Things To Do In Sitka | Our Guide To The City's Best Spots Things To Do In Sitka May - September $12 You’ll look eagles in the eye at this raptor rehab and education center on the edge of Tongass National Forest. You’ll get a close-up look at a snowy owl, American kestrels, a peregrine falcon, a Swainson’s hawk, a Western screech owl, and other birds of prey. You’ll look eagles in the eye at this raptor rehab and education center on the edge of… Sitka National Historical Park Alaska’s oldest National Park isn’t a big one—only 113 acres—but it’s rich with history and there’s plenty to do: hiking trails, ranger-led interpretive walks, carving demonstrations, ethnographic displays, and more. The park’s main attractions are the roughly 20 totem poles and the beautiful coastal rainforest, which you can explore on your More... Sitka National Historical Park Alaska’s oldest National Park isn’t a big one—only 113 acres—but it’s rich with history and there’s plenty to do: hiking trails, ranger-led interpretive walks, carving demonstrations, ethnographic displays, and more.

The park’s main attractions are the roughly 20 totem poles and the beautiful coastal rainforest, which you can explore on your own More... Sheldon Jackson Museum Dr. Sheldon Jackson, museum founder, had the distinction of serving in three pioneer fields during the late 1800s, founding Protestant missions and schools, establishing the public school system, and introducing domestic reindeer. In his travels he reached many sections of Alaska, as well as the coast of Siberia, gathering the majority of the artifacts now seen in the museum. Located More... Sheldon Jackson Museum Dr. Sheldon Jackson, museum founder, had the distinction of serving in three pioneer fields during the late 1800s, founding Protestant missions and schools, establishing the public school system, and introducing domestic reindeer. In his travels he reached many sections of Alaska, as well as the coast of Siberia, gathering the majority of the artifacts now seen in the museum. Located on More... John O’Connell Bridge This 1255-foot-long bridge has reserved its place in history by being America's first cable-stayed girder spanned bridge.

Today, it connects Sitka, on Baranof Island, to the town's airport, which is on Japonski Island. Finished in 1972, it was named after a former mayor of Sitka. John O’Connell Bridge This 1255-foot-long bridge has reserved its place in history by being America's first cable-stayed girder spanned bridge. Today, it connects Sitka, on Baranof Island, to the town's airport, which is on Japonski Island. Finished in 1972, it was named after a former mayor of Sitka. Old Sitka State Historic Site You won’t find any old buildings here, but there are great interpretive signs and numerous hiking trails at this state park. And it’s an important place—the site of the first Russian settlement on Baranof Island. The Russians built a small fort in 1799, but Tlingits, unhappy with the Russian traders, attacked it in 1802. Nearly 100 Aleuts and 20 Russians were More... Old Sitka State Historic Site You won’t find any old buildings here, but there are great interpretive signs and numerous hiking trails at this state park.

And it’s an important place—the site of the first Russian settlement on Baranof Island. The Russians built a small fort in 1799, but Tlingits, unhappy with the Russian traders, attacked it in 1802. Nearly 100 Aleuts and 20 Russians were killed, More... Sitka Airport Causeway Trail The causeway connects Japonski, Sasedni, Kirushkin, and Makhnait Islands. There are many beaches scattered along the route and beach-combing for shells is good here, but the probability of finding glass fishing floats is slim. There are underground bunkers that remain from WWII and they can be explored but use caution because they are very old. If you do plan on exploring these More... Sitka Airport Causeway Trail The causeway connects Japonski, Sasedni, Kirushkin, and Makhnait Islands. There are many beaches scattered along the route and beach-combing for shells is good here, but the probability of finding glass fishing floats is slim. There are underground bunkers that remain from WWII and they can be explored but use caution because they are very old. If you do plan on exploring these bunkers, More...

Sitka Historical Society & Museum Explore a large, scale model of Sitka from 1867, the year the Russians transferred the Territory to the United States. View exhibits on traditional Tlingit lifestyles and see a collection of tightly woven cedar and spruce root baskets. Or learn about the town blackouts and a large-scale military buildup in Sitka during World War II. The museum is the only place in Sitka that includes More... Sitka Historical Society & Museum Explore a large, scale model of Sitka from 1867, the year the Russians transferred the Territory to the United States. View exhibits on traditional Tlingit lifestyles and see a collection of tightly woven cedar and spruce root baskets. Or learn about the town blackouts and a large-scale military buildup in Sitka during World War II. The museum is the only place in Sitka that includes More... St. Peters-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church After four years of worshiping in the Presbyterian Chapel, Episcopalians finally had their own church in 1899, with the construction of St. Peters-by-the-Sea.

