Sitka Wildlife Viewing
Downtown Sitka

photo of Downtown Sitka area wildlife Start your wildlife walking tour in Downtown Sitka by heading east on Lincoln Street along Crescent Harbor. Look for Steller sea lions in the harbor, then stop at the Sheldon Jackson College fish hatchery and aquarium to view undersea life. Continue along the shore to Sitka National Historic Park (often called Totem Park) to view wildlife carved into totem poles along the park trail. Stand on the Indian River footbridge in the park for pink salmon viewing between July and October. Follow the trail to Sawmill Creek Road and the Alaska Raptor Center, a bird rehabilitation facility with tours available throughout the summer. The center is staffed and open to visitors year-round. Return to the center of town along Sawmill Creek Road bike path.

Species

  • Eagles
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Pink (Humpy) Salmon
  • Steller's Sea Lion

Hints

Look for bald eagles and other birds on the buildings, boats, poles and other structures while walking through town.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Restrooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Within Walking Distance

Notes

Crescent Harbor, the Alaska Raptor Center, and parts of Sitka National Historical Park are waccessible to most wheelchairs.

Plan to spend at least: 1 - 2 hours

Best Months

█ Best Month

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

Directions

Most of the wildlife viewing spots downtown are within walking distance of the center of town. See above for directions to a specific site, or pick up a map of downtown from the Visitor's Bureau.

Contact

Sitka Convention and Visitor's Bureau - (907) 747-5940 or http://www.sitka.org Alaska Raptor Center - (800) 643-9425 or http://www.alaskaraptor.org/ Sitka National Historic Park - (907) 747-0110 or http://www.nps.gov/sitk/