Admiralty Island
Island Alaska island known for dense brown bear population
Admiralty Island, inside Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, is known for dense bald eagle populations, shoreline fjords and salmon runs. Visitors come for sea kayaking, bear-viewing trips, sportfishing and backcountry camping.
Admiralty Island is a large island in the Alexander Archipelago of southeast Alaska, administered within the Tongass National Forest. The island is noted for its extensive temperate rainforest and abundant wildlife.
Vast tracts of old-growth forest, braided streams and coastal shoreline that support salmon runs and a healthy population of brown bears. Backcountry hiking, kayaking and wildlife observation are the primary activities, with a limited number of established trails and access points.
The island has long been home to Alaska Native communities and later entered federal forest and monument management to protect its ecosystems. Portions of the island are managed for both subsistence use and conservation.
Lying off the mainland of southeastern Alaska, the island is reached by boat or small aircraft from regional hubs such as Juneau or Sitka; local ferry and charter services provide access to key points along the coast.
- Protected status: The island is administered as part of the Admiralty Island National Monument and lies within the Tongass National Forest management area.
- Bear population: Known for a very high density of brown bears relative to its land area, making bear viewing a notable natural feature for experienced visitors.
How to Get to Admiralty Island #
Access is by scheduled ferry or floatplane from Juneau and other Southeast Alaska communities. Small boat and charter options are common from Juneau; some lodges and outfitters run package trips that include transport and guided bear-viewing.
Tips for Visiting Admiralty Island #
- Ask park rangers at the Admiralty Island National Monument information points about bear safety-the island has one of the highest brown bear densities in North America.
- Use the small-boat channels with care; tides and weather change quickly. Local guides offer the safest access to remote bays and salmon streams.
- Respect native lands-Admiralty Island contains culturally important sites for the Tlingit and other Alaska Native peoples.
Best Time to Visit Admiralty Island #
Summer months bring the most accessible wildlife viewing and boat access; shoulder seasons are quieter but weather is more changeable.
Weather & Climate near Admiralty Island #
Admiralty Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2997 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (288 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (223 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (210 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (227 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (352 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (459 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (318 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (290 mm).