Complete with stained glass windows, modified flying buttresses, and wooden pews, this small chapel is open to the public 24/7. The church and the adjacent See House (1905) are both on the National Register of Historical Places, More... St. Peters-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church After four years of worshiping in the Presbyterian Chapel, Episcopalians finally had their own church in 1899, with the construction of St. Peters-by-the-Sea. Complete with stained glass windows, modified flying buttresses, and wooden pews, this small chapel is open to the public 24/7. The church and the adjacent See House (1905) are both on the National Register of Historical Places, and More... New Archangel Dancers Clap your hands, hoot and holler, and tap your feet—it’s all encouraged when you attend a show by the New Archangel Dancers. Performing Russian folk dances in Sitka for over 40 years, this all-female group has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the town’s Russian heritage since 1969. You’ll experience upbeat dances (with their emcee leading a clapping More...

New Archangel Dancers Clap your hands, hoot and holler, and tap your feet—it’s all encouraged when you attend a show by the New Archangel Dancers. Performing Russian folk dances in Sitka for over 40 years, this all-female group has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the town’s Russian heritage since 1969. You’ll experience upbeat dances (with their emcee leading a clapping More... Castle Hill Trail Once the administrative headquarters for an empire stretching from Asia to California and Hawaii, Castle Hill today is little more than a grassy hill with a few interpretive signs, a modest stonewall, several old cannons, and a few flagpoles. But when you visit the top of this hill, you’re standing on rich historic grounds. Archeological excavations have unearthed over 300,000 More... Castle Hill Trail Once the administrative headquarters for an empire stretching from Asia to California and Hawaii, Castle Hill today is little more than a grassy hill with a few interpretive signs, a modest stonewall, several old cannons, and a few flagpoles. But when you visit the top of this hill, you’re standing on rich historic grounds.

Archeological excavations have unearthed over 300,000 More... Overlooking the Eastern Channel, this park is designed for whale watching, with 3 covered… Sitka Sound Science Center Come play with sea cucumbers and sea stars in saltwater touch tanks. Explore the suspended, 15-foot long skeleton of a young, male orca whale. Or have your family try to mimic the sound of a howling wolf pack. The interactive displays at this science center are a great place for interactive learning about the animals and ecosystems of coastal Southeast Alaska. There’s a More... Sitka Sound Science Center Come play with sea cucumbers and sea stars in saltwater touch tanks. Explore the suspended, 15-foot long skeleton of a young, male orca whale. Or have your family try to mimic the sound of a howling wolf pack. The interactive displays at this science center are a great place for interactive learning about the animals and ecosystems of coastal Southeast Alaska. There’s a large More... Russian Cemetery - Observatory Street Overgrown and unmarked, this 200-year-old Russian cemetery is still used for Russian Orthodox parishioners of St. Michael’s.

You’ll find stone and wood headstones, some of which are made from the ballasts of old Russian ships. But unless you’re a history/cemetery buff, you’ll mainly find an overgrown plot. Caretakers clean up the site each Alaska Day, but the More... Russian Cemetery - Observatory Street Overgrown and unmarked, this 200-year-old Russian cemetery is still used for Russian Orthodox parishioners of St. Michael’s. You’ll find stone and wood headstones, some of which are made from the ballasts of old Russian ships. But unless you’re a history/cemetery buff, you’ll mainly find an overgrown plot. Caretakers clean up the site each Alaska Day, but the More... Sitka Festivals Alaskans love to get together. And since they’re hunkered down all winter and working all summer, festivals give them an excuse to socialize. So they’ve created parties for fish, for music, for light, for dark, for plants…you name it, there’s probably a festival for it up north. And Sitka, a historic town on the outer coast with lots of artists, has festivals More... Sitka Festivals Alaskans love to get together.

And since they’re hunkered down all winter and working all summer, festivals give them an excuse to socialize. So they’ve created parties for fish, for music, for light, for dark, for plants…you name it, there’s probably a festival for it up north. And Sitka, a historic town on the outer coast with lots of artists, has festivals More... Russian Bishop’s House Built in 1843, during the “Golden Age” of Russian North America, this spacious, two-story building was home to Bishop Innocent of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was the center of Russian North America’s cultural, educational, and business ventures, complete with a formal reception hall, dining room, chapel, school, and seminary. Although it was a church More... Russian Bishop’s House Built in 1843, during the “Golden Age” of Russian North America, this spacious, two-story building was home to Bishop Innocent of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was the center of Russian North America’s cultural, educational, and business ventures, complete with a formal reception hall, dining room, chapel, school, and seminary. Although it was a church building, More...

