Chichagof IslandChichagof Island at a Glance
About Chichagof Island
Chichagof Island is a large island in the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska and lies within the Tongass National Forest. It is notable for its extensive temperate rainforest and long, indented coastline.
The island is valued for wildlife viewing, sport fishing, and remote wilderness recreation. Shorelines, streams, and old-growth forest support salmon runs and high densities of brown bears, plus coastal marine life. There are small communities and lodges that serve as bases for guided trips and subsistence activities.
Russian explorers named many places in the archipelago in the 18th century and the island’s name reflects that period of exploration. Over time it has remained sparsely developed, with land use dominated by conservation, subsistence, and small-scale tourism.
Geographically it sits in the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska, among other large forested islands and fjords. Local settlements provide the nearest services and transport links to the Alaskan road and ferry networks.
- Environment: Part of the Tongass National Forest and covered largely by temperate rainforest, with extensive shoreline and fjords.
- Wildlife: One of the highest concentrations of brown bears in North America, making it a notable wildlife area for guided tours, fishing, and hunting.
- Access: Reached primarily by small boat or floatplane; communities on the island provide the main points of access and services.
Best Time to Visit Chichagof Island
Summer (June-August) is the best time to visit for milder weather, daylight and outdoor activities; winters are cold and less accessible.
Weather & Climate near Chichagof Island
Chichagof Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2063 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -6° - 1° | -8° | 190 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 1° | -7° | 158 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 1° | -6° | 138 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 5° | -2° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 8° | 2° | 108 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 97 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 116 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 157 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 11° | 6° | 249 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 6° | 0° | 298 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 2° | -5° | 226 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 0° | -7° | 219 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Chichagof Island
Chichagof Island is part of Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago and is reached by sea or air. Access options include Alaska Marine Highway ferries where available and regional floatplane or small aircraft charters to island communities; many settlements on the island are served by seaplane from larger hubs such as Juneau or Sitka, and by private boat.
Tips for Visiting Chichagof Island
- Time wildlife-focused visits for summer and early autumn when salmon runs and coastal feeding draw bears and sea birds to accessible shorelines; bookings for bear-viewing charters and guides should be made well ahead.
- Reach the island via scheduled regional ferries or local air charters (from Sitka, Hoonah or nearby hubs) and plan boat landings around tides-many of the island's beaches and anchorages are tide-dependent and easier at mid to high tide.
- Explore less-visited coastal sections by hiring a local charter operator; most visitors stick to the main settlements and miss the island's large tracts of temperate rainforest and quiet bays where marine mammals and seabirds gather.