Sitka Walks

Greetings! - This information will be edited later today as more information about walks around Sitka is gathered.

Sitka National Historical Park Trail - National Park Service trail
This trail is located at the east end of Lincoln Street at the Sitka National Historical Park. It begins and ends at the National Park Service Visitor Center with numerous loop trails that are popular with walkers and joggers. This is an easy well-maintained, dry, level trail about 1.5 miles in length that is available year round. This trail is made to order for the stroller who wants a taste of southeast Alaska's forests and waters in a non-strenuous setting. The well-maintained trail is in Sitka spruce-western hemlock forest and parallels the shoreline of the Eastern Channel. There are numerous spur trails to the adjacent pebble and sand beach. At the southwestern end of the park there are a series of paths running through the beach meadows and grass flats. The main trail leads along Indian River where pink, chum, and coho salmon return to spawn during late summer and early fall. The best fish-watching viewpoint is the arched bridge. Cross the bridge and follow another loop trail southeast along the river past the Russian Monument or northwest through the forest back to the bridge. Dogs must be leashed while on this trail.

Carved History - Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
The totem poles in the park are exhibited along a scenic coastal trail. Traditionally, the totems would not have been arranged in such a neat line. Where would the totem poles have stood? Just for a moment, imagine that you are an explorer in the early 19th century, sailing through southeast Alaska. As you come around a point, a native village comes into view. Close by the water are numerous single story rectangular houses. And towering above the houses, at the corners and in front of them, are carved poles with striking designs and colors.

With their striking designs and colors, totem poles are bold statements of the identities and stories of the people who carved them. A totem pole generally served one of four purposes.

Crest poles give the ancestry of particular family. - History poles record the history of a clan. - Legend poles illustrate folklore or real life experiences. - Memorial poles commemorate a particular individual.

Many poles exhibited along the park's wooded pathways are copies of deteriorating originals now in storage. Alaska's District Governor John G. Brady brought a sizable collection of totem poles to Sitka in 1905. These histories carved in cedar were rounded up from villages throughout southeastern Alaska. Only a few poles are originally from Sitka, although this art form is very much a part of Tlingit tradition.

Operating Hours & Seasons - Sitka Alaska National Totem Historical Park
Mid-May through September 30: The visitor center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October through Mid-May: The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Russian Bishop's House is open by appointment only.