Sitka’s Russian History Walking the streets of Sitka, you may find it hard to believe that this quiet coastal community was once the hub of the West Coast: a center for trade, diplomacy, and the arts. When San Francisco had less than 10 residents, Sitka was home to 800 Russians, Europeans, Tlingits, and Aleuts. The oldest town on the West Coast, it was the capital of Russian America—called New More... Sitka’s Russian History Walking the streets of Sitka, you may find it hard to believe that this quiet coastal community was once the hub of the West Coast: a center for trade, diplomacy, and the arts. When San Francisco had less than 10 residents, Sitka was home to 800 Russians, Europeans, Tlingits, and Aleuts. The oldest town on the West Coast, it was the capital of Russian America—called New More... Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers Held in a modern traditional Tlingit clan house, these dances are powerful performances that kids love. The booming echo of a drum, the smell of burning cedar, the lively chanting, and the energetic dance moves make for a memorable experience.

The 30-minute performances include a story and five traditional songs. The dance troupe includes performers of all ages, dressed in colorful More... Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers Held in a modern traditional Tlingit clan house, these dances are powerful performances that kids love. The booming echo of a drum, the smell of burning cedar, the lively chanting, and the energetic dance moves make for a memorable experience. The 30-minute performances include a story and five traditional songs. The dance troupe includes performers of all ages, dressed in colorful black More... Sitka Lutheran Church After Finnish laborers completed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, they asked Russian authorities if they could build a Lutheran church for themselves. The Russians allowed it, but only if the building didn’t look like a church. That building was torn down in 1888, but you can still see what it looked like: the current Lutheran church (which looks like a church) has More... Sitka Lutheran Church After Finnish laborers completed St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, they asked Russian authorities if they could build a Lutheran church for themselves. The Russians allowed it, but only if the building didn’t look like a church.

That building was torn down in 1888, but you can still see what it looked like: the current Lutheran church (which looks like a church) has a More... Russian Block House This stout structure is a re-creation of the guard tower that once stood here, part of the fortress enclosing the Russians during their time in Sitka, from 1804 to 1867. Fearful of the wilderness around them, and of Tlingit Natives, the Russians’ enclosed fort was open to outsiders only in the daytime. A massive fence, with three guard towers like this block tower, separated the More... Russian Block House This stout structure is a re-creation of the guard tower that once stood here, part of the fortress enclosing the Russians during their time in Sitka, from 1804 to 1867. Fearful of the wilderness around them, and of Tlingit Natives, the Russians’ enclosed fort was open to outsiders only in the daytime. A massive fence, with three guard towers like this block tower, separated the More...

April - September $225 per person, per day // Single to Multi-Day Trips This Southeast Alaska-based tour operator will leave you with a new definition of what it means to have a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise: You sail on an intimate vessel—often getting to steer yourself, under the supervision of an experienced licensed captain—while exploring away from the crowds, and getting a wonderfully up-close view of the wildlife and scenery. Sailings from Juneau and Sitka. This Southeast Alaska-based tour operator will leave you with a new definition of what it… Fortress of the Bear: Guaranteed Bear Viewing Watch brown bears in their natural habitat as they swim, play, sleep, or eat in a 3/4 acre enclosure near Sitka. The Fortress of the Bear takes in abandoned or orphaned cubs and then works to find new homes for them, sending them to zoos around the country. You’ll view these creatures from raised platforms while a guide shares information about bear safety, nutrition, and biology.

Watch brown bears in their natural habitat as they swim, play, sleep, or eat in a 3/4 acre… See the glaciers of Tracy Arm or Misty Fjords, finding wildlife like sea otters and… Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures // 2.5 to 4.5 hrs Dip your paddle into the clear saltwater of Southeast’s only outer-coast sea kayaking destination. Explore kelp forests and tidepools as you float over giant, fuzzy starfish and bright green sea anemones. Paddle past sea otters or sea lions and explore remote islands and coves. You can do it all with Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures. This family-run company limits its trips to More... Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures Dip your paddle into the clear saltwater of Southeast’s only outer-coast sea kayaking destination. Explore kelp forests and tidepools as you float over giant, fuzzy starfish and bright green sea anemones. Paddle past sea otters or sea lions and explore remote islands and coves. You can do it all with Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures. This family-run company limits its trips to small More...

