Destinations » Yakutat »
Situk River Trail
Activity:
Hiking, multi-day
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. The riparian ecosystem is home to a variety of birds, mammals and fish. Hikers can observe bald eagles, moose and bears along the river corridor. The upper portion of this trail follows the river with multiple access points for angling. The trail then cuts away from the river to intersect with the Ten Mile ATV trail then continues to the two Middle Situk cabins and Situk River airstrip while crossing the Old Situk River. There is a separate spur trail approximately ΒΌ mile up the trail from the cabins that provides access to the confluence of the Situk and Old Situk Rivers. The trail also continues downstream from the airstrip again with multiple access points to provide for sport fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers can stay at the two Forest Service cabins located adjacent to the Situk River airstrip at the terminal of the trail. Cabin reservations are available at Recreation.gov. Hikers can be picked up or dropped off at the airstrip by charter air service.
Length:
4.0 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 Forest Highway #10 (Dangerous River Road) east towards Harlequin Lake, approximately 9.0 miles. At the Nine-Mile Bridge, the trailhead is located on the south side of the road down a short gravel road.
