Journal destination
Stories from this city location. Explore published field notes, guided trips, and local perspectives.
The collection
01Perched above Sitka’s harbor, Baranof Castle State Historic Site is a small promontory that delivers big returns: panoramic harbor views, layered Indigenous and colonial history, and easy access to the town’s cultural highlights.
02A short loop through Sitka National Historical Park packs rainforest, totem poles, and coastal history into a walkable adventure. Pair it with wildlife rescue centers or a multi-day kayak expedition to see the full scale of Southeast Alaska.
03Step onto the boardwalk and into a rescue story: Fortress of the Bear in Sitka combines close-up wildlife viewing with practical conservation lessons. Learn why this modest rescue center is essential to understanding Alaska’s coastal ecology — and how to plan your visit.
04Old Sitka Dock is more than a landing — it’s the practical beginning of a layered Sitka experience: totem trails, rescued bears, rehabilitated raptors, and fjord-side paddling. This guide walks you from the planks to the spruce, with the logistics and lore you need to plan your visit.
05Get close to Alaska’s raptors in Sitka, where rehabilitation, local knowledge, and coastal habitat meet. Learn how to plan your visit, what to expect from aviary encounters, and how to experience the center as both traveler and steward.