Sitka, the only Inside Passage community that fronts the Pacific Ocean, is a beautiful city in a beautiful region of Alaska. The city of 8,615 residents hugs Baranof Island's west shore where across Sitka Sound is the impressive Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano with a graceful cone reminiscent of Japan's Mount Fuji. Within the sound is a myriad of small, forested islands that are transformed into beautiful ragged silhouettes at sunset while in and around the city are picturesque remnants of the Sitka's Russian heritage accented by the onion-shaped domes and gold colored crosses of beloved Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
Although first inhabited by Native Tlingit Indians, Sitka is recognized as the heart of the Russian influence in the Inside Passage. The Russians arrived by 1741 and in 1804 attacked a Tlingit fort. The region’s most famous battle eventually led to the creation of Sitka National Historic Park. After creating a city and staying for more than a century, the Russians sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. The official transfer ceremony was held in Sitka. Today Sitka's Russian history is interesting and well preserved.
Like Juneau, the heart of Sitka is a compact downtown area that is centered on the cathedral. A few blocks to the east is Crescent Harbor, which bustles with waterfront activities from charter and commercial fishing, fishermen repairing their nets and marine wildlife, kayak, ocean raft and semi-submersible tours. A few blocks to the west is Katlian Street, where Sitka’s commercial fishing district is active. You can stroll past weathered buildings, the blockhouse and wharfs and, at a few of the harbors, occasionally see fishermen working on their boats, stacking crab pots or unloading the day’s catch.
Pick up a map from the Visitor’s Center in Harrigan Centennial Hall offering several walking tours that highlight the city’s history and culture including the Russian Blockhouse, Russian Bishop's House, Princess Maksoutoff’s Grave and Castle Hill to name a few, that date back to the Russian era. Centennial Hall is also the venue for the spirited New Archangel Dancers who perform folk dances using authentic music, choreography and costumes. Take a stroll down to the Sitka Historical Museum to encounter the rich history and heritage of Sitka.
A vital part of Sitka's essence is the Native culture which is seen throughout town and on the trails in Sitka National Historical Park with a remarkable collection of totem poles carved by Tlingit and Haida artists. Near the park is Sheldon Jackson Museum, one of two official Alaska State Museums. The museum's impressive collection represents many different Alaska Native cultures.
Sitka also prides itself on being the cultural center of the Inside Passage. Downtown features numerous art galleries, a fine book store and gift shops, while the city’s main event during the summer is the Sitka Summer Music Festival (907-277-4852). For three weeks in June, the festival brings together professional musicians for chamber music concerts and events. The evening concerts are truly a treat to the senses.
Classical music fills Harrigan Centennial Hall where the glass backdrop of the stage gives way to views of the oceanside harbor and snow-covered mountains.
Sitka offers superb hiking with trails that begin in the lush rainforest that surrounds the city and often end up high in the mountains. Local favorites include the Cross trail, Indian River Trail, Herring Cove, Sitka National Historical Park, Mt. Verstovia, Mosquito Cove, Starrigavan Valley, Thimbleberry Lake-Heart Lake, Gavan Hill Trail and Harbor Mountain Trail. The U.S. Forest Service Sitka Ranger District Office (907-747-6671) can provide information and maps to more area trails for hiking and camping information. For adventures farther afield, visitors can charter a floatplane and fly into a U.S. Forest Service cabin. At White Sulphur Springs cabin, 65 miles northwest of Sitka, an adjacent hot-springs bathhouse is the ideal place to unwind after a hike. Or visit Goddard Hot Springs 16 water miles south of Sitka featuring two modern cedar bathhouses for recreational use and accessible by boat or small plane.
For the nature lover, Sitka is home to a number of attractions that will amaze and educate visitors. These wildlife oriented destinations include the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear. The Alaska Raptor center is a pioneering wildlife project. The Center's goal is to release all rehabilitated birds into the wild; however a few never recover flight and remain housed at the Center's outdoor displays. Fortress of the Bear is an education and rescue center with an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas. Also, the Sitka Sound Science Center's vision to build on Sitka's legacy and potential as an educational and scientific houses the Ahlgren Aquarium and Sheldon Jackson Hatchery.