Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska)About Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska)
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 3° | -4° | 279 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 229 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 2° | -5° | 214 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 169 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 7° | 2° | 153 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 10° | 5° | 125 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 12° | 8° | 141 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 13° | 10° | 197 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 10° | 6° | 331 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 7° | 1° | 421 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 317 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 3° | -4° | 308 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
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.