801 Halibut Point Road
Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-7244
trail@gci.net

Silver Bay Fjord Vistas and Secluded Lakes

Hike Description:

The hike begins and ends at the charming Whale Park, where classic spotting scopes scan Silver Bay for those telltale spouts of humpback whales. The hike takes off downhill along Silver Bay fjord where our land-based whale watching continues in the shadow of snowy mountain peaks. Our destination is the Theobroma Chocolate factory where we make a stop for provisions for the rest of our journey.  Then it is up Blue Lake Road to the trailhead. We hike a short (key word is short) steep grade, taking plenty of time to catch our breath. Then it is on to beautiful Heart Lake, where we stop for a rest on the floating dock.  Leaving the lake we ascend a hill along a route originally pioneered as part of Sitka’s Blue Lake hydro-electrical sustainable power grid. Suddenly we are on top of the world and it is downhill all the way back to the Whale Park. If it is wet, this trail can get a bit muddy so don’t wear your $100 white Nikes for this hike! This is a great hike, not too difficult. It will leave you pleasantly pooped and ready for shopping and lunch back in town.

Difficulty Level:

Moderate, for someone in average physical condition. Difficult for someone who never walks more than a mile at a time. If you can walk three miles easily you can do this hike no problem.

Hike distance:

Just under 5 miles

Time:

Two hour hike. 20 minute drive each way.

What to bring:

Comfortable footwear with non slip tread. On a dry day you can do this hike in your Nikes, when it’s wet, you need something a bit more skookum. (sturdy). Like a hiking boot. Bring your camera and binoculars, if you have them. A daypack is nice so you have a place to put all those hand crafted Sitka chocolates. We supply “True” Alaska bottled water. We also carry a supply of extra daypacks if you need to borrow one and “emergency” ponchos for unexpected liquid sunshine events.

Departs 9:00 AM from Centennial Hall Parking area.

Return to downtown 12:00 PM

This hike is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

May 1 through September 15