Jackson Bay Wildlife Management Area Adventures

Jackson Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located near the town of Sitka on Baranof Island in southeastern Alaska. This protected area encompasses pristine coastal wetlands, estuaries, and forested habitats along Jackson Bay and Indian River, providing critical breeding and feeding grounds for a large variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. The ecology here is marked by tidal flats, salt marshes, and riparian zones adjacent to Sitka spruce and western hemlock forests. Historically, this area has been used by indigenous Tlingit communities for subsistence and cultural practices. Visitors to Jackson Bay WMA can enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly during spring and fall migrations when the wetlands fill with diverse species such as trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles. Fishing and small boat paddling are popular recreational activities due to the healthy aquatic environments. Trails around the WMA provide access to quiet observation points and connect to nearby Sitka National Historical Park and the Indian River Trail system. Although relatively remote and less developed than other public lands, the WMA offers an important refuge for wildlife while supporting low-impact outdoor recreation. Nature lovers and photographers prize the area for its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife, especially in the calm coastal settings.