Starrigavan Recreation Area & Old Sitka
Starrigavan
Estuary wetlands and rainforest trails on the bay north of town, and the original site where Russians first founded a settlement in 1799.
Starrigavan Recreation Area lies about 11 km north of town, near the ferry terminal. It has a boardwalk through estuary wetlands for birdwatching, rainforest trails and campsites. Migratory birds appear in spring and autumn, salmon run in the creek in late summer, and bald eagles are common. Next door, the Old Sitka State Historic Site marks where Russians established Fort St. Michael in 1799, their first settlement here. The fort was destroyed by the Tlingit in 1802, and information boards now stand on the site. Admission is free.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Halibut Point State Recreation Site
- Harbor Mountain
- Gavan Hill Trail
- Russian Blockhouse & Russian Cemetery
- Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi
- Totem Square & Sitka Pioneers' Home
- John O'Connell Bridge
- St. Michael's Cathedral