Alerts & Conditions

When you bend down low and examine the forest floor you find a lot of variety, and even some drama! Low-growing plants, fungi, moss, lichens, insects, banana slugs, cones, and more go about their business beneath the trees. Take time to observe the little things that support large trees.

As berries ripen, they dot Sitka's greenery with bright reds, luminous oranges, and muted blues and grays. Enjoy their colors and shapes as you walk through the park. If you choose to taste some, be respectful of the park's history, know what's allowed, and be certain you know what you're about to touch or eat.

The intertidal zone is full of variety, and when the tide is out there are tidepools and wide flats to explore.

Search for the usual suspects, such as bumblebees and hummingbirds, among the park's flowers, but don't forget to hunt for less obvious pollinators like hoverflies and slugs. You can find a lot to observe in different habitats. Don't forget to look for representations of pollinators on totem poles and in museum objects in the visitor center.

Salmon are easily observed from the bridge over Indian River when they spawn each summer and fall. Strong ties bind them to the people, plants, and animals of Sitka.

The historic landmarks in Sitka are portals in time to significant events in Alaska history. Locations of battles and fort sites, churches, schools, military installations and more provide us with a glimpse into the rich and diverse past of Sitka, and its substantial role in Alaskan (and American) history. Use the information guide with a map and start your trip back in time.

The estuary, shores and forests of Sitka NHP are excellent places to watch birds that are migrating through in the spring and fall. We also boast a fabulous array of birds that are hardy enough to stay all year around.