From sea level up into the high country, Sitka’s trail network spans a diverse spectrum of terrain and landscapes. Those interested in hiking can choose from wide, flat trails accessible to small children and those with disabilities all the way to intense alpine ascents far above the treeline. There’s a Sitka hike for any skill level, though hikers should exercise caution and be equipped for inclement weather.
Not far from downtown, the trail network of Sitka National Historical Park offers flat, wide paths accessible to those with disabilities or in wheelchairs. The main, mile-long loop trail offers expansive views of Sitka Sound before turning inland and following Indian River (Kaasdaa Heen). Tlingit totem poles line part of the trail leading up to a clearing that marks the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka, where Kiks.adi Tlingit people fortified and fought against Russians. Salmon run up the river in August, and bears are a common sight.
At the northern end of the road network, a couple miles north of the cruise terminal, the Mosquito Cove trail begins at the Starrigavan campground and goes along rocky beaches and through wooded areas. The 1.5 mile loop involves several hundred feet of vertical climbing and is partially wheelchair accessible.
Also beginning at the Starrigavan campground, the Estuary Life Trail offers views of the Starrigavan estuary from a raised boardwalk. In the summer, bears, salmon and birds are often visible from the quarter-mile trail.
Beginning across Halibut Point Road from the Old Sitka Historic site and the Starrigavan boat launch, the Ben Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg Trail climbs through the forest and rises to a muskeg area that offers views of Starrigavan Bay and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 0.9 miles long and is accessible to most hikers.
Running from Sawmill Creek Road near Whale Park to the Gary Paxton Industrial Park, the 1.7 mile Thimbleberry and Heart lakes trail guides hikers past a pair of scenic lakes. Starting from the parking lot near Whale Park, the trail ascends gradually to Thimbleberry Lake, although the path steepens en route to Heart Lake. Benches at Thimbleberry Lake offer prime spots for resting or reading.
Five miles north of town, the state Halibut Point Recreation Area is readily accessible and is well suited for short strolls along the beach or larger events in the state-maintained shelters that can be reserved for events.
South and east of town, the Sawmill Creek multi-use path offers access down the highway to Silver Bay. The 5-mile route begins near town at the intersection of Sawmill Creek Road and Jeff Davis Street and continues to the end of the paved section of the road.
Beginning about a mile northeast of downtown at the end of Indian River Road, the Indian River trail traverses five and a half miles of old growth forest to a scenic waterfall, although the trail is currently closed beyond the 1.8-mile mark due to an unsafe bridge across the river. Less than a mile into the trail, hikers are offered a vantage point for viewing surrounding mountains. From there, the route follows the course of the river up valley. The Indian River trail meets the Sitka Cross Trail at the latter’s southern terminus.
Running the length of town, the Cross Trail stretches from Indian River to Starrigavan Bay. The 7.6 mile trail connects to town at multiple points on Yaw Drive, Baranof Street, Sitka High School, Kashevaroff Street, Cascade Creek Road, Kramer Avenue and Harbor Mountain Road. The recently competed trail now ends at the Starrigavan boat launch parking lot, and connects to Halibut Point Road immediately north of the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. The trail traverses rolling forests and links to a number of other outdoors opportunities including the Indian River trail, Gavan Hill trail and the Forest and Muskeg trail. The route is open to those on foot or bicycle.
At the southern terminus of Sawmill Creek Road, the Herring Cove trail climbs from sea level to Beaver Lake and offers spectacular views of the mountains that rise above the Blue Lake valley. The trail is accessible either from Herring Cove, where public road access ends, or from the Blue Lake campground. Hikers climb about 500 vertical feet in the route before breaking into a high muskeg. The climb to the lake is about 1.5 miles long, and the loop around the lake is a similar distance. On clear days, the hike offers stunning vistas deep into the interior of the island.
The Gavan Hill trail rises above town into alpine high country. Only a mile north of downtown, Gavan Hill offers hikers good views of Sitka Sound and nearby mountains. The trail climbs from its base on the Cross Trail to about 2,500 feet. From the ridgeline, the 6-mile route continues in a horseshoe shape to Harbor Mountain Road. For those unable to climb on foot, the trail can be accessed from the back end by auto or a bicycle up the Harbor Mountain road. At the end of the road, there are viewpoints and spots for picnics. There’s a small alpine shelter about three miles into the trail. It’s possible, though difficult, to summit Harbor Mountain from the trail, though the route is unofficial and unmaintained.
The Mt. Verstovia trail begins at sea level at the 1600 block of Sawmill Creek Road. The route ascends to Picnic Rock at 2,400 feet. From there, more ambitious hikers can continue to the summit of Verstovia itself at 3,200 feet. However, the trail beyond Picnic Rock isn’t formally maintained or marked and hikers could lose their course on steep terrain during the final ascent. Both summits provide stunning views of Sitka Sound, Silver Bay and nearby mountains. The full ascent to the summit of Verstovia involves a strenuous final scramble and is safest when attempted in clear weather after snow cover has melted. The climb to Picnic Rock follows a well-kept Forest Service trail that’s easily followed, though steep at times.
For those who arrive in Sitka hoping for outdoor adventures, the options are close to limitless. While the local trail network grants access to many beautiful locations, off-trail travel is also viable in some cases. Terrain and weather around Sitka can present significant challenges and risks.
Hikers should be conscious of their fitness level. Rain gear is essential, as weather around Sitka can change quickly. When traveling outdoors, a person should also carry water, a spare insulating layer, bear deterrent and some form of communication. Outdoor gear is available at a number of local shops. Cell phones are of dubious reliability in much of the Tongass. Satellite beacons are effective emergency signaling devices. Hikers, especially those unfamiliar with the area, should make plans in conjunction with others. GPS apps such as Gaia or OnX can be useful for navigation, but make sure to download detailed maps of an area before heading out.
More information is available at sitkatrailworks.org or fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass. The USFS Sitka Ranger District can be reached by phone at (907) 747-6671 or at the office at 2108 Halibut Point Road.
