Sitka, Alaska
Tucked away on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, sitting at the base of the mountains shaped by glaciers off Baranof Island, lies Sitka. Part of the Alaskan panhandle, Sitka is the only town in Southeast, Alaska that faces the Gulf of Alaska. Located on the outer coast of the Alaskan inside passage, Sitka is home to the largest temperate rain forest in the world – the Tongrass National Forest. Accessibly only by Air and Sea, Sitka offers beautiful scenery of islands and forests, fishing, wildlife viewing and hiking as well as a vibrant past combining Tlingit and Russian cultures. Sitka is home to around 10,000 people, making it the 4th largest city by population size. Sitka also has the largest harbor system in the State of Alaska and is host to many cruise ship visitors.
When The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, the ceremony was held in Sitka and after Sitka became Alaska’s first Capital city! The Russian flag was lowered and the American flag was raised. This process is repeated every year on October 18th for Alaska Day in remembrance of the sale and history. Sitka has been well preserved from this history – there are 22 sites and buildings that are Historic places in the national register. As the ice began to melt and recede, Tlingit Indians moved into the area around 10,000 years ago.
Old Sitka was founded by Alexandr Baranov, in 1799 who came in the guise of a trading company official. In 1802, a group of Tlingit Indians destroyed the establishment that was built as well as most of the Russian settlers. Baraonov ransomed the surviving settlers with 10,000 rubles. In 1804, he returned to Sitka with more Russians as well as Aleuts on the warship, Neva. The ship bombarded the Tlingit village, pushing the Tlingit Indians to the nearby forest. The Russians, victorious, established a new permanent settlement, “Novoarkhangelsk”. The town served as the capital of Russian America until the purchase in 1867 and served the area as the busiest seaport on the west coast of America at that time. Although Gold mining and fishing was a big thing on the island, It wasn’t until WWII that the city grew rapidly when the Navy built an air base on Japonski Island.
Where to stay
Hotels & Lodges
Talon Lodge & Spa
Luxury Resort Private Island, Sitka, AK 99835
(800) 536-1864
Off a private island, beautiful views of the mountains, Alaskan Fishing lodge, lodge hosts desire to give you an experience you’ll never forget
Dove Island Lodge
1 Dove Way, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-5660
A private island, luxury fishing lodge, Complete with gourmet food and luxurious lodging
Cascade Creek Lodge
2035 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 519-7800
Fishing lodge sitting on the shores of the Sitka channel and offers views of the North Pacific Ocean and Sitka’s famous volcano, Mt. Edgecumbe
Longliner Sitka
485 Katlian St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-7910
Ocean Views, great service, walking distance to town, close to attractions
Aspen Suites Hotel Sitka
210 Lake St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-3477
Close to downtown, great staff, clean place to stay, accommodating and pet friendly – limited parking though
Sitka Hotel
118 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-3288
Free Continental Breakfast, restaurant and bar in the building, friendly service, close to town
Inns & B&Bs;
1321 Sawmill Creek Rd #9740, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-9973
From the website: A quaint little inn where guests are treated like family, located less than a mile from town.
Sitka Lighthouse
203 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-8410
A luxury place to yourself on an island, sleeping 6, has a hot tub, beautiful 360 degrees viewing of the ocean and a town boat – located 5 minutes from Sitka.
Raven’s Peek Bed & Breakfast
4260 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 738-0140
Located in a quiet setting overlooking Sitka, 5 miles from town and has 3 units.
Camping & RV spots
Sitka Sportsmans Association RV Park
5205 Halibut Point Rd #5203, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-7740
Starrigavan Campground
204 Siginaka Way, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-6671
And of course as always – I REALLY encourage you to check out Air BNB and VRBO to see some of the very very beautiful places in sitka.
What to See and Do on land in Sitka
Sitka has a vibrant history and culture where worlds collided (Russian, American and Tlingit) and have created a rich diversity that you will be able to explore through the sites around town that are preserved.
Things to do around town:
Alaska Raptor Center
1000 Raptor Way
Sitka, Alaska 99835
907-747-8662
A wild bird sanctuary dedicated to providing medical treatment to over 200 injured birds a year. They aim to “promote and enhance wild population raptors and other avian species through rehabilitation, education and research.”
4639 Sawmill Creek Road
Sitka, Alaska 99835
Center 907-747-3550
Office 907-747-0524
Their mission is to provide care and protection to rescued animals in an enriching environment
there are a lot of orphaned bears as the territory diminished. Opened in 2007, they now house 8 bears. They are also a not for profit organization and I feel it necessary to let you know they operate on donations to sustain this place. Some people have chosen to bike to this place and have found the ride very enjoyable.
Starrigavan Recreation Area
Located 7 miles north of Sitka at the end of Halibut Point Road and 3/4 mile from Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal. From airport drive north on Halibut Point Road to its endpoint. When exiting ferry terminal parking area turn left onto state highway for 3/4 mile
Camping, boating, kayaking and outdoor activities
The Sheldon Jackson Museum
104 College Drive
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-8981
A small museum that houses a unique collection of “First Nation” artifacts, cultural clothing and traditional tools.
Sitka Sound Science Center
834 Lincoln St. Sitka, Alaska 99835
907-747-8878
The vision is to “increase awareness and understanding of aquatic marine and terrestrial ecosystems of costal Alaska through education and research. – A biological field station, including a salmon hatchery, the Molly Ahlgren Aquarium, research labs and more.
