Epic history, majestic ecosystem and pristine beaches await visitors to this quaint coastal town
Located on Baranof Island, Russian-tinted Sitka is the only community perched on the seaward side of Southeast Alaska. It's an incredibly beautiful place that is surrounded by seven state park units.
Three state recreation sites are accessible by road. Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site, commonly referred to as Castle Hill, is a one-acre park located in downtown Sitka.
History
Tlingit natives originally inhabited the area and built a strategic fortification on the hill. In 1804 the Russians claimed the site and then officially handed over Alaska to the United States on top of Castle Hill in 1867. Halibut Point State Recreation Site is a popular, 22-acre day-use area 4 miles north of downtown Sitka along the ocean and 7 miles north of town is Old Sitka State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark that once was the site of a Russian settlement.
Wildlife
Sitka's four other state parks are marine parks. The largest are 1,135-acres Magoun Island State Marine Park, 12 miles northwest of Sitka near Krestof Sound, and 1,023-acre Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park 35 miles north of Sitka near Peril Straits. The other two are Sealion Cove State Marine Park 25 miles northwest of Sitka at the north end of Kruzof Island and Security Bay State Marine Park at the north end of Kuiu Island facing Frederick South and Catham Strait.
Activities
Alaska State Parks manages six state parks near Sitka. A variety of activities are available for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, including hiking, picnicking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, camping, exploring the back country, and learning more about Alaska's rich natural and cultural history.
Map Scroll/Pan
Disabled Enabled
Facilities
There are no campgrounds within the Sitka parks but Old Sitka State Historic Site is an easy walk from the U.S. Forest Service Starrigavan Campground as well as the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal. The park also has a boat launch and two trails. The Forest & Muskegs trail is a 1.25-mile barrier free trail that focuses on the natural and cultural history of this area. The 1.5-mile Mosquito Cove trail winds along scenic Starrigavan Bay and Mosquito Cove in the coastal spruce and hemlock forest.
Halibut Point State Recreation Site has a picnic area with three covered shelters and a half-mile trail through the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. The Sitka State Parks office is located at Halibut Point State Recreation Site. Castle Hill features a fully accessible walkway to the top of the hill where there are interpretive panels and outstanding views of downtown Sitka and its waterfront.
The four state marine parks are undeveloped but are used by boaters or kayakers for camping, fishing and hunting or as a safe anchorage.
Fees
There is a fee for the boat launch at Old Sitka State Historic Site.
Accessibility
There is no mainland road access to Sitka. The city is reached with daily jet service from Seattle and Anchorage via Juneau or on the Alaska Marine Highway. Castle Hill is located in downtown Sitka off Lincoln Street while Halibut Point and Old Sitka State Historic Site are reached via Halibut Point Road at Mile 4.4 and Mile 7.8. The four state marine parks are access by boat or kayak.
For more information contact Alaska State Parks office (907-747-6249) at Halibut Point State Recreation Site.
For more information contact Alaska State Parks office (907-747-6249) at Halibut Point State Recreation Site.
Visit the Sitka community page for accommodations, tours and activities.