Destinations
* Indicates historic canoe route access.
- Situk Lake
- Russell Fjord
- Harlequin Lake
- Ahrnklin River
- Situk River
- Strawberry Point *
- Tawah Creek Bridge *
- Tawah Creek at Cannon Bridge *
- Summit Lake *
- Yakutat Bay
- Ankau River/Estuary
- Disenchantment Bay
- Redfield Lakes
Additional Information
Yakutat Wildlife Viewing
Water Trails
Hundreds of miles of Yakutat area waterways, including rivers, fjords, estuaries, bays, and open waters, may be explored by canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat and motorized skiff. It’s as easy as renting a car, and perhaps a boat, and driving to any of several access points, most of which are relatively close to town. Some people also plan multi-day trips and camp along the way. In some areas, the U.S. Forest Service has cabins available for overnight use.
Some waterways have been used for centuries. The original inhabitants of the area, the Yakutat Kwaan, established a canoe trade route between Yakutat and Dry Bay of which Yakutat to Dry Bay Ancestral Lingit Canoe Route is the official name. A large portion of this historic route is passable between Summit Lake and the Ahrnklin River/Seal Creek estuary. This route may be accessed from several launch sites. Due to changes in topography and the river channels over time, however,travel beyond Ahrnklin River Delta is not recommended
Access to Water Trails
The starting point for the following directions to all destinations—trailheads, boat launches, etc—is the intersection of Forest Highway #10 (FH#10, also called the Dangerous River Road) and Airport Road in Yakutat. Driving distances listed on this site are one-way and approximate.
Yakutat Bay from Yakutat Boat Harbor
Directions: Drive 1.5 miles through town on Mallot Avenue to the Yakutat Boat Harbor parking lot. Just before the harbor, a salt water inlet—and the totem pole at the water’s edge across the lagoon—is visible on the right. Turn left into the boat harbor parking lot.
Paddlers can launch a short distance from their vehicle.
Notes for water travelers: Those spot also allows paddlers great access to Monti Bay and the inner islands of Yakutat Bay. If planning a one day and especially multi-day trips, the Yakutat Boat Harbor is a good choice of launch sites. The north end of Khantaak Island is Forest Service land and an excellent location for wildlife viewing and overnight camping; the remainder of the island is privately owned. Inquire about Khantaak Island at the USFS ranger district office.
