Sitka Alaska - Totems, Trails, and Trees

At Sitka National Historical Park you will find totem poles standing the test of time, towering trees, and temperate temperatures tempting tourists to traverse the tranquil trails in a rain forest that has a tale to tell. It’s time to take a tour …

Located on the west side of Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska is the town of Sitka. We’ve come here several times on Alaskan cruises. However, cruise ship shore excursions offer only a brief time at various local attractions. For example, on our last trip here, we spent about 20 minutes at the Sitka National Historical Park. We wanted more time to hike the rain forest trails, see all of the totem poles, and learn a little history about the Park. So during our most recent visit (May 2017), we opted to be our own tour guide.

Address: Sitka National Historical Park, 103 Monastery Street, Sitka, AK 99835

Phone: (907) 747-0110

Sitka Historical Park NPS

It is an easy walk from downtown Sitka to the Park’s Visitor Center. This is a good place to get information about the Park, see the exhibits, or watch a short video. The restrooms are located at the front of the building.

Visitor Center - Front/Street Side 

Visitor Center - Water View

GENERAL INFORMATION Sitka National Historical Park was established to preserve and interpret the site of the battle of 1804 between the Tlingit and Russians. While Sitka National Historical Park is its official name, the Park is also referred to as Sitka Park, Government Park, Indian River Park, and Sitka National Monument. Another unofficial name is Totem Park.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Indian River National Monument was established on March 23, 1910. In 1972, the Park’s name was changed to Sitka National Historical Park and its boundaries were expanded to include the Russian Bishop’s House

HOURS/FEES: The Visitor Center is open year round (except Christmas and Thanksgiving). Hours vary according to the season. The Russian Bishop’s House is open daily (May-October) from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This park does not have an entrance fee.

The Russian Bishop’s House (located at 501 Lincoln Street) was completed in 1842 and was part of the Russian Orthodox Church. By 1969, the building was falling into a state of disrepair. The National Park Service obtained the property and began the lengthy process of restoration to its 1853 appearance. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 13, 1962. It is one of four surviving examples of Russian Colonial Style architecture in the Western Hemisphere.

Russian Bishop's House

We enjoy history and hiking and this 113-acre Park offers both. It has two loop trails (the Totem Trail and the Russian Memorial Trail).

Park Trail Map

These two trails (total of 1.6 miles) wind through the rain forest and offer coastal views of Sitka Sound and snow-capped mountains – like Mount Edgecumbe (a dormant volcano). I can’t stop taking pictures of it!

Mount Edgecumbe

It is easy to walk the wide and well-maintained trails in this rain forest (no rain today!).  

 Tranquil Trails

Of course, the totem poles are the focus along the Totem Trail. According to the NPS website, “Between 1903 and 1904, Alaska’s Governor Brady toured southern southeast Alaska's Tlingit and Haida villages by ship, asking leaders to donate poles and other objects for an exposition. From the spring of 1904 through 1905, the poles were “on display” in St. Louis and then Portland, Oregon. The poles returned to Sitka in January of 1906, where Brady's concept of a totem pole park would be realized. Before the poles could be installed, they were repaired by skilled local craftsmen.”

 Totem Poles

If you understand what each carving means, you will learn the story each totem pole is telling. Unfortunately, I don’t know what the carvings represent but I do appreciate the beauty of the carvings and their historic value.

While walking the trails, we are pleasantly surprised by the sunny weather and even shed a layer of clothing … mid-May in Alaska – who knew? I love walking through the rain forest. I feel so small in this land of giant trees.

Giant Trees

The forest floor is carpeted in green vegetation. Trees that have fallen become nurse logs providing a foundation for new life to begin.

Nurse Log

We walk along the coastal trail. Adding a little springtime color to the landscape are yellow dandelions growing along the grassy shoreline.

Maybe 20-30 minutes would be sufficient time for some people who visit this Park. However, we spent a leisurely 2.5 hours strolling the trails, watching bald eagles, taking pictures, reading the exhibit signs, and going through the Visitor Center. 

Later, we walked back to downtown Sitka via the Sea Walk (a pedestrian walkway that parallels Lincoln Street) and returned to our ship in time for our “all aboard” at 12:30 p.m.

The Sitka National Historical Park is just one of many things to see and do in Sitka. For more information on Sitka, I invite you to view my blog post by clicking on the following link:

Denice's Blog Post - Sitka, AK

  

For more information on recreational opportunities/tours, lodging, and other attractions in Sitka, please click on the following link:

Sitka Visitor Bureau

If you are planning a longer visit to Sitka, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on dining and lodging options.