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Jefferson Moser CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Etolin Island

Island

Etolin Island in the Alexander Archipelago lies within Tongass National Forest, with dense temperate rainforest and coastal inlets; visitors come for sportfishing, kayaking and remote-wilderness camping.

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In this guide

Etolin Island essentials

Country: United States
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Dollar ($)
Language: English

Etolin Island at a Glance

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Etolin Island

Visit in summer (June-August) when sea and weather conditions are most favorable and wildlife and access are at their peak.

Summer (best access)
Jun-Aug · 8-15°C
Mildest weather and greatest accessibility by boat or small plane; best time for hiking, wildlife viewing and safe sea travel.
Shoulder seasons
May & Sep · 3-10°C
Cool and changeable conditions with fewer visitors; some services may be limited but wildlife can still be active.
Winter (remote and harsh)
Oct-Apr · −5-5°C
Cold, dark and often stormy with sea ice and limited access - only for well-equipped expeditions.

Weather & Climate near Etolin Island

Climate

Etolin Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (3101 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 15 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -5° - 0° -7° 306 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
February - -4° - 2° -5° 256 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
March - -3° - 2° -5° 236 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
April - -1° - 5° -1° 203 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
May - 2° - 10° 4° 180 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
June - 5° - 14° 8° 147 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
July - 8° - 15° 11° 147 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
August - 8° - 15° 12° 204 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
September - 6° - 12° 7° 304 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
October - 2° - 7° 1° 443 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
November - -2° - 2° -4° 340 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
December - -4° - 1° -6° 335 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Etolin Island

Etolin Island is in the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska and is not served by roads. The usual ways to reach the island are by private boat or by charter/floatplane from nearby towns such as Wrangell or Petersburg; Wrangell is the closest population centre with air/boat access. There are no regular vehicle ferries or public roads onto the island, so plan for a water or small-air transfer and bring suitable gear for remote travel.

Tips for Visiting Etolin Island

  • Etolin Island is remote with no road connections to major towns, so plan access by boat from the nearest coastal communities and travel operators rather than assuming regular ferry services.
  • There are no visitor services on the island; treat any landing as wilderness travel - use an experienced local operator, check weather and sea conditions in advance, and allow extra time for transfers.
  • Wildlife viewing is a main draw; observe animals from the water or a safe distance ashore and coordinate with your guide about local wildlife sensitivities and seasonal highlights.