State Parks near Sitka

Welcome to the Sitka Area State Parks

Sitka, Alaska is located on Baranof Island, along the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. Alaska State Parks manages six state parks near Sitka. These state parks offer a range of recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, camping, exploring the back country, and learning more about Alaska's rich natural and cultural history.

Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site

Commonly referred to as Castle Hill, this park is one of the most historically significant sites in Alaska. Tlingit natives originally inhabited this area and built a strategic fortification at this site. Between 1804-1867 Russians occupied this site. In 1867, on top of Castle Hill, Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States. Today, Castle Hill is a state historic site and also designated as a National Historic Landmark. A fully accessible walkway leads visitors to the top of the hill and provides outstanding views of downtown Sitka and waterfront. Interpretive panels provide opportunities to learn more about the history of this site. This park is located in downtown Sitka.

Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park

Big Bear Bay and Baby Bear Bay are designated as a state marine park and located near Peril Straits about 35 miles north of Sitka. Access to this park is primarily by boat and the park remains undeveloped with no visitor facilities. Attractions at this marine park include a protected anchorage with opportunities for camping, hunting, and fishing.

Halibut Point State Recreation Site

Located along the ocean four miles north of downtown Sitka, Halibut Point State Recreation Site is a popular day use recreation area for local residents and visitors. Three covered picnic shelters and a number of picnic sites are located in this park. In addition, a half-mile hiking trail provides an opportunity to walk through the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. The ocean beach offers people a chance to beach comb and explore the inter-tidal zone. The Sitka State Parks Office is also located at this park.

Magoun Islands State Marine Park

Magoun Islands State Marine Park is located near Krestof Sound, approximately 12 miles northwest of Sitka. Access to this park is primarily by boat and the park remains undeveloped with no visitor facilities. Attractions at this marine park include protected island sheltered bays with opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, exploring, and beach combing.

Old Sitka State Historic Site

In the early 1800s, Russians built a settlement at this site along Starrigavan Bay. Today, the site is designated as Old Sitka State Historic Site. Located 7 miles north of downtown Sitka, this park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. This site has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and interpretive panels provide information about the history of this site. A public use boat launch and dock allow boaters to access ocean waters north of Sitka. The Forest & Muskegs trail is a 1.25 mile barrier free trail (maximum 12% grade) with a self guiding brochure that has information about the natural and cultural history of this area. The Mosquito Cove trail (1.5 miles long) provides an opportunity to hike along Starrigavan Bay and Mosquito Cove in the coastal spruce and hemlock forest. Old Sitka State Historic Site is located within walking distance of the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal and the US Forest Service Starrigavan Campground.

Sealion Cove State Marine Park

Sealion Cove State Marine Park offers more adventurous people an opportunity to explore a remote sandy beach on the Gulf of Alaska. This park is located on the north end of Kruzof Island, approximately 25 miles northwest of Sitka. People typically access this park by taking a boat to Kallinin Bay. A trail starts at Kallinin Bay along a river estuary and leads 2.5 miles through forest and muskegs to Sealion Cove. A mile long sandy beach on the open Pacific Coast at Sealion Cove allows for excellent beach combing, hiking, camping, and bird watching. There are no developed facilities at this remote park.

Security Bay State Marine Park

Security Bay SMP is located on the north end of Kuiu Island facing Frederick Sound and Catham Strait. It provides safe haven anchorage for vessels in an area of large open water. The nearest village is Kake, about twenty miles to the east. There are two private landowners within the park, and one historic native site is in the park.