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Maggie John Trail
Activity:
Hiking
Intrinsic Quality:
Recreation
Summary:
This trail provides access to the Situk River, one of the most productive anadromous rivers in Alaska. The Situk River has world-class steelhead fishing and all five species of pacific salmon migrate through the river. This trail provides numerous access points for angling along the river. In a short distance, hikers will enjoy walking through a spruce forested ecosystem, arriving at the river below a fish passage weir. The trail then continues upstream along the river bank to the terminus of the trail at a portion of the Situk River called the Oxbow. This area provides outstanding opportunities for angling as well as wildlife viewing. The river has outstanding clarity that allows hikers to see thousands of fish in the river during spawning periods. The riparian ecosystem that the trail traverses is home to a variety of birds, mammals and fish. Hikers can observe bald eagles, moose and bears along the river corridor.
Length:
2.5 miles one-way
Elevation:
Less than 100 foot elevation gain
Difficulty:
Some low-lying areas are prone to flooding, depending on ground saturation and precipitation. River flooding may also occur. This trail is in prime moose and bear habitat.
Starting Point:
From Yakutat, drive east on Airport Road for 5 miles. Turn right on Situk Landing Road just before the airport and travel for 7 miles. The parking area for the trailhead is on the right side of the road with the trail on the opposite side.