The Arched Bridge: Great Salmon Viewing in Sitka The Indian river is home to a number of fish: Summer Pink, chum, coho, chinook salmon, along with Dolly Varden, char, and steelhead trout. This arched bridge is the place to see them. Be sure to stop by on your way through Alaska's oldest designated National Park. The Arched Bridge: Great Salmon Viewing in Sitka The Indian river is home to a number of fish: Summer Pink, chum, coho, chinook salmon, along with Dolly Varden, char, and steelhead trout. This arched bridge is the place to see them. Be sure to stop by on your way through Alaska's oldest designated National Park. Indian River Season: Approximately Jul 15 to Sep 30 The Indian River is a beautiful, clear stream that’s home to spawning salmon each summer. On the lower reaches of the river, by the intertidal zone and lower floodplain, pink and chum salmon spawn from mid-July through September. Farther up the river, you’ll find coho and chinook salmon, Dolly Varden, char, and steelhead trout.

The Indian River is a beautiful, clear stream that’s home to spawning salmon each… Kruzof Island Before the salmon return, it can be difficult to find bears. Instead of gathering at the salmon runs, they’re dispersed throughout beaches, tidal flats, and alpine meadows, grazing on fresh vegetation. The beaches and grass flats on the east coast of Kruzof Island offer prime grazing in May and June, and if you’re lucky, you just might see one. Even if you don’t, More... Kruzof Island Before the salmon return, it can be difficult to find bears. Instead of gathering at the salmon runs, they’re dispersed throughout beaches, tidal flats, and alpine meadows, grazing on fresh vegetation. The beaches and grass flats on the east coast of Kruzof Island offer prime grazing in May and June, and if you’re lucky, you just might see one. Even if you don’t, though, More... Overlooking the Eastern Channel, this park is designed for whale watching, with 3 covered… St.

Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge A clump of volcanic rock in the middle of the ocean, this 60-acre island is home to nesting puffins, murres, cormorants, and peregrine falcons from May to September. Thousands of birds show up, making it a loud, raucous place. They come because of the island’s location in the middle of food-rich ocean currents and its lack of predators. You’ll have to get here by More... St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge A clump of volcanic rock in the middle of the ocean, this 60-acre island is home to nesting puffins, murres, cormorants, and peregrine falcons from May to September. Thousands of birds show up, making it a loud, raucous place. They come because of the island’s location in the middle of food-rich ocean currents and its lack of predators. You’ll have to get here by boat; More... Estuary Life Trail This is a great, easy walk that can be linked to the Forest and Muskeg Trail and Mosquito Cove Trail.

The boardwalk trail travels through a rich tidelands ecosystem, where you’ll find good bird watching for shore and seabirds. You may even spot bears, who show up here to feed on young grasses in early summer and return in mid-July to the end of September for the pink and silver More... Estuary Life Trail This is a great, easy walk that can be linked to the Forest and Muskeg Trail and Mosquito Cove Trail. The boardwalk trail travels through a rich tidelands ecosystem, where you’ll find good bird watching for shore and seabirds. You may even spot bears, who show up here to feed on young grasses in early summer and return in mid-July to the end of September for the pink and silver More... Indian River Trail Close to town on moderate terrain, this trail is a popular destination for locals and travelers and is used for everything from family walks to trail runs. The trail follows the turquoise blue Indian River up through the valley to a waterfall. This riverside terrain makes it a good place to look for birds and other wildlife like deer. In late summer, the river fills with salmon (though fishing is prohibited).

The bears have their own trail on the other side of the river, so it’s rare to encounter one. Close to town on moderate terrain, this trail is a popular destination for locals and… The Big Hike Starting from the Baranof Street trailhead, it’s about 2 miles up to 2,400 feet! That’s steep—steep enough to make for a challenging race, the Alpine Adventure Run, which coincides with an annual meeting of specialists in the sports medicine field. The trail starts easily, with a raised boardwalk that takes you through open meadows and then a forest of big hemlock More... The Big Hike Starting from the Baranof Street trailhead, it’s about 2 miles up to 2,400 feet! That’s steep—steep enough to make for a challenging race, the Alpine Adventure Run, which coincides with an annual meeting of specialists in the sports medicine field. The trail starts easily, with a raised boardwalk that takes you through open meadows and then a forest of big hemlock and More... Old Sitka State Historic Site You won’t find any old buildings here, but there are great interpretive signs and numerous hiking trails at this state park.

