Admiralty IslandAbout Admiralty Island
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 0° | -8° | 288 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 1° | -6° | 223 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -3° - 3° | -4° | 210 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 0° - 7° | 1° | 167 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 12° | 6° | 161 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 144 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 17° | 13° | 158 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 227 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 13° | 8° | 352 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 8° | 3° | 459 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 3° | -3° | 318 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 0° | -7° | 290 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
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.