Etolin Island Island
Remote Alaskan island in the Alexander Archipelago.
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.
Etolin Island at a Glance#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Etolin Island#
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (306 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (256 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (236 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (203 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (204 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (304 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (443 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (340 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (335 mm).