Sitka National Historical Park

Alaska's oldest federally designated park was established in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka. All that remains of this last major conflit between Europeans and Alaska Natives is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within this scenic 107 acre park in a temperate rain forest.

Southeast Alaska totem poles and a temperate rain forest setting combine to provide spectacular scenery along the park's coastal trail. The trail circles back along Indian River to the visitor center. Another loop trail continues across the Indian River footbridge past the Memorial to the Russian Midshipmen who died in the Battle of Sitka.

The park's story continues at the Russian Bishop's House, one of three surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. This original 1843 log structure conveys the legacy of Russian America through exhibits, refurbished Bishop's living quarters and lavish icons in the Chapel of the Annunciation.

National Park Service
PO Box 738
Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-6281 - Headquarters

By Plane
Sitka is located on Baranof Island on Alaska's Southeastern Panhandle. Sitka can be reached only by air or sea. Commercial airlines fly directly from Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage. Sitka is also a port of call for cruise ships and ferries on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The Park is located at the south end of Lincoln Street, approximately one-fourth mile from downtown Sitka.

Getting Around
Both visitor sites are located on Lincoln Street and are approximately a ten minute walk apart in this essentially urban park.

Rain is frequent in Sitka since it is located in a temperate rain forest. Summer temperatures range from high 50's to high 60's F. Winter is rainy and snowy with temperatures from high teens to the 40's F. Rain gear and layered clothing are recommended year-round.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
Interpretive talks, exhibits, slide program at the visitor center; Native artisans demonstrate traditional arts in Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center; bird watching, picnicking, plant identification and beach combing; exhibits and ranger tours at the Russian Bishop's House.