And it’s an important place—the site of the first Russian settlement on Baranof Island. The Russians built a small fort in 1799, but Tlingits, unhappy with the Russian traders, attacked it in 1802. Nearly 100 Aleuts and 20 Russians were More... Old Sitka State Historic Site You won’t find any old buildings here, but there are great interpretive signs and numerous hiking trails at this state park. And it’s an important place—the site of the first Russian settlement on Baranof Island. The Russians built a small fort in 1799, but Tlingits, unhappy with the Russian traders, attacked it in 1802. Nearly 100 Aleuts and 20 Russians were killed, More... Halibut Point State Recreation Site If you’re looking for a nice day along the waterfront with the family, this is the spot. Watch fishing boats come and go, have a picnic at one of the covered shelters, or go tidepooling with the kids. At low tide you can access Magic Island and look for sea creatures. A nice one-mile loop trail winds through the park—it’s a good place to stretch your legs.

And More... Halibut Point State Recreation Site If you’re looking for a nice day along the waterfront with the family, this is the spot. Watch fishing boats come and go, have a picnic at one of the covered shelters, or go tidepooling with the kids. At low tide you can access Magic Island and look for sea creatures. A nice one-mile loop trail winds through the park—it’s a good place to stretch your legs. And More... Sitka Airport Causeway Trail The causeway connects Japonski, Sasedni, Kirushkin, and Makhnait Islands. There are many beaches scattered along the route and beach-combing for shells is good here, but the probability of finding glass fishing floats is slim. There are underground bunkers that remain from WWII and they can be explored but use caution because they are very old. If you do plan on exploring these More... Sitka Airport Causeway Trail The causeway connects Japonski, Sasedni, Kirushkin, and Makhnait Islands. There are many beaches scattered along the route and beach-combing for shells is good here, but the probability of finding glass fishing floats is slim.

There are underground bunkers that remain from WWII and they can be explored but use caution because they are very old. If you do plan on exploring these bunkers, More... Sitka Nat’l Historic Park Trails Starting at the National Park Service Visitor Center, this trail system takes you through rich coastal forest and along a salmon stream, then opens to views of the shoreline and coastal mountains. It also travels past totem poles and memorial sites, including that of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. The last armed conflict with the Tlingits in Sitka and the beginning of Russian rule, this More... Sitka Nat’l Historic Park Trails Starting at the National Park Service Visitor Center, this trail system takes you through rich coastal forest and along a salmon stream, then opens to views of the shoreline and coastal mountains. It also travels past totem poles and memorial sites, including that of the 1804 Battle of Sitka. The last armed conflict with the Tlingits in Sitka and the beginning of Russian rule, this More... Forest & Muskeg Trail This is one of the prettiest trails for a visitor who’s not a big hiker.

It’s an interpretive trail with a self-guided brochure, and you’ll travel through prime examples of the dominant forest ecosystems in the area: forest and muskeg. Learn about these ecologies while walking a gently sloping trail of gravel and boardwalk. One of the best ways to enjoy More... Forest & Muskeg Trail This is one of the prettiest trails for a visitor who’s not a big hiker. It’s an interpretive trail with a self-guided brochure, and you’ll travel through prime examples of the dominant forest ecosystems in the area: forest and muskeg. Learn about these ecologies while walking a gently sloping trail of gravel and boardwalk. One of the best ways to enjoy this More... Castle Hill Trail Once the administrative headquarters for an empire stretching from Asia to California and Hawaii, Castle Hill today is little more than a grassy hill with a few interpretive signs, a modest stonewall, several old cannons, and a few flagpoles. But when you visit the top of this hill, you’re standing on rich historic grounds. Archeological excavations have unearthed over 300,000 More...

Castle Hill Trail Once the administrative headquarters for an empire stretching from Asia to California and Hawaii, Castle Hill today is little more than a grassy hill with a few interpretive signs, a modest stonewall, several old cannons, and a few flagpoles. But when you visit the top of this hill, you’re standing on rich historic grounds. Archeological excavations have unearthed over 300,000 More... Herring Cove to Beaver Lake One of the newest trails in Sitka, this beautiful hike follows a creek, passes several waterfalls, and takes you through old-growth forest. It’s quite popular, and you’ll find the Herring Cove parking area crowded on the weekends. It’s also great for families, despite being a little steep at points, thanks to fun trail features and fishing platforms at a lake More... Herring Cove to Beaver Lake One of the newest trails in Sitka, this beautiful hike follows a creek, passes several waterfalls, and takes you through old-growth forest. It’s quite popular, and you’ll find the Herring Cove parking area crowded on the weekends.

