In the Sitka area, on nearby Admiralty Island, the grizzly bear
population is so big that there is one bear per square mile.
The remoteness of the island emphasizes the stunning natural environment. Just south of town is Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, which towers over the sea at 3,200 ft. Peak 5390 is the highest peak on the island at 5,390 feet. The mountains are home to plenty of streams and rivers if you want to kayak or fish. The weather in Sitka is moderate. The town gets an average rainfall of 86 inches and 39 inches of snowfall. The temperature ranges from 62 degrees Fahrenheit in August to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in January.
Sitka is surrounded by the 17 million acre, Tongass National Forest - the largest national forest in the United States. Tongass National Forest stretches from the ocean to the Canadian border. There are tons of huts and cabins to visit in the National Forest. The area is home to salmon, bald eagles, moose, black bear, and grizzly bears in a variety of eco-systems.
The prime time for hunting deer and goat is September to November. The hunting season for bear is spring and fall, but spring is the best. Be sure to check the current Alaska Hunting Regulations before planning your trip. If you're in stunning Sitka to fish, the summer months are a great time to take a charter fishing trip or to visit a fishing lodge in search of salmon, trout, or halibut.
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