Prince of Wales Island Wildlife Viewing
Twelve Mile Estuary

photo of Twelve Mile Estuary area wildlife Waterfowl and mammals visit the Twelve Mile Estuary throughout the year. Look for Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears at the water’s edge or near the road. Sandhill cranes come to the area in the spring. Other migratory birds stop here in the spring and fall to rest and feed before continuing on.

Habitat

Estuaries are areas where fresh and salt water mix. Pooling salmon, estuary plants and small organisms in estuary tidal flats are all important food sources for birds and mammals.

Species

  • Black Bear
  • Eagles
  • Sandhill Crane
  • Sitka black-tailed deer

Hints

Visit the estuary in the early morning or late evening hours, when wildlife activity is highest.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Notes

The USDA Forest Service is planning to construct a wheelchair accessible cabin at the Twelve Mile Estuary, to be open in 2007. Check with the Craig Ranger District for details.

Plan to spend at least: 2 - 4 hours +

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • Best Month April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

Twelve Mile Estuary is on FH 21, which heads east from FH 13 (the road to Hydaburg) just south of Cable Creek.

Contact

USDA Forest Service, Craig Ranger District - (907) 826-3271 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/pow/index.shtml

Additional Information

Living with Bears