It’s also great for families, despite being a little steep at points, thanks to fun trail features and fishing platforms at a lake stocked More... Estuary Life Trail This is a great, easy walk that can be linked to the Forest and Muskeg Trail and Mosquito Cove Trail. The boardwalk trail travels through a rich tidelands ecosystem, where you’ll find good bird watching for shore and seabirds. You may even spot bears, who show up here to feed on young grasses in early summer and return in mid-July to the end of September for the pink and silver More... Estuary Life Trail This is a great, easy walk that can be linked to the Forest and Muskeg Trail and Mosquito Cove Trail. The boardwalk trail travels through a rich tidelands ecosystem, where you’ll find good bird watching for shore and seabirds. You may even spot bears, who show up here to feed on young grasses in early summer and return in mid-July to the end of September for the pink and silver More... The Big Drive & Hike Harbor Mountain Trailhead can take you to the summit of Harbor Mountain, but you have to drive up to 1,800 feet.

This road was originally built during World War II to provide access for military installations. Be careful: the road is in decent shape, but it’s narrow. From the trailhead/parking area, the trail follows a ridge with great views in all directions. It’s had More... The Big Drive & Hike Harbor Mountain Trailhead can take you to the summit of Harbor Mountain, but you have to drive up to 1,800 feet. This road was originally built during World War II to provide access for military installations. Be careful: the road is in decent shape, but it’s narrow. From the trailhead/parking area, the trail follows a ridge with great views in all directions. It’s had More... Thimbleberry Lake-Heart Lake Trail This is a popular trail for cyclists, families, and swimmers! Yep, on sunny days this is one of the warmer spots to take a dip. That’s because the small lakes warm up in the summer (relatively…if you’re from Florida you might disagree). The trail can be accessed using public transport, and cyclists can even mount their bike on the bus. A local bike shop does a tour More...

Thimbleberry Lake-Heart Lake Trail This is a popular trail for cyclists, families, and swimmers! Yep, on sunny days this is one of the warmer spots to take a dip. That’s because the small lakes warm up in the summer (relatively…if you’re from Florida you might disagree). The trail can be accessed using public transport, and cyclists can even mount their bike on the bus. A local bike shop does a tour More... Sitka spruce Is greyish brown which gets curved fissures and flaky plates as it grows. Leaves Flowers and Cones Leaves are green flattened needles that grow individually. They are stiff, hard and very sharp. The red flowers are seldom seen as they are found right at the top of the older trees. They ripen into pale brown, blunt and domed cones. The thin, hard, crinkled scales of the cones protect the seeds inside. Where and how does the Sitka Spruce grow? This conifer naturally grows on the west coast of North America . It has a very fast growth rate compared to some other trees. This means it can yield high volumes of timber in a comparatively short time. Foresters have developed models for growth or yield.

The “yield class” figure is the mean cubic metres growth, for each hectare of tree species for each years growth. Sitka spruce has a yield class of 14 (14 cubic metres per hectare per year); Oak can be as low as 4. In terms of time, a Sitka spruce only needs to grow for 40 -60 years to reach its maximum timber potential. An oak can take up to and over 150 years. The Sitka Spruce has been grown commercially for timber especially in upland locations. Deep, moist and well drained soils are best for growth and so it flourishes in the North and West of the country on damper and elevated sites. Seeds dropped naturally from this conifer grow extremely well and at enormous rates; this “natural regeneration” is encouraged in many forest sites. Wildlife around the Sitka Spruce Sitka Spruce can grow close together to make a very dense canopy. It is difficult for sunlight to find it’s way through to the woodland floor so few plants can grow underneath them. Sitka Spruce do, however, give excellent shelter from wind, rain, cold and sometimes the heat of the sun.

Larger animals such as deer and foxes like to find cover amongst the branches. Birds of prey, like Goshawks and Sparrowhawks can find excellent nesting and hunting sites on and around the Sitka Spruce. Smaller birds such as the Crossbill, Tree Creeper, Coal tit and Siskin also enjoy living and feeding around the Sitka Spruce. picture Timber The wood from this tree is top quality - it is very versatile and is easy to work with. “Thinnings” (smaller trees taken from plantation) are particularly valuable for paper making as the white colour of the wood and long cellulose fibres make strong but smooth paper Sitka spruce wood use today Boat and ship construction, pallets, packing boxes, board manufacture and paper making. Sitka Spruce | State Symbols USA State Symbols USA Sitka Spruce; photo © The Arboretum at Penn State Behrend (used by permission). Sitka Spruce Alaska designated Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) as the official state tree in 1962. Named for Sitka Sound in Alaska, the Sitka spruce is the tallest conifer in the world.

