The Best Sitka Day Hikes: A Doable List for Cruise Passengers
After a night on your cruise, you might be looking to stretch your legs on the wild Alaskan trails. So with only one day in Sitka, how do you get in the wilderness without having to rush?
We’ve created a list of every hike we recommend, no matter your skill level. All while ensuring you make it back to your ship on time.
Please remember that hiking can be dangerous if you are not aware. Always remember to make noise so bears know where you are, keep on the trail, tell someone your plan, and hike with a buddy if possible.
There are also many hiking and walking tours running daily in Sitka, check them out if you are looking for something guided!
Easy
If you are looking for hikes that take just a couple of hours with relative ease, these are our recommendations.
Cross Trail
The Cross Trail runs behind much of Sitka, spanning about 8 miles one way. Access from the nearby cruise terminal or take a shuttle bus to downtown and access it from their. Walk in either direction, and jump into the wilderness of Sitka!
Sea Walk
The Sea Walk is a lovely, well-maintained path that begins at Harrigan Centennial Hall. If you are looking for harbor, ocean and mountain views, this one is for you.
Sitka National Historic Park
Take the shuttle to downtown Harrigan Centennial hall, then walk along the Sea Walk to Sitka National Historic Park. Not only is this an easy walk, but it is also full of Tlingit history. It is the site of a historic battle between Russians and the Tlingit people of Sitka. Along the way, you’ll learn about Sitka’s rich history. There are about 1.5 miles of walking trails throughout the park.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is the site of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. Right in Sitka, you can see the spot on your trip to town. This is a quick walk!
To get there, go to Totem Square in downtown Sitka, climb the stairs on the downtown side of walk up the ramp on the other side. From the top of the hill, you will get a 360 degree view of Sitka. You can read about the Russian era of Sitka and learn about the transfer.
Starrigaven Estuary Life Trail
The Starrigaven Estuary Life Trail is a boardwalk path that goes right through muskeg and a river mouth. You will see forested views on this easy walk. Keep an eye out for swans during the later parts of summer, and definitely be mindful of bears. This is a short and accessible tail, about 0.3 miles in total.
Intermediate
You are confident on uneven terrain and can take some hills.
Indian River
Take the shuttle to Harrigan Centennial Hall then walk to the trailhead from the cross tails or through town.
Following Kaásda Heen (Indian River) the trail is about 4.4 miles one way of lush forest and crystal clear waters (unless a rain storm just cam through).
If you are fast, and we mean really fast, you can make it to a lovely waterfall at the end of the trail.Â
Otherwise, we recommend hiking for an hour or two, then just turning around. You still get the lovely views, beautiful waters, and a fun hike, without the time crunch of reaching the end.
Mosquito Cove
This perfect loop trail is walking distance from the cruise terminal. Head towards Starrigaven then hop on the trail. You will get many different views and terrains, from muskegs to beaches. This is a great trail is you are wanting a bit of exercise but nothing to difficult. This hike is about 1.5 miles in total.
Advanced
Gavin Hill
Our most advanced hike on this list involves many stairs. If you can summit them, then you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Sitka. You should be an experienced hiker to accomplish this one in your day in Sitka.
You can find the trailhead from the Baranof St. Cross Trail entrance. This climb is 2,400 feet and is 2.1 miles to Gavan Ridge.Â
