Sitka Wildlife Viewing
Halibut Point State Recreation Site

photo of Halibut Point State Recreation Site area wildlife The Halibut Point State Recreation Site is often a good spot from which to view Sitka’s annual springtime herring spawn. Pacific herring lay up to 20,000 sticky eggs (or roe) per fish in protected intertidal and subtidal waters, usually in late March and early April. After the lean months of winter, these herring and their eggs herald the arrival of spring for birds, marine mammals, and people. Watch for bald eagles, red-breasted sapsuckers, hairy woodpeckers, varied thrushes, marbled murrelets, scoters, black oystercatchers and other birds throughout the summer. There is also good tidepooling here at low tide.

Species

  • Black Oystercatcher
  • Eagles
  • Marbled Murrelet
  • Pacific Herring
  • Surf Scoter
  • Woodpeckers

Hints

Look for bald eagles in the trees on the island just off shore of Halibut Point.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Restrooms

Notes

The Sitka State Parks office is located at Halibut Point State Recreation Site.

Plan to spend at least: 1 - 2 hours

Best Months

█ Best Month

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

Directions

Halibut Point State Recreation Site is four miles west of town on Halibut Point Road.

Contact

Alaska State Parks - (907) 465-4563 or http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/sitka.htm