Moist ocean air and summer fog are the main factors that account for Sitka spruce's large growth. Sitka spruce trees provide good roosting spots for bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Deer, porcupines, elk, bear, rabbits, and hares browse the foliage. Native to northwest America, Sitka spruce trees are found on the coast from northern California to Alaska. Sitka spruce is also the most important timber tree in Alaska, used for many products including ladders, oars, aircraft components, planking, masts, and sounding boards for musical instruments (pianos, guitars, etc). Alaska Trees in Alaska | Alaska Trees | Rainforest | Alaska Tree Alaska Trees Alaska Trees and Descriptions (A few of them) The trees of Alaska span a vast array of ecosystems from open, wind-swept tundra bordering the Artic Ocean, and Bering Sea through expansive boreal forests of the Interior to impressive temperate rain forests along the Pacific Coast. Tree composition changes with the prevailing climate across the state.

In the Interior, principal species include white spruce, birch, and quaking aspen on uplands, black spruce and tamarack in forested wetlands, and balsam poplar within floodplains. Willows are abundant in the Interior as well, however most do not reach tree size. The coastal temperate rain forests of southcentral and southeastern Alaska are comprised mainly of western hemlock, and Sitka spruce. Mountain hemlock, Alaska yellow-cedar, western redcedar, and shore pine are most often encountered where soils are more poorly drained. Deciduous trees are uncommon in the temperate rain forests of Alaska, and are represented mainly by red alder and black cottonwood. Western Hemlock Trees The Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) is a large evergreen coniferous tree growing to 150-200 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 8 feet. It is the largest species of hemlock, with the next largest (Mountain Hemlock T. mertensiana) reaching a maximum of 140 feet.

It is native to the west coast of North America, with its northwestern limit on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, and its southeastern limit in northern Sonoma County, California. It is closely associated with temperate rain forests, and most of its range is less than 75 miles from the Pacific Ocean. There is however an inland population in the Rocky Mountains in southeast British Columbia, northern Idaho and western Montana. It mostly grows at low altitudes, from sea level to 2,000 feet, but up to 6,000 feet in the interior part of its range in Idaho. Western Hemlock boughs are used to collect herring eggs during the spring spawn in southeast Alaska. The boughs provide a easily collectible surface for the eggs to attach to as well as provide a distinctive flavor. This practice orginates from traditional gathering methods used by Native Alaskans from southeast Alaska.

Leaves — light green to medium green on top, with two whitish parallel lines beneath, 1/4 to 7/8 inch long, blunt-tipped, soft, shiny, and flat, growing from two sides of branch parallel to the ground Cones — brown, oval-shaped, 5/8 to 1 inch long; thin, papery scales; hanging down at end of twig Bark — reddish-brown when young, turning gray-brown; scaly when young, becoming thick and furrowed with age Size at maturity and lifespan — 100 to 150 feet in height and 2 to 4 feet in diameter; 200 to 500 years Distribution — sea level to subalpine areas; throughout the coastal forest of Southeast Alaska and north to Prince William Sound Shore Pine Trees Depending on subspecies, Shore Pine (Pinus contorta) grows as an evergreen shrub or tree. The shrub form is krummholz and is approximately 3.3 to 9.8 ft high. The thin and narrow-crowned tree is 130 to 160 ft high and can achieve up to 6.6 ft diameter at chest height.

The murrayana subspecies is the tallest. The crown is rounded and the top of the tree is flattened. In dense forests, the tree’s a slim, conical crown. The formation of twin trees is common in some populations in British Columbia. The elastic branches stand upright or overhang and are difficult to break. The branches are covered with short shoots that are easy to remove.

Leaves — yellow-green to dark green; 1 to 2 1/4 inches long; two leaves, each a half-round, bundled together, making a circle when pressed together Cones — light brown; egg-shaped; 1 1/4 to 2 inches long; pointed backwards on branches; woody, with stiff prickles on the end of each scale Bark — resinous and scaly, becoming furrowed with age; dark brown to blackish Size at maturity and lifespan — often a small, scrubby tree; 20 to 40 feet in height and 8 to 12 inches in diameter; sometimes 75 feet in height and 18 to 32 inches in diameter on well-drained, sunny sites; 200 to 600 years Distribution — especially in coastal muskegs; sea level to alpine zone; throughout Southeast Alaska, north to Yakutat Red Alder Trees Red Alder (Alnus rubra) is a deciduous tree native to western North America, from southeast Alaska south to central coastal California.

