Kruzof Island
Island Forest-covered Alaskan island near Sitka, rugged coastline
Large island in the Alexander Archipelago near Sitka, home to Mount Edgecumbe and coastal forests; day trips offer hiking, wildlife viewing and visits to volcanic slopes and black‑sand beaches.
An island in the Alexander Archipelago off the southeast coast of Alaska, located near the city of Sitka and notable for a prominent volcanic cone on the island.
The island’s defining feature is a conical dormant volcano that dominates the landscape and is visible from Sitka across the water. The island is sparsely populated and valued for its scenery, wildlife and the volcanic landmark rather than developed visitor facilities.
The island is within the historical territory used by the Tlingit people and later explored and mapped during Russian and American periods of Alaskan history; the volcanic cone has been referenced in regional navigation and local history.
Lies off the southwestern shore of the Baranof Island/Sitka area in southeastern Alaska, within the Alexander Archipelago and visible from Sitka on the Alaskan mainland.
- Volcanic landmark: Contains Mount Edgecumbe, the island's most prominent landmark and a dormant stratovolcano visible from Sitka.
- Access: Part of the Alexander Archipelago and accessed from Sitka by boat or small aircraft rather than by road.
What to See #
- Mount Edgecumbe: A dormant stratovolcano rising to about 3,200 feet (approximately 975 meters) that forms a prominent cone on the island and is visible from Sitka on the Alaskan mainland.
How to Get to Kruzof Island #
Kruzof Island is off the coast of southeastern Alaska near Sitka. Access is by private boat or small aircraft; charter services operate from Sitka depending on weather and season. Visitors should coordinate with local operators and respect private lands and any local restrictions.
Tips for Visiting Kruzof Island #
- Plan sea and air transport well in advance - these islands are remote and services infrequent.
- Respect local subsistence activities and obtain permission before landing; some areas are inhabited or used by Native corporations.
- Bring comprehensive provisioning - fuel, food and medical supplies can be difficult to replace on short notice.
Best Time to Visit Kruzof Island #
Summer months for the most reliable weather and access in the region.
Weather & Climate near Kruzof Island #
Kruzof Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2470 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (234 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (307 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (390 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (271 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (246 mm).