Sitka National Historical Park/ Totem Park
106 Metlakatla Street.
Sitka, AK 99835
Stop by the visitor’s center to explore exhibits about Tlingit life – drums, robes, and other artifacts. Totem trail leads to the site of the battle of 1804. Also check out the Russian Bishops house which is the last surviving example of Russian Colonial architecture in North America.
St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral
240 Lincoln St. Sitka, Alaska 99835
907-738-8929
The first Orthodox Cathedral established in North America in 1848. Russian explorers, trappers and missionaries brought the religion to the area. You can see how the two cultures collide together.
This is, of course, not an exhaustive list. These are the biggest attractions there on land but I always recommend asking the staff where you are staying for recommendations for the best places to eat, see and do.
Things to see and do around Sitka
Silver Bay – unfolding beauty while you drive around the bay with wildlife views and photo opportunities
Tongrass National Forest – The largest U.S temperate rainforest/US national forest encompassing many of the islands around Sitka and includes fjords, glaciers and peaks of the Coast Mountains.
Get into the water – fishing, kayaking, sea kayaking, whale watching, and charters are popular activities in Sitka.
Take a tour of Sitka with a resident!
What to Eat
Halibut Point Crab and Chowder
*
4513 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-0744
- – Fish and chips, a live crab tank and great beer
Channel Club
2906 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-7440
- – Great views of the water, food and service. Good steak and seafood as well as a nice variety of beer
Beak Restaurant *
2 Lincoln St #1A, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 966-2326
- – Cozy, great service, good selection on the menu, reasonable prices, fresh caught seafood, salmon macaroni, smoked salmon nachos all in a historic building. A great find.
- – Rustic Mediterranean décor, features local seafood, great service, a uniquely sitkan dining experience, make sure you make a reservation
Ludvig’s Bistro
256 Katlian St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 966-3663
Sitka Pel’Meni
303 Lincoln St ste 1, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-0773
- – A Russian diner, serving “the original Alaskan Dumpling” for over 20 years, with a simple menu: beef or potato dumplings with toppings. Great service, low prices
Bayview Restaurant
407 Lincoln St Upstairs, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-5300
- – Great beer, friendly staff, good service and food. Good assortment of burgers and sandwiches, quick service but a little pricey. However the food is fresh and good.
Ashmo’s
331 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835
- – Food truck with great fish and chips, salmon burgers, etc
Nugget Restaurant
600 Airport Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 966-2480
- – An American Diner serving breakfast and steak to burgers. Great food, service and prices with huge portions
Mean Queen *
205 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-0616
- – The best place to be for pizza in Sitka. Good ambiance, food and service with many choices of pizzas. Good drinks too!
Campfire Kitchen – Woodfire Pizza
1209 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-8212
- – Hand tossed, baked in a wood oven, touted as the best pizza in town, fun to watch the process!
Artur’s Mediterranean Food *
327 Seward St #7, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-0328
- – Quality matches the prices every time, amazing flavor, great food, clean restaurant and wonderful service.
Mangiare
118 Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 623-0888
- – An Italian Restaurant in the heart of southeast Alaska Delicious food, excellent restaurant with great service. Pricey but excellent food
Wildflour café & Bakery
327 Seward St, #2 Sitka, Alaska 99835
(907) 738-5824
- – Casual Café serving Coffee, smoothies and bakery type foods
Backdoor Café
104 Barracks St, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-8856
- – Coffee shop serving quality espresso, and fresh baked goods.
Little Tokyo in Sitka
327 Seward St Suite 1, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-5699
- – Sushi in Sitka!
Hiking in Sitka
This is, of course, not an exhaustive list and not in any particular order. Most of these links will link to ALLTRAILS – a website I use when I travel.
Also: Check out this trails pamphlet from VisitSitka.org
And: sitkatrailworks.org
Sitka National Historic Park Trail (The totem trail and the Russian Memorial Loop – 1.6 miles
- – This trail is one of the trails mentioned in the “what to do” section of the sitka website. This trail commemorates the site of the battle of Sitka between the Tlingit Indians and the Russians in 1804. This trail sports historic totem poles. In late summer, you can se salmon spawning along the Indian River part of the trail.
Thimbleberry Lake & Heart Trail – 3.2 miles
- – An out and back trail good for birding, fishing and hikling. Dogs welcome but must be leashed. Parking is availbel on both sides of the trail and can go to Thimblebery lake or heart lake from this trail
Mosquito Cove Trail – 1.5 Miles
- – A loop Trail that is well maintained with a cove at the end of it.
Herring Cove Trail – 3.6 Miles
- – A loop trail with creeks and waterfalls, bridges, stone steps. Could stay at blue lake campground and walk this hike
Sitka’s Cross Trail – 3.8 Miles
- – An ADA accessible trail with multiple access points
- – An out and back trail with a beautiful waterfall at the end, bring extra socks as you may get wet.
- – An out and back trail that is moderately difficult. 360 views from picnic rock – takes about 5 hours to complete.
Gaven Hill Trail/ Harbor Mountian Trail – 12 Miles
- – A challeneging trail taking around 8 hours to complete. Beautiful views of the top, This trail has stairs which although make it hard, also make it worth it.