It is the largest species of alder in North America and one of the largest in the world, reaching heights of 66 to 98 ft. The name derives from the bright rusty red color that develops in bruised or scraped bark. The bark is mottled, ashy-gray and smooth, often draped with moss. The leaves are ovate, 2.8 to 5.9 inches long, with bluntly serrated edges and a distinct point at the end; the leaf margin is revolute, the very edge being curled under, a diagnostic character which distinguishes it from all other alders. The leaves turn yellow in the autumn before falling. The male flowers are dangling reddish catkins 3.9 to 5.9 inches long in early spring, and female flowers are erect catkins which develop into small, woody, superficially cone-like oval dry fruit 0.79 to 1.18 inches long. The seeds develop between the woody bracts of the ‘cones’ they are shed in the autumn and winter.

Sitka Spruce (Alaska’s State Tree) The Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) is a large evergreen tree growing to 120-180 feet tall, and with a trunk diameter of 3-5 feet. It is by far the largest species of spruce, and the third tallest tree species in the world (after Coast Redwood and Coast Douglas-fir). Sitka Spruce is native to the west coast of North America, with its northwestern limit on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and its southeastern limit near Fort Bragg in northern California (Griffin & Critchfield 1972). It is closely associated with the temperate rain forests and is found within a few kilometers of the coast in the southern portion of its range. Sitka Spruce is a long-lived tree, with individuals over 700 years old known. Because it grows rapidly under favorable conditions, large size may not indicate exceptional age. The Queets Spruce has been estimated to be only 350 to 450 years old, but adds more than a cubic meter of wood each year.

A unique specimen with golden foliage that used to grow on the Queen Charlotte Islands, known as Kiidk’yaas, is sacred to the Haida Native American people. It was illegally felled, although saplings grown from cuttings can now be found near its original site. Sitka Spruce is of major importance in forestry for timber and paper production. It is used widely in piano, harp, violin, and guitar manufacture, as its high strength-to-weight ratio and regular, knot-free rings make it an excellent conductor of sound. The Steinway and Sons piano company is well known for using exclusively Sitka spruce soundboards in its pianos. The harp company, Lyon and Healy, is well known for it use of Sitka spruce for the soundboard of their harps as well. This wood is an important material for homebuilt aircraft for the same reasons. Outside of its native range, it is particularly valued for its fast growth on poor soils and exposed sites where few other trees can be grown successfully; in ideal conditions young trees may grow 4 feet per year.

It is naturalized in some parts of Britain where it was introduced in 1831 and New Zealand, though not so extensively as to be considered an invasive weed tree. Newly grown tips of Sitka Spruce branches are used to flavor spruce beer and are boiled to make syrup. The root bark of Sitka Spruce trees is used in Native Alaskan basket-weaving designs.

Leaves — dark green, 5/8 to 1 inch long, needle sharp, growing in all sides of branches from woody pegs (a trait common only to spruce) Cones — light orange-brown, 2 to 3 1/2 inches long, usually found in the top quarter of tree, hanging down from branches, papery scales Bark — thin and smooth, developing scaly plates with age, gray, becoming dark purplish brown with age Size at maturity and lifespan — 150 to 225 feet in height and 5 to 8 feet in diameter, grows much larger in the southern part of its range, 500 to 700 years Distribution — sea level to 3,000 feet elevation in Southeast Alaska, throughout Southeast Alaska, west to Kodiak Island and north to the coast of the Alaska Peninsula. Yellow Cedar Trees This species goes by many common names including Nootka Cypress, Yellow Cypress, and Alaska Cypress. Even though it is not a cedar, it is also often confusingly called “Nootka Cedar”, “Yellow Cedar”, “Alaska Cedar”, or even “Alaska Yellow Cedar”.

Its name derives from its discovery on the lands of a First Nation of Canada, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, who were formerly referred to as the Nootka. Nootka Cypress is native to the west coast of North America, from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, south to northernmost California, typically occurring on wet sites in mountains, often close to the tree-line, but sometimes also at lower altitudes.

Leaves — dark green; 1/16 to 1/8 inch long Cones — patchy green and black, nearly round; 1/2 inch in diameter; scattered among the needles; sharp central point on each cone scale Bark — shreddy; generally ash gray Size at maturity and lifespan — 40 to 80 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in diameter; slow-growing trees; 15 to 20 inches in diameter at 200 to 300 years; up to 1,000 years Distribution — muskegs, alpine meadows, and nearby forests of Southeast Alaska as far north as Prince William Sound; sea level to timberline in Southeast Alaska, though mainly at elevation of 500 to 1,200 feet; common in northern Southeast Alaska scattered in southern Southeast share

Question: Sitka wood, named after the Alaskan town, is a type of?
Answer: Spruce