Kupreanof Island Island
Forest-covered island in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago
Kupreanof Island lies in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, a forested island used for fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing; small lodges and floatplanes connect it to regional communities.
Kupreanof Island at a Glance#
Address: Kupreanof Island, Alexander Archipelago, Alaska, USA
Admission: No entrance fee (island access by boat or floatplane; local regulations apply)
About Kupreanof Island#
Kupreanof Island is an island in southeastern Alaska and part of the Alexander Archipelago. The island is largely forested and cut by fjords, inlets and tidal waterways typical of the coastal temperate rainforest.
Small communities and settlements are present on and near the island; historically and today the local economy includes fishing, timber-related activities and subsistence use. The island’s terrain includes low mountains, lakes and wetlands.
The island has been used and inhabited by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers involved in regional maritime industries. Modern access is typically by boat or floatplane and services are limited outside the small settlements.
Kupreanof Island lies in southeast Alaska among many other islands of the Alexander Archipelago, close to towns such as Petersburg which is located on a nearby island across a narrow channel.
- Environment: The island is part of the Alexander Archipelago and is characterised by dense temperate rainforest, many lakes and complex tidal channels.
How to Get to Kupreanof Island#
Access is by scheduled or chartered ferry via the Alaska Marine Highway, private boat or floatplane from Petersburg or other nearby towns. Arrange transport in advance; services are seasonal and subject to weather.
Tips for Visiting Kupreanof Island#
- Access is by floatplane from Petersburg or by small boat - coordinate with local authorities and commercial operators.
- Bring insect repellent - coastal Alaska in summer is mosquito country in sheltered areas.
- Plan logistics carefully: services on Kupreanof are limited; the nearby town of Kupreanof and Petersburg supply most amenities.
Best Time to Visit Kupreanof Island#
Kupreanof Island is one of the larger islands in Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, largely forested and sparsely populated, with small communities and abundant wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Kupreanof Island#
Kupreanof Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (3570 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (353 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (280 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (259 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (221 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (238 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (385 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (544 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (393 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (368 mm).