State Parks and National Parks

For thousands of years, the Tlingit Native Americans and their ancestors have lived on Kootznoowoo, the "fortress of the bears."

Known to most Americans as Admiralty, the island became a national monument in 1978. By 1990, the majority of the island was designated as Kootznoowoo Wilderness.

The massive Alaskan brown bear outnumbers humans on this island, presiding over a domain rich in wildlife and other natural resources. Pack Creek on Admiralty Island is popular for bear viewing, a fee and permit are required to visit there.

Coastal rain forests, wild berry thickets, alpine meadows, freshwater lakes and streams also harbor beavers, river otters, martens, weasels, minks, geese and trumpeter and whistling swans. One of the greatest known concentrations of bald eagles in North America nests in trees and snags along the island's coast.

Kayakers and canoeists explore the tidal pools of the saltwater shoreline or traverse the island along the inland water trail from Seymour Canal to Mitchell Bay. Hiking, photography, fishing, wildlife viewing, wilderness camping and crabbing are favored activities. Visitors can also stay in rustic U.S. Forest Service cabins.

Admiralty Island National Monument is situated within Tongass National Forest.