FREE THINGS TO DO IN SITKA

  • 1. Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park – Sitka National Historical Park is a national historical park in Sitka in the U.S. state of Alaska. It was redesignated as a national historical park from its previous status as national monument on October 18, 1972. The park in its various forms has sought to commemorate the Tlingit and Russian experiences in Alaska.
  • 2. Herring Cove Trail – One of Sitka’s favorite hiking trails. By Beaver Lake there are great vistas of nearby rugged mountains. Lovely walk over muskegs, along marshes and through stunted forests. Beaver Lake has been stocked periodically with grayling between 1986 and 1991. The Forest service has installed new docks and picnic pads at the lake. An aluminum rowboat is available for use by the public at one of them. Please leave the oars in the boat, tie it up, and bail it out completely. At the back side of the lake tremendous, old growth trees are found. The Herring Cove trail parallels a stream with a series of waterfalls. After one climbs the first steep hillside, the trail flattens out in a glacially formed “hanging valley” with large old growth trees. A 100’+ waterfall is at the top of the valley. Beyond the waterfall the trail goes across boardwalk, up a hill and then back down to Beaver Lake.
  • 3. Harbor Mountain Trail – Harbor Mountain Recreation Area is the only place in southeastern Alaska where it is possible to drive from sea level to the subalpine. The road up the mountain winds through temperate coniferous rainforests. At an elevation of about 1900 feet the road passes through the timberline and emerges into a mosaic of sub-alpine meadows. The road and associated trails provide access to stunted forests, alpine tundra and windswept rock outcrops.
  • 4. Baranof Castle State Historical Site – Castle Hill also known as the American Flag-Raising Site and now as the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, is a National Historic Landmark and state park in Sitka, Alaska.
  • 5. Starrigavan Recreation Area – Starrigavan is a multi-recreational complex offering camping, picnicking, hiking, bird and wildlife viewing opportunities, with freshwater and saltwater fishing nearby. Located 7 miles north of downtown at the end of Halibut Point Road, 3/4 mile from the Alaska Marine Highway Sitka Ferry Terminal, Starrigavan includes a lovely estuary and features a wide range of recreation facilities including camping and picnic sites with bear-proof containers, an artesian well, the Estuary Life Trail, Forest and Muskeg trail, and the Mosquito Cove trail. It is ADA accessible and open year-round (vehicle access restrictions September 16-April 30 in the campground area). 
  • 6. Island Artists Gallery – The Island Artists Gallery is a member-run cooperative hosting artists from Sitka, Alaska. Unique artwork from wild Alaska.
  • 7. Heart Lake Trail – Enjoy this 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Sitka, Alaska. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 31 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
  • 8. Sitka Cross Trail – Sitka Cross Trail was built by Sitka Trail Works to provide people trail access from one end of town to the other. One terminus is at Indian River Trail and the other at the Gavan Subdivision residential area over 2 miles distant. Along the way it intersects Gavan Hill Trail and provides access to Sitka High School and the landfill softball fields. It is a popular trail for joggers and hikers.
  • 9. Artist Cove Gallery – A small, locally owned art gallery with a focus on handmade art, jewelry and gifts from Alaskan, local and native artists with a small handful of artists from around the world.
  • 10. Ernie’s Old Time Saloon – Cocktail bar featuring bar games, taxidermy decor, and karaoke nights, plus beer and shots.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT