Take the Totem Trail

The Totem Trail is a relatively flat loop on crushed gravel.

NPS Photo

The Totem Trail features poles obtained from several Haida and Tlingit villages, the site of an 1804 battle between Russians and Tlingit, classic Southeast Alaska temperate rain forest, and vistas of Sitka Sound and the intertidal zone.

Poles acquired by Governor Brady traveled to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair before being repaired by local carvers and placed along "Lover's Lane" in Sitka in 1906. They are a testament to a living tradition of wood carving. Several are new or second generation poles.

At the midpoint of the trail, a contemporary pole and marker at the Kiks.ádi Memorial and a grassy field mark the site of the Battle of 1804 between Russians and Tlingit.

As it passes through temperate rainforest the Totem Trail connects the poles to the natural world that inspired many of the figures found on them.

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Examine totem poles, visit the site of the Battle of 1804, and experience temperate rainforest. Wayside exhibit signs explain the area's natural and cultural history. Sit on one of several benches to take in sights, sounds, and smells, or reflect on the lives of Tlingit and Russian people.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed on trails that start at the visitor center, but not indoors. You must keep your pet on a leash that is no more than six feet long and dispose of your pet's waste in a trash can.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Sitka National Historical Park Totem Trail

The Totem Trail starts at the visitor center at 139163 Metlakatla Street near downtown Sitka. It is a 15 to 25 minute walk from all major hotels in Sitka, as well as from the main docks where cruise ship passengers disembark. City buses also stop at the visitor center's upper parking lot every hour. A short connector trail leads to parking on Sawmill Creek Road almost due east of the visitor center.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Brown bears tend to be most active in late summer when salmon are present in the Indian River. Look for green-amber-red alerts at trailheads to find out whether bears have been seen recently.

Time of Day

Day

Find operating hours and seasons on the park website.

Accessibility Information

Two accessible parking spaces are available in the visitor center parking lot. A paved trail with curb cuts leads to the visitor center from downtown Sitka. Accessible restrooms, a lowered water fountain, and an extended picnic table are available outside the visitor center. The trail is generally six feet wide, relatively flat, and paved with crushed gravel.