Local’s guide of what to do in Sitka, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska, sitting on the westward aspect of gorgeous Baranof Island, captures the quintessential essence of untamed Alaska. It is a city steeped in historical past. Initially settled by the Tinglit folks over 10,000 years in the past, Sitka grew to become Alaska’s first capital metropolis following the signing of the Alaska Buy in 1867.

Whereas downtown Sitka is a small cluster of quaint buildings set the backdrop of towering mountains, the city of Sitka spans over 4,800 sq. miles. This makes it the biggest included metropolis in America. 

Although town limits are expansive, lower than 10,000 residents reside within the metropolis year-round. Vacationers flock to the historic enigma, swelling the inhabitants by 1000’s all through the summer time. This city is just accessible by aircraft or boat and is an ideal cease when voyaging by Southeastern Alaska. Right here, guests can take pleasure in all of the unbelievable sights of an Alaskan journey in one-stop – bears, mountains, glaciers, whales, and countless Alaskan magnificence. 

Whereas there are many issues to do to fill your hours in port, this information offers you a few of our prime native favorites. So, put together to go alongside again roads and the forgotten paths in your Alaska cruise.

Get pleasure from a quiet stroll by an previous Russian cemetery  

Previous to america’ buy of the Alaskan territory, Russian fur merchants and fishermen had been the principal overseas inhabitants of coastal Alaska (then referred to as Russian America). Reminders of those previous adventurers stay embedded all through Alaskan communities, and when you speak to an area, the possibilities are excessive that they’ve a Russian relative of their bloodline. 

Because the as soon as capital of Russian America, Sitka maintains robust ties and cultural undertones to this era of Russian heritage. Guests can see this historical past firsthand on the previous Russian Orthodox cemetery situated within the coronary heart of downtown Sitka. This 200-year cemetery incorporates lovely tombstones marking the graves of Russian Orthodox parishioners. Every tombstone is remarkably distinctive, with some falling to the check of time and almost fully coated in moss. Positioned within the moss-covered forest, a stroll on this cemetery will make you are feeling miles away from city. 

Whereas strolling a cemetery might not seem to be an thrilling affair, this stroll permits guests to see an enduring mark of historical past right now. When visiting, keep in mind to be respectful, as this cemetery continues to be in use right now by native households.

You may entry the cemetery off Seward Road, close to the Sitka Lutheran Cemetery. The cemetery was vandalized in January 2022, however native organizations proceed restoring the realm and returning it to its former magnificence. 

Take a hike alongside Beaver Lake Path and search for wildlife 

When you’re up for a little bit extra journey, head over to Beaver Lake Path to take pleasure in a 3-mile hike by old-growth forests and alongside a pristine mountain lake. You will have to hire a automotive or pay for a taxi to entry this route. The trailhead is outdoors of city at Blue Lake Campground. Nevertheless, there are many sights to take pleasure in within the space, making the trek price it. If in case you have a extra prolonged keep within the space, you may hike to the trailhead from downtown Sitka by way of the Herring Cove Path. This path departs from Sitka highway and is a few one-hour journey. 

Beaver Lake Path is a 3-mile path with a steep elevation achieve within the first quarter of a mile. The path rises sharply up 200 toes with a collection of switchbacks earlier than leveling off to its ascent to Beaver Lake. The huffing and puffing is price it as soon as hikers attain the lake and behold the spectacular views of the encompassing mountains. This path is brief sufficient to be mixed with different sightseeing stops all through the day. Wildlife is widespread alongside this path, so preserve your eyes out for bears, eagles, deer, and ermine. 

Native tip: Pack rain gear, bear spray, and bug spray for this outing. Whereas the Alaskan wilderness is gorgeous, additionally it is extremely buggy in the summertime months. Bears will be frequent guests alongside this route, so take further precautions and at all times be Bear Conscious.  

Seize lunch on the Contemporary Fish  

When you ought to go to Sitka for the surroundings, it would be best to keep for the meals. Sitka just isn’t brief on scrumptious eating places and cafes, and you would spend weeks experiencing all of the great flavors discovered on this metropolis. Nevertheless, when you’re solely on the town for a brief bit, make a cease on the Contemporary Fish meals truck for among the finest meals on the town. In spite of everything, you may’t go to Alaska with out making an attempt the native seafood! 

Contemporary Fish provides a naked menu of locally-caught poke, chowder, and ceviche. The menu adjustments usually, so it’s at all times enjoyable to swing by and see what they’re providing. Meals are made rapidly, so you may seize a scrumptious deal with rapidly earlier than heading out in your subsequent journey. 

Native tip: Contemporary Fish is usually open Friday-Wednesday from 11:30-3:00. Relying on the day, the cart does transfer round on the town. Try their Fb web page or Instagram @thefreshfish.ak for the most recent updates. 

Take a ship trip to Goddard Scorching Springs

Even in the summertime, Sitka can expertise chilly temperatures and gloomy days. Top-of-the-line methods to nonetheless benefit from the outside, even on a cloudy day, is to catch a ship to Goddard Scorching Springs. The boat trip from Sitka is about an hour and provides splendid views of Baranof Island from the water.

Preserve your eyes looking out for whales and different marine mammals in your journey. Positioned to the south of Sitka, guests can plan to spend no less than half of a day exploring these pure wonders and having fun with a dip within the heat waters. 

Town of Sitka owns the Goddard Scorching Springs, and the springs are free to the general public. Every spring is protected inside picket huts, retaining out the more serious of the Alaskan climate. Pack loads of layers for the return journey, as temperatures can dramatically range on the water. 

Search for Puffins at St. Lazaria Island

Sitka sits on the skin of the Inside Passage, making it a wonderful vacation spot for hen viewing throughout the brief summer time months. Hundreds of sea birds flock to the Sitka space between Could and September to breed and nest alongside the ocean cliffs and islands. Top-of-the-line locations to see this pure phenomenon is St. Lazaria Island. 

St. Lazaria is the summer time residence of dozens of hen species, together with puffins, petrels, auklets, and oystercatchers. These birds nest alongside volcanic cliffs and feed upon the plentiful Fish and marine life that congregates within the waters across the island. St. Lazaria is certainly one of 2,500 Alaskan islands that comprise the Alaska Maritime Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. It’s estimated that over half one million birds return to this location every year to boost their younger. 

St. Lazaria Island is situated to the north of Sitka and is just accessible by boat. Quite a few charters and water taxis depart from Sitka every single day to take keen birdwatchers, photographers, and wildlife lovers on a cruise alongside the sides of this protected island. Otters, seals, and humpback whales are additionally a typical sight on this journey. 

Native tip: This might not be the only option for guests vulnerable to seasickness. Pack a pair of binoculars for this journey, as there will probably be a lot to see! Whereas a lot of the water round Sitka is protected against climate, the trip out to St. Lazaria will be tough if the climate turns.  

No matter the way you select to spend your day in Sitka, Alaska, you’re assured to take pleasure in it. This makes it one of many prime stops to take pleasure in your Nice Alaskan Journey! Honest winds and clean crusing!