Yakutat: Glaciers, Rivers and Wildlife

The Yakutat Foreland is a flat mosaic of wetlands, scrubland, rivers, and forests, framed by snow-covered mountains, lush river valleys, and deep fjords. The glaciers also represent different natural features: Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America, while Malaspina Glacier is the largest piedmont glacier in North America. Together, these landscape features give Yakutat a contrast of expansive ice and fjord scenery and diverse habitats.

Rivers, Fjords, and Waterways

The Situk River is home to five species of Pacific salmon and Dolly Varden trout. The river is also associated with Alaska’s largest documented steelhead run. One specifically described boating route covers 13.5 miles from Nine Mile Bridge to Lower Landing. The trip takes approximately six to eight hours by drift boat. This time estimate is approximate; river conditions and safety requirements vary.

Trails also lead to the water. The Maggie John Trail runs through a spruce forest along the Situk River to the Oxbow, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Another wooded trail leads to the open water of Russell Fjord; various seabirds can be seen along the beaches. Those interested in coastal and river landscapes will find different perspectives here, from a riverside trail to an open fjord shore.

The sheltered blue waters of Icy Bay, its glacial landscape, and its diverse wildlife make it suitable for sea kayaking. Access and conditions depend on the wilderness environment. Icy Bay is accessible only by small bush planes; Yakutat has authorized air taxis for operations in the park. Operators and permits may change. Therefore, before planning, check which operators are currently authorized to operate in the park.

Hundreds of miles of waterways in the area around Yakutat can be explored by canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat, or motorized skiff. Options range from a specific stretch of river to longer explorations using different types of watercraft. There are also opportunities to view wildlife on the water, from canoes, kayaks, private boats, and charter boats.

Tide books are especially important when boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the coast around Yakutat. Also consider current conditions and local guidance before planning these activities.

Wildlife by the Water and Coast

Humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, belugas, and minke whales have been observed in Yakutat Bay. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the area around Yakutat. One particularly notable nearby bird-watching location is Black Sand Spit, a peninsula in the Situk-Arhnklin Estuary. Various seabirds can also be seen on the beaches along Russell Fjord.

Surfing takes place in Yakutat in summer, and waves can reach up to 25 feet. Surfing is seasonal and weather-dependent. This means planning around a different set of factors than for the river and kayaking activities described above: summer timing and weather determine the conditions.

Culture and History

The Yakutat Kwaan established a canoe trading route between Yakutat and Dry Bay. Its official name is Yakutat to Dry Bay Ancestral Lingit Canoe Route.

Another historical subject is the Yakutat and Southern: it was built in 1903 to transport raw fish and is closed. Among the remnants still visible in Yakutat are cannons pointing out to sea from positions near the beach. A festival in Yakutat also celebrates one of the largest known breeding colonies of Aleutian terns.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Yakutat is accessible only by air or water. This access requirement should therefore be part of your planning from the outset. You can choose different focuses for your activities in the area: an approximately six-to-eight-hour boat trip along a specified stretch of the Situk River, trails offering opportunities for fishing and bird-watching, or water-based experiences whose access depends on wilderness conditions. These highlights provide a guide without prescribing a set itinerary for your trip.

About the destination: Yakutat.

Discover more destinations: Juneau, Wade Hampton Census Area, Sitka, Aleutians West Census Area, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island Borough, Anchorage.

Return to the main travel overview: Alaska.