Sitka Area State Parks
(Southeast Alaska)
(Printer
version Sitka Area State Parks)
Sitka, Alaska is located on Baranof Island, along the outer
coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. Alaska State Parks manages six state parks
near Sitka. These state parks offer a range of recreational opportunities
including hiking, picnicking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, camping,
exploring the back country, and learning more about Alaska's rich natural and
cultural history.
Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site
Commonly referred to as Castle Hill, this park is one of the most historically
significant sites in Alaska. Tlingit natives originally inhabited this area and
built a strategic fortification at this site. Between 1804-1867 Russians
occupied this site. In 1867, on top of Castle Hill, Alaska was officially
transferred from Russia to the United States. Today, Castle Hill is a state
historic site and also designated as a National Historic Landmark. A fully
accessible walkway leads visitors to the top of the hill and provides
outstanding views of downtown Sitka and waterfront. Interpretive panels provide
opportunities to learn more about the history of this site. This park is located
in downtown Sitka.
Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine
Park
Big Bear Bay and Baby Bear Bay are designated as a state marine park and located
near Peril Straits about 35 miles north of Sitka. Access to this park is
primarily by boat and the park remains undeveloped with no visitor facilities.
Attractions at this marine park include a protected anchorage with opportunities
for camping, hunting, and fishing.
Halibut Point State Recreation
Site
Located along the ocean four miles north of downtown Sitka, Halibut Point State
Recreation Site is a popular day use recreation area for local residents and
visitors. Three covered picnic shelters and a number of picnic sites are located
in this park. In addition, a half-mile hiking trail provides an opportunity to
walk through the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. The ocean beach offers
people a chance to beach comb and explore the inter-tidal zone. The Sitka State
Parks Office is also located at this park.
Magoun Islands State Marine Park
Magoun Islands State Marine Park is located near Krestof Sound, approximately 12
miles northwest of Sitka. Access to this park is primarily by boat and the park
remains undeveloped with no visitor facilities. Attractions at this marine park
include protected island sheltered bays with opportunities for camping, hunting,
fishing, exploring, and beach combing.
Old Sitka State Historic Site
In the early 1800s, Russians built a settlement at this site along Starrigavan
Bay. Today, the site is designated as Old Sitka State Historic Site. Located 7
miles north of downtown Sitka, this park offers a variety of recreational
opportunities. This site has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and
interpretive panels provide information about the history of this site. A public
use boat launch and dock allow boaters to access ocean waters north of Sitka.
The Forest & Muskegs trail is a 1.25 mile barrier free trail (maximum 12% grade)
with a self guiding brochure that has information about the natural and cultural
history of this area. The Mosquito Cove trail (1.5 miles long) provides an
opportunity to hike along Starrigavan Bay and Mosquito Cove in the coastal
spruce and hemlock forest. Old Sitka State Historic Site is located within
walking distance of the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal and the US Forest
Service Starrigavan Campground.
Sealion Cove State Marine Park
Sealion Cove State Marine Park offers more adventurous people an opportunity to
explore a remote sandy beach on the Gulf of Alaska. This park is located on the
north end of Kruzof Island, approximately 25 miles northwest of Sitka. People
typically access this park by taking a boat to Kallinin Bay. A trail starts at
Kallinin Bay along a river estuary and leads 2.5 miles through forest and
muskegs to Sealion Cove. A mile long sandy beach on the open Pacific Coast at
Sealion Cove allows for excellent beach combing, hiking, camping, and bird
watching. There are no developed facilities at this remote park.
Security Bay State Marine Park
Security Bay SMP is located on the north end of Kuiu Island facing Frederick
Sound and Catham Strait. It provides safe haven anchorage for vessels in an area
of large open water. The nearest village is Kake, about twenty miles to the
east. There are two private landowners within the park, and one historic native
site is in the park.
Source: Alaska State Parks.
For more information on Alaska State Parks, visit the Alaska State Parks web site.
Alaska
National Parks
Denali National Park,
Kenai Fjords National Park,
Lake Clark National Park,
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Alaska State
Parks by Region
Anchorage,
Interior Alaska,
Kenai Peninsula,
Kodiak,
Mat-Su
Valley,
Prince William Sound,
Southeast Alaska,
Southwest Alaska
Alaska State Parks by Name
Anchor River State Recreation Area and Stariski SRS,
Birch Lake
State Recreation Site,
Caines Head State Recreation Area and Resurrection Bay State Marine Parks,
Captain
Cook State Recreation Area,
Chena
River State Recreation Area,
Chena
River State Recreation Site,
Chilkat Bald
Eagle Preserve,
Chugach State Park,
Clam Gulch
State Recreation Area,
Deep Creek
State Recreation Area,
Delta
Junction Area State Parks,
Denali State Park,
Haines Area State
Parks,
Harding
Lake State Recreation Area,
Independence Mine State Historical Park,
Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park,
Kasilof Area State
Parks,
Kenai
River Special Management Area,
Kodiak Area State
Parks,
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area,
Ninilchik
State Recreation Area,
Point Bridget
State Park,
Salcha
River State Recreation Site,
Sitka Area State Parks,
State Marine Parks in Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay,
Summit Lake
State Recreation Site, Tok
Area Parks,
Totem Bight
State Historical Park,
Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site,
Wickersham State Historic Site,
Wood-Tikchik
State Park
