Admiralty Island National Monument is located 15 miles
southeast of Juneau Alaska. The island is comprised of 1,406 sq. miles
of northern temperate spruce-hemlock rainforest, intertidal shoreline
and numerous creeks, inlets and waterways. Above the timberline lies
alpine tundra and semi-permanent ice fields. Admiralty Island lies completely
within the boundaries of the Tongass National Forest. It contains both
the largest concentrations of Bald Eagles and Brown Bears anywhere in
the world.
The only village on Admiralty Island is the community of Angoon, population
roughly 600, which is 80% Tlingit Indian. Angoon is a fishing village
and its economy is not centered on tourism, so no food or lodging will
be found there. Visitors to the island should stock up on supplies in
Juneau.
Visitors staying on Admiralty Island can rent one of the public use
cabins or find a primitive campsite. There are literally hundreds of
little beaches on the island, and there are designated campgrounds in
Mitchell Bay. Guests are reminded to strictly observe procedures for
bear safety and ecologic preservation.
The Koontznoowoo Wilderness is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. Visitors
will have several great hiking trails to choose from. There are countless
bays and waterways for fishing (catch and release) and boating, including
the 32-mile Cross Admiralty Canoe Rte to Mole Harbor. Hunting is permitted
in the Koontznoowoo Wilderness; Sitka Blacktailed Deer, Ptarmigan and
Brown Bears are all approved game animals, though non-residents must
hunt bear with a licensed guide.
Visitors to Admiralty Island often come to observe the island’s
famous bear population. The Pack Creek Viewing Area is the best place
to do so. During the summer months bears come to the creek to gorge
on salmon. The bears are uniquely habituated to humans, meaning that
they basically ignore visitors that don’t bother them or tempt
them with food. Note, however, that habituated is far from tame, and
that visitors must obey all procedures to the letter for their safety
and the bear’s. Visits are by permit only, and there are no roads;
floatplanes or kayaks are the most common means of reaching the area.
Wildlife that can be seen on and around
Admiralty Island National Monument includes Mergansers, Canada Geese,
Scoters, Porpoises, Harbor Seals and Humpbacked Whales.
In the language of Admiralty Island’s
native Tlingit tribes the term Koontznoowoo means “forest of the
bears”.
The greatest concentration of Bald Eagles
on Alaska’s Admiralty National Island Monument (and therefore
the world) can be found along the Seymour Canal.
