and Alaska State Parks. It can be combined with other trails (Mosquito Cove Trail, Forest and Muskeg Trail, Pedestrian Walkway along the highway between the Ferry Terminal and the end of the road) and area roads (Nelson Logging Road and campground roadways) to form numerous loop walks. Interpretive stations with benches and a covered bird viewing deck highlight this trail. A self-guided trail brochure in an easy-to-read format and interpretive map kiosk are also available at the trailhead. The trail nearly follows the Forest Edge as it meets the estuary, weaving in and out of tree clusters, crossing small streams ending at a footbridge across Starrigavan Creek and terminating at the river viewing deck along Nelson Logging Road. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail. Brown bears may be present. The Forest and Muskeg Trail begins less than a hundred feet from this trails end.

Forest and Muskeg Trail - Alaska State Parks trail
This trailhead is located about 6.5 miles north of Sitka on Halibut Point Road and about ¼ mile north of the Ferry Terminal on the right hand side of the road. Parking is available in the overflow parking lot across from the boat launch. From the parking lot follow a footbridge to the trailhead. The trail is about ¾ mile one-way and can be hiked in about 25 minutes. While the level of difficulty is easy, this gravel and boardwalk trail has an elevation gain of 150 feet and is accessible to people with physical disabilities at the difficult level with some grades up to 12%. Brown bears may be present.

The Forest and Muskeg Trail is part of the Starrigavan Recreation Area, managed jointly by the USDA Forest Service and Alaska State Parks. It can be combined with other trails (Mosquito Cove Trail, Estuary Life Trail, Pedestrian Walkway along the highway between the Ferry Terminal and the end of the road) and area roads (Nelson Logging Road and campground roadways) to form numerous loop walks. A self-guided trail brochure in an easy-to-read format and interpretive map kiosk are also available at the trailhead. The trail starts by gradually climbing across a most side hill. The trail is gravel until it reaches the outskirts of the muskeg, which is on the top of a low hill. Through the muskeg, the trail is a boardwalk, which winds among muskeg ponds until reaching the forest again. Before heading back downhill, the gravel trail reaches a scenic overlook with views out to Sitka Sound. The trail gradually descends with occasional glimpses through the trees of Starrigavan Estuary, to its terminus at Nelson Logging Road near the river viewing deck. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail. The Estuary Life Trail begins at the footbridge also located here.

Harbor Mountain-Gavan Hill Trail - National Forest System trail
These are two separate trails that connect in the alpine between Harbor Mountain and Gavan Hill. The trail length is about 6 miles one-way and takes about 4-6 hours. This is the only sub alpine area in southeastern Alaska that is accessible by road. There are wonderful vistas of Sitka Sound, Mt. Edgecumbe, and numerous mountains and islands can be seen from the road and trail. There is an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. Recommended season of use is mid-spring through fall. The level of difficulty is moderate. The trail has some areas where footing is difficult and has extensive stairs and switchbacks on the Gavan Hill Trail accent. Brown bears may be present.

The Harbor Mountain Trailhead begins at the end of Harbor Mountain Road. Drive four miles northwest of Sitka along Halibut Point Road and turn right onto Harbor Mountain Road. Harbor Mountain Road was constructed during World War II to provide access for building a lookout and other military installations at the top of the mountain. The rough, gravel road with occasional turnouts winds 5 miles up Harbor Mountain gaining 2,000 feet in elevation. This is a steep climb with sharp switchbacks and numerous sharp rocks forming the driving surface. Motor homes, travel trailers and long-wheel based vehicles are not permitted on this road. Currently vehicles may only drive to the third or upper gate (about 2.3 miles from the trailhead) and hike to the trailhead from there. From the trailhead, follow a plank walk up the hillside in a series of switchbacks, gaining 300 feet in elevation. At the ridge, a short spur trail leads to the left to an overlook. The main trail turns to the right and follows the ridge toward the summit of a knob where World War II lookout ruins are located. Before reaching the summit, however, the trail turns east and runs along the side hill of an immense north-facing sub-alpine meadow. The trail follows along a ridge toward the peaks of Harbor Mountain. Near the peaks the trail forks off to the right and skirts the hillside, crossing a rockslide and circling around to Gavan Hill. An emergency shelter is located on a small know near the saddle between Harbor Mountain and Gavan Hill. Campfires are discouraged in this sensitive sub alpine environment. From the shelter, follow the trail to the overlook on Gavan Hill and down an extensive staircase and series of switchbacks to the Gavan Hill Trailhead at the north end of Baranof Street in Sitka. The last 800 feet near the Gavan Hill Trailhead is a boardwalk that meets ADA accessible standards.

