West Chichagof–Yakobi Wilderness & South Baranof Wilderness

West Chichagof–Yakobi Wilderness

Location/Size: Near western coast and mountains of Chichagof and Yakobi Islands, about 30 miles north of Sitka. 264,747 acres.

Main Activities: Fishing, kayaking, wilderness exploration, hot springs, backcountry stays.

Gateway Towns/Getting There: Sitka/scheduled air service from Juneau and other points; scheduled ferry service from Juneau and Ketchikan. Wilderness access via floatplane, charter boat, or sea kayak.

Facilities, Camping, Lodging: Maintained trails and hot-springs pools. Primitive camping, five reservable backcountry cabins.

Headquarters and Information: Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest, 204 Siginaka Way, Sitka, AK 99835, 747-6671, www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/sitka/sitka.html.

West Chichagof–Yakobi features a rugged coastline and a mountainous interior shaped by glaciers—though the highest peaks here rarely break 3,000 feet and do not have active glaciers. One of the best features of this wilderness is the excellent inside passage available to kayakers. The route covers about 30 air miles from the White Sulfur Hot Springs trailhead on Portlock Harbor, south to Slocum Arm. The water miles can vary depending on several factors, including how much you explore. Several trails, forest roads, and non-wilderness segments can be thrown into the mix, permitting extended journeys based in Sitka, Pelican, Angoon, or elsewhere.

White Sulfur Hot Springs

Two deep, 104-degree, sheltered pools are located at the head of Bertha Bay on the Pacific coast of Chichagof Island, about 20 water miles from the town of Pelican. The springs are probably the most popular attraction in the wilderness; the backcountry cabin on site is often reserved well in advance. Floatplane access is generally unavailable, but a very expensive helicopter shuttle can be booked from Sitka. The best access is via ferry to Pelican and kayak or charter boat to the springs. A 6-mile trail links the kayak area around Portlock Harbor with the springs, allowing access without risking the open ocean. Contact Lisianski Wilderness Lodgein Pelican about possible drop off (see the Appendix).

South Baranof Wilderness

Location: 319,568 acres at southern end of Baranof Island, south of Sitka.

Main Activities: Fishing, sea kayaking, wilderness exploration.

Gateway Towns/Getting There: Sitka/scheduled air service from Juneau and other points; scheduled ferry service from Juneau and Ketchikan. Park access via floatplane, charter boat, or sea kayak.

Facilities, Camping, Lodging: Short inter-lake trails access fishing and cabins. Primitive camping only, five reservable backcountry cabins on lakeshores.

Headquarters and Information: Sitka Ranger District, Tongass National Forest, 204 Siginaka Way, Sitka, AK 99835, 747-6671, www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/sitka/sitka.html.

This wet and rugged wilderness features dozens of tight, twisting, glacier-carved valleys, numerous fjords and lakes, ragged peaks, a few small glaciers, and wild weather. Fierce storms pound the island’s Pacific coast from September through December. Annual rainfall can exceed 200 inches. Intrepid sea kayakers can reach the north end of the wilderness from Sitka by using a combination of portages, lakes, and island-sheltered waters. If the weather cooperates, challenging open-water routes may also be possible, though south of Walker Channel the headlands are all severely exposed.

Floatplane access is the preferred method, with five reservable backcountry cabins on five different lakes in the southwestern part of the wilderness offering great bases for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and attempts on ridges and summits. Contact outfitters in Sitka and the Sitka Ranger District office for recommended options (see above and appendix).