Gravina Islands

Island

Part of Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, the Gravina Islands include remote shorelines used by anglers, kayakers, and wildlife watchers accessing small settlements.

Gravina Islands Juneau, AlaskaAnchorage, AlaskaFairbanks, AlaskaSitka, AlaskaUtqiagvik, AlaskaNome, AlaskaKetchikan, AlaskaKodiakGravina Islands
In this guide

Gravina Islands essentials

Address: Gravina Islands, Alexander Archipelago, southeastern Alaska, United States
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About Gravina Islands

A small group of islands in the Alexander Archipelago of southeastern Alaska, lying immediately across the Tongass Narrows from the city of Ketchikan. The largest island in the group, Gravina Island, is notable for hosting Ketchikan International Airport and for a widely publicized bridge proposal from the 2000s.

The area is primarily visited for transport connections, local fishing and wildlife viewing. Shoreline habitat and forested interiors support seabirds, marine mammals and coastal forest species, and the islands are used for small-scale recreation and access to remote shoreline areas. Local boat tours and ferries provide the normal visitor access from Ketchikan.

The islands lie within the traditional territory of Tlingit peoples and were used for seasonal fishing and hunting. During the 20th century one island became the site of the regional airport and small-scale development associated with Ketchikan.

Sited in southeastern Alaska immediately west of downtown Ketchikan, separated by the Tongass Narrows. The islands form part of the Alexander Archipelago and are surrounded by sheltered waterways and fjords of the Inside Passage.

  • Access: The island group sits adjacent to the city of Ketchikan, with vehicle and pedestrian ferry links serving residents and visitors.
  • Airport location: Ketchikan International Airport is located on one of the islands, making the group the air gateway for the local area.

What to See#

  • Gravina Island: Largest and most prominent island in the group, located immediately across the Tongass Narrows from Ketchikan and home to Ketchikan International Airport (KTN).
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Gravina Islands

Alaskan summers give the easiest access and the best chance of calm seas and wildlife viewing.

Summer
June-August · 8-18°C
Longest daylight, best access by boat or floatplane, wildlife activity.
Late Spring / Early Autumn
May, September · 5-12°C
Fewer visitors, variable weather; good for experienced kayakers.

Weather & Climate near Gravina Islands

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 18°C. Heavy rainfall (3042 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 15 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -1° - 5° -3° 286 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
February - 0° - 6° -1° 247 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
March - 1° - 7° 0° 229 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
April - 3° - 9° 3° 224 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
May - 5° - 13° 7° 182 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
June - 8° - 16° 12° 150 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
July - 11° - 18° 14° 139 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
August - 11° - 18° 14° 196 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
September - 9° - 15° 12° 275 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
October - 5° - 11° 5° 439 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
November - 2° - 7° 1° 351 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
December - 0° - 5° -1° 324 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Gravina Islands

Access is by private boat or floatplane from mainland towns such as Ketchikan or Wrangell. Coordinate with local charter operators for transport and landing permissions.

Tips for Visiting Gravina Islands

  • Bring bear-aware gear and follow local regulations; the Aleutian region hosts abundant wildlife and harsh conditions.
  • Charter boats or floatplanes are the usual ways to reach the islands-coordinate with local operators in Wrangell or Ketchikan.