Halibut Point State Recreation Site Trail - Alaska State Parks trail
This trail is located within the Halibut Point State Recreation Site approximately 4.5 miles north of Sitka on Halibut Point Road. The trail is about ½ mile in length and takes about 30 minutes to walk. It is a well-maintained, easy trail that is open year round. The elevation gain is 30 feet. This trail begins at the footbridge that crosses Granite Creek within the Halibut Point State Recreation Site. Park at the second parking area and walk down the service road past the park office to the footbridge. This recreation site offers three picnic shelters, garbage service and restroom facilities. This is a beautiful area to enjoy both mature Sitka spruce-western hemlock forests and scenic beaches. The trail forms a loop with spur trails to the beach and a picnic shelter. After crossing the bridge, the trail goes either left or right. To the right are the spur trails to the beach. The main trail winds around through mature forests until coming out on the beach. The trail follows the beach for a stretch, then winds back into the forest and returns to the footbridge. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail.

Indian River Trail - National Forest System trail
Follow Sawmill Creek Road to Indian River Road, then about 1 mile past new housing developments to the end of the road. The trail begins west of the pump house and dam at the end of Indian River Road and ends at the base of Indian River Falls. Brown bears may be present. This trail is 5.5 miles long and takes about 4 hours to hike one way. This is an easy, gradual climb with an elevation gain of 700 feet. The trail can be used year round. The high water flows of Indian River can occasionally leave muddy spots on the trail or wash out those segments of the trail immediately adjacent to the river. This trail offers a relaxing meandering walk up the Indian River Valley through the northwest coast rainforest of Old growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock and yellow cedar. About ½ mile from the trailhead, the trail skirts a muskeg offering vistas of the Sisters Mountains. Along the trail there are numerous places well suited to picnics. During late summer and early fall, salmon are plentiful in the river. However, salmon fishing is prohibited. The elevation gain begins during the last mile of the trail with numerous paths networking toward the end of the trail at Indian River Falls.

Medvejie Lake Trail - State of Alaska trail
This is a remote ½ mile trail that takes about 30 minutes to hike. The trail begins behind the fish hatchery at Bear Cove and ends at Medvejie Lake, about a 200-foot elevation gain. The trail is moderately difficult, unmaintained and difficult to find in places. Brown bears may be present. To access this trail, drive out Sawmill Creek Road past the Sawmill Cove Industrial Park to the gate at Herring Cove (the end of the road). Hike about 3 miles past Herring Cove to the Medvejie Hatchery. There is no trailhead but the trail starts just past housing for the hatchery employees. Follow the gravel road to the left. This trail crosses the stream and follows the north side through old growth trees and ends at the outlet of Medvejie Lake.

Mosquito Cove Trail - Alaska State Parks and National Forest System trail
This trailhead is located seven miles north of Sitka on Halibut Point Road and .7 mile north of the ferry terminal. The trailhead is located within the Bayside Loop of Starrigavan Campground (last left hand turn before the end of the highway). This loop trail is about 1.25 miles long and can be hiked in about one hour. Level of difficulty is easy with an elevation gain of 100 feet. The segment of this trail within the campground is accessible to people with physical disabilities. The remainder of the loop trail is dirt trend with numerous gentle climbs, the most notable near the beginning of the trail. Brown bears may be present. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail. The Mosquito Cove Trail is part of the Starrigavan Recreation Area, managed jointly by the USDA Forest Service and Alaska State Parks. It can be combined with other trails (Estuary Life Trail, Forest and Muskeg Trail, Pedestrian Walkway along the highway between the Ferry Terminal and the end of the road) and area roads (Nelson Logging Road and campground roadways) to form numerous loop walks. The Mosquito Cove Trail offers a unique shoreline hike to view saltwater activity, shorebirds, and to enjoy the dynamic exchange between land and water. The trail starts by gradually climbing through a forest of western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and Alaska yellow cedar. It emerges at Mosquito Cove then follows the shoreline around to Starrigavan Bay, looping back to where the trail began. Along the way, hikers pass several outcrops of Sitka Greywacke, a common sedimentary rock.

