State Parks and National Parks

Shuyak Island State Park

Shuyak Island State Park is remote and untamed, a true backcountry experience accessible only by boat or by a float plane flight from Kodiak or Homer.

Adventurers touch down in an 47,000-acre coastal wilderness that is home to sea otters, whales, harbor seals, sea lions, Sitka black-tailed deer, Kodiak brown bears and an astonishing variety of seabirds.

Many Shuyak visitors do their wildlife-watching by sea kayak, and the island's ragged coast accommodates all levels of paddlers. Novices are advised to stick to the many protected inner bays, passages and channels; high winds and rough seas on the outer coast make it a watery terrain for intermediate and experienced kayakers only.

Alaska

Hunting and salmon fishing are also popular at Shuyak Island, one of six Kodiak Island-area state parks. A few hiking trails explore the island.

Four public-use cabins, each sleeping eight people, are available for rent year-round, but there is no ranger on duty during the winter months. While it is possible to fly in for a day visit, most people stay an average of three days to a week.

Visitors are advised to pack for a remote wilderness experience and, because of rapidly changing weather, be prepared for unexpected delays in departure.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Steve Adams, courtesy Alaska