Shuyak Island State Park

Shuyak Island State Park comprises most of the island's 47,000 acres. The park encompasses part of a coastal forest system, unique to the Kodiak Archipelago, which contains only one tree species: Sitka spruce. Besides a virgin Sitka spruce forest, the park includes miles of rugged coastline, beaches and protected waterways. The island is located 54 air miles north of Kodiak, Alaska. Shuyak Island's compact dimensions measure 12 miles long and 11 miles wide but contain more sheltered interior waterways than anywhere in the Kodiak Archipelago. The land and water of the area host an infinite variety of seabirds. Otters share the sea with whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and Dall porpoises. Kodiak brown bear and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the island's forests. Access to Shuyak Island is via water or air. Commercial air service is available from Anchorage to the city of Kodiak. Several air charters provide float plane service to Shuyak Island from either Kodiak or Homer. If you visit Shuyak, you may either camp or rent one of the four public use cabins. Groceries and other supplies must be purchased before you arrive on Shuyak. A state park ranger or volunteer may contact you during your visit. Our staff is there to assist you. They may be able to provide communication to the mainland, but only in an emergency. Visitors should be as self-sufficient as possible; assistance could be hours or days away. The Shuyak experience is one of the wilderness. Those who have planned their trip carefully find the greatest rewards.

In addition to the wildlife already mentioned, visitors can view puffins, black oystercatchers, cormorants, common and red-throated loons, mergansers, harlequin ducks, and bald eagles. Migrant birds arrive in May and June. Plant enthusiasts can find alpine botany at sea level on the rugged capes along the outer coastline. There are few hiking trails within the park, and thick forests and devils club make overland travel challenging. Shorelines provide routes of travel but may be covered with water during high tides. Shuyak is best experienced combining land and sea travel. Veteran kayakers regard Shuyak Island as a true paradise. The park provides access to an intricate maze of sheltered bays, channels, and inlets. We recommend bringing a folding kayak, since transporting a rigid kayak can be costly. Kayaks may be available to rent at the park from a private vendor. Contact the Kodiak District Office for current information. For more kayaking information and an outline of possible day trips, see the "Shuyak Island State Park Sea Kayaking" brochure.

Sitka black-tailed deer are found on Shuyak Island. Each cabin has a woodshed nearby which should be used to store game. Consult current Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations before you begin your hunting trip. Shuyak Island is a popular sportfishing destination in August and September when silver salmon return to the island's freshwater systems to spawn. Shuyak's saltwater bays are periodically open to commercial seining and sportfishers should be aware that up to three commercial openers may occur in Shuyak's bays between August 1 and September 15. The openings generally last between 24 and 48 hours. Immediately after the openings, sportfishing is usually slow, but rebounds within a couple of days.

For more information on Alaska State Parks we suggest you visit the Alaska State Parks web site.

More Alaska Parks
Big Delta State Historical Park, Caines Head State Recreation Area, Chena River State Recreation Area, Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Chugach State Park, Denali National Park, Denali State Park, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Gates Of The Arctic National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Independence Mine State Historical Park, Kachemak Bay State Park, Katmai National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kenai River Special Management Area, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, Lake Clark National Park, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Shuyak Island State Park, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Wood-Tikchik State Park, Wrangell - St Elias National Park, Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve

Source: Alaska State Parks.

[graphic version Shuyak Island State Park]