Sitka is located on the west side of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago of the Pacific Ocean. This city is part of the Alaska Panhandle. Sitka is Alaska’s fourth-largest city in terms of population.
The Tlingit Indians originally founded Sitka. The city of Old Sitka was founded in 1799 by the governor of Russian America.
Alexandr Baranov. Sitka served as the capital of Russian America until 1867.
The location of Sitka makes transportation to and from difficult. The Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport offers service from Alaska Airlines as well as a few smaller independent companies. The weather often causes a number of cancellations for air travelers. Many visitors to Sitka choose the slower option, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry. The terminal is just north of downtown and ample transportation is available for those arriving via the ferry.
Many hikers tackle the Baranof Cross-Island Trail. This amazing trail leads to the Baranof Warm Springs on the eastern side of the island. The trail is rather difficult so only serious and experienced backpackers should attempt the trip. The Mount Edgecumbe volcano is a popular mountain to summit. This dormant volcano and features a seven-mile trail up to the top. A number of trails in the Sitka area are accessible from Sitka’s road system. Popular trails include the Indian River Trail, Shelikof Trail, Mosquito Cove Trail, Harbor Mountain/Gavin Hill Trail, Redoubt Lake Trail, Mount Verstovia Trail, and Beaver Lake Trail.
Kayakers of all skill levels love to come to Sitka. Many love to take river and ocean trips. Experienced kayakers will love the tidewater bays and. Sitka has the largest harbor system in the State of Alaska. It was once the busiest seaport on the west coast of North America.
Live Outdoor Cameras in Sitka
Sitka By the Sea
FAA Weather Cams
More Sitka Reading
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Welcome to Sitka
Sitka Through Four Seasons
Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka Photo Guide
Bed and Breakfasts
Sheldon Jackson Museum
Sitka: The Unofficial Walking Tour
Alaska Raptor Center
Wildlife Checklist
Forest Service Campgrounds