Mt. Verstovia Trail - State of Alaska trail
This trailhead is located about two miles east of Sitka along Sawmill Creek Road. Look for the trailhead sign near Rookies Bar and Grill. The trail is 2.5 miles in length and takes about three hours to hike up one way. The trail ends near the summit of Mt. Verstovia with an elevation gain of 2,550 feet to Mt. Verstovia and a 3,300-foot gain if one continues on to Arrowhead Peak. This is a difficult trail with recommended season of use being spring through late fall. Brown bears may be present. The view from Verstovia is spectacular. The first short segment of trail runs through thickets of alder and salmonberry. Soon thereafter the trail breaks into the western hemlock-spruce forest. The lower slope was logged by the Russians in 1860. Russian charcoal pits are still somewhat visible about a quarter mile up the present trail. Higher up the trail breaks out of the forest and over the ridge on the west shoulder of Mt. Verstovia. About a third of a mile along the trail, one begins a series of switchbacks up the southwest side of the mountain. There are a couple of nice viewpoints in forest openings along this part of the trail. At about 2,000 feet the trail reaches a gentle ridge and generally follows it east up to the shoulder of Mt. Verstovia (2,550 feet). The vegetation change between the 2,000-foot level and the summit is dramatic. One moves from an open forest dominated by mountain hemlock into brushy meadows, across snowfields, through grassy sub alpine meadows and finally into a rocky alpine area with stunted, twisted plants. The peak of Mt. Verstovia can be climbed by heading northeast along the rocky alpine ridge. It takes about an hour to reach and climb the peak from the end of the trail. The last part of the climb is quite steep and exposed; only for the surefooted climber. Special note: The peak names, Arrowhead and Verstovia used here follow local usage that does not correspond to the topographic map Sitka A-4. Local name Verstovia is the same as peak 2550 on the USGS map. Local name Arrowhead is the same as Verstovia on the USGS map.

Sitka National Historical Park Trail - National Park Service trail
This trail is located at the east end of Lincoln Street at the Sitka National Historical Park. It begins and ends at the National Park Service Visitor Center with numerous loop trails that are popular with walkers and joggers. This is an easy well-maintained, dry, level trail about 1.5 miles in length that is available year round. This trail is made to order for the stroller who wants a taste of southeast Alaska's forests and waters in a non-strenuous setting. The well-maintained trail is in Sitka spruce-western hemlock forest and parallels the shoreline of the Eastern Channel. There are numerous spur trails to the adjacent pebble and sand beach. At the southwestern end of the park there are a series of paths running through the beach meadows and grass flats. The main trail leads along Indian River where pink, chum, and coho salmon return to spawn during late summer and early fall. The best fish-watching viewpoint is the arched bridge. Cross the bridge and follow another loop trail southeast along the river past the Russian Monument or northwest through the forest back to the bridge. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail.

Starrigavan Valley Trail - National Forest System trail
To access this trailhead, travel 6.75 miles out Halibut Point Road and turn onto the Nelson Logging Road across from the Old Sitka State Historical Site. Follow Nelson Logging Road about 1 mile to a large gravel parking area just before the rifle range. The trail is just beyond the gate on the north side of the parking lot. This trail is about 2.25 miles long, providing the only opportunity to ride All Terrain Vehicles in Sitka during the summer. Bicyclists and hikers also use the trail. The parking area has off-loading ramps for ATV's. Starrigavan Valley was cleared of timber in the mid-1960's. Much of the trail is lined with salmonberry bushes and alder and extends up both the north and south branches of the valley. Much of the trail is an old logging road and passes through the Starrigavan Demonstration Area (blocks of thinned and pruned trees along the trail that demonstrate effects of forest management on young trees). Rearing ponds for salmon have been developed near the trail to improve fish habitat. A steep area located on the northeast end of the trail poses a challenge to both bikers and ATVers. Brown bears may be present.

Thimbleberry Lake-Heart Lake Trail - State of Alaska trail
To access this trailhead, travel Sawmill Creek Road about 4 miles southeast of Sitka. Cross Thimbleberry Creek Bridge (watch for sign) and immediately to your left is a large trailhead sign and parking area. The trail to Thimbleberry Lake is ¼ mile long with an elevation gain of 100 feet. It passes through a hemlock-spruce forest, over Thimbleberry Falls and follows a powerline corridor to the lake. This segment of the trail meets ADA accessible standards and is barrier free. Portions of the trail exceed 17%. The trail ends at a bench and platform at the lake edge. The lakeshore is difficult to traverse due to slash, blowdown and mushy ground near the shoreline. Continue northwest along the powerline corridor past Thimbleberry Lake about a ½ mile to Heart Lake with a total elevation gain of 350 feet. The trail continues around the south end of Heart Lake and continues down sections of stairs to Blue Lake road. Most of this segment of the trail is difficult to find and is not maintained. Brown bears may be present.

Sitka Area - Trails Accessible by Boat or Floatplane Only

Davidof Lake Trail
Didrickson Trail
Dry Pass Trail
Goulding Lake Trail
Kook Lake Trail
Kruzof Island Road Trail
North Beach Trail
Lake Eva-Hanus Bay Trail
Mt. Edgecumbe Trail
Port Mary Trail
Sadie Lake Trail
Salmon Lake-Redoubt Lake Trail
Sashin Lake Trail
Sealion Cove Trail
Shelikof Trail
Sitkoh Lake Trail
Lake Suloia Trail
Tenakee Springs Trail
Warm Springs Bay Trail
While Sulphur Springs Trail