Mitkof Island
Island Forested Alexander Archipelago island with small communities
Mitkof Island in Alaska hosts Petersburg and its fishing fleet; travelers come for salmon fisheries, bear- and whale-watching boat trips, rugged Coast Range hikes and contacts with local Tlingit communities.
Mitkof Island is part of the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska and hosts the town of Petersburg on its eastern shore. The island is within Petersburg Borough and forms part of the coastal island chain used for fishing and regional transport.
The island’s economy and daily life are closely tied to commercial fishing, seafood processing and services centred on Petersburg. Transport links include Alaska Marine Highway ferry services and regional air connections.
Historically the island was inhabited by Tlingit peoples and later saw Russian and American settlement associated with the fishing industry. Today it functions as a small regional centre within the archipelago.
Mitkof Island lies in inland waters of the Alexander Archipelago and is surrounded by other islands and channels typical of southeastern Alaska’s coastal geography.
- Regional context: Part of the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska and within Petersburg Borough, the island is served by ferry and air connections to other regional communities.
What to See #
- Petersburg: Petersburg is the largest settlement on the island and is located on the eastern shore; it functions as the island's service and transport hub.
How to Get to Mitkof Island #
Mitkof Island is accessed via ferry or small aircraft to Petersburg, Alaska. Alaska Marine Highway or local air services connect Petersburg to other Southeast Alaska communities.
Tips for Visiting Mitkof Island #
- Hire local guides for island exploration - they know trails, fishing spots, and places to observe wildlife.
- Respect private properties and local land-use customs; much of the island is forested or privately owned.
Best Time to Visit Mitkof Island #
Summer months provide the most reliable access and weather for outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Mitkof Island #
Mitkof Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (3058 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (304 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (242 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (221 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Heavy rain (206 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (314 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (457 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (337 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (319 mm).
![Zarembo Island](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/FMIB_49129_USFisheries_steamer_"Osprey"_at_Zarembo_Island.jpeg?width=600)
