Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska)
Mountain Dormant stratovolcano near Sitka on Kruzof Island
On Kruzof Island near Sitka, Mount Edgecumbe is a symmetrical volcanic cone visible from town. Day trips by boat or small aircraft bring photographers, anglers and hikers to coastal approaches.
Mount Edgecumbe is a dormant stratovolcano on Kruzof Island in southeastern Alaska, rising to about 3,201 ft (975 m). It is a well-known visual landmark for the community of Sitka and for marine traffic in the area.
The volcano has a conspicuous conical profile with a central crater; it is commonly photographed from Sitka and the nearby waters. The mountain is climbed by visitors who reach Kruzof Island by boat or floatplane and then hike to the rim, but conditions can be steep and exposed.
The peak has been recognized as a local landmark for centuries and figures prominently in regional navigation and local culture. Modern recreational visits are seasonal and depend on weather and access arrangements.
Kruzof Island lies just off the coast of Baranof Island; Mount Edgecumbe sits roughly to the west-southwest of Sitka within the Tongass National Forest.
- Elevation and type: 3,201 ft (975 m); a dormant stratovolcano on Kruzof Island that forms a prominent landmark visible from Sitka and surrounding waters.
- Access: Access is by private boat or floatplane to Kruzof Island; there is no regular public ferry service and visitors should plan logistics carefully.
How to Get to Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska) #
Most visitors see Mount Edgecumbe from Sitka. Sitka is reached by air via Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) or by Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Boat trips and kayaking excursions depart from Sitka Harbor; private boat charters that cross Sitka Sound to Kruzof Island are common in summer (schedule varies by operator). From Sitka’s waterfront viewpoint at Totem Square it’s a short shore-side walk to get clear photos of the cone.
Tips for Visiting Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska) #
- Approach from Sitka: take the ferry from Sitka to Kruzof Island for the most cinematic approach; private boats also land at Cape Edgecumbe.
- Bring binoculars for birdlife and to inspect the jagged crater rim-wildlife viewing is better in early morning or late afternoon.
- Respect private property on Kruzof Island; much of the island is privately owned or restricted.
Best Time to Visit Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska) #
Best visited late spring through early autumn for boat access and daylight; weather can change rapidly, so plan for wind and fog.
Weather & Climate near Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska) #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -2°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2884 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (279 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (229 mm).
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (214 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (331 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 (421 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (317 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (308 mm).
