Prince of Wales Island Wildlife Viewing
Memorial Beach

photo of Memorial Beach area wildlife Memorial Beach is on the shores of Sumner Strait, a narrow waterway used by marine mammals and sea birds to reach the rich summer feeding areas in Clarence Strait from the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Look for humpback whales and killer whales out in the strait, and harbor seals and Steller sea lions closer to shore. Pelagic cormorants, rhinoceros auklets, buffleheads, storm petrels and pigeon guillemots may be seen in the summer. Larger rafts of sea birds are often visible in the fall and winter. Look for Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears along the shore and on the primitive ¼-mile trail that leads from the parking area to the beach.

Habitat

Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears use the beach as a "highway," because it is easier than traveling through dense forest habitat.

Species

  • Bufflehead
  • Harbor Seal
  • Humpback Whale
  • Killer Whale
  • Pelagic Cormorant
  • Pigeon Guillemot
  • Rhinoceros Auklet
  • Sitka black-tailed deer
  • Steller's Sea Lion

Hints

Use your ears as well as your eyes when searching for marine mammals. You may hear a blow or splash before you can spot a whale or sea lion.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Picnic Facilities
  • Restrooms

Notes

Memorial Beach is an approximately four hour drive each way from Craig or Thorne Bay. Plan to spend the night in one of the northern communities on the island. Drive carefully on all the roads of Prince of Wales Island, and be especially cautious on the narrower and less developed roads on the northern end of the island.

Plan to spend at least: Half - full day +

Best Months

█ Best Month

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

Directions

Memorial Beach is on Forest Service Road 20860 at the north end of Prince of Wales.

Contact

Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce - (907) 755-2626 or http://www.princeofwalescoc.org USDA Forest Service, Thorne Bay Ranger District - (907) 828-3304 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/pow/index.shtml

Additional Information

Living with Bears