Yakutat is a former city that is now a borough in Alaska. In Tlingit, its name means “Yakwdáat” (meaning “great ice,” in Eyak) and Yaakw (meaning “yaakw”). The Borough is home to many historical places and attractions.
Harlequin Lake
Harlequin Lake is a beautiful lake located near the town of Yakutat, Alaska. It is fed by the Yakutat Glacier, and is often surrounded by floating icebergs. This lake is an excellent spot for a day-trip or for an overnight stay.
From Yakutat, take Forest Highway #10 to Harlequin Lake. Follow it for about 30 miles until you see a bridge over the Dangerous River. There is additional parking just west of the bridge. The trip takes about an hour.
Harlequin Lake is one of the fastest-growing lakes in North America. Its edge is more than 15 square miles. A recent Landsat satellite image shows that the glacier is retreating rapidly and that the lake has grown by more than fifteen square miles. The ice in the lake is thicker and more blue-green than in earlier years.
Harlequin Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Yakutat. It is fed by a glacier and is home to hundreds of icebergs. You can also go for a hike to see moose in the nearby area.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is one of the top places to visit in Yakutat, Alaska. It is the largest tidewater glacier in North America and stretches 8 miles wide. It is also the most active glacier in Alaska. During peak tides, riptides and currents flow between the glacier’s face and Gilbert Point, which causes the ice to continually calve. It is located in the remote, wilderness area of the Russell Fjord.
If you’d like to see Hubbard Glacier from the air, you can hire a plane. There are several local companies that offer flightseeing tours of the glacier and others nearby. You’ll be able to see some of the most amazing sights in Alaska without having to worry about getting stuck on the iceberg.
You can see the Hubbard Glacier from a boat or from the air, but most people prefer to see it from the water. Several cruise ship companies include it on their Alaska cruise itineraries. If you’d like to learn more about glaciers, you can access several useful resources from the National Park Service. You can learn about the different types of glaciers in the area by checking out The Life of a Glacier, Glaciers in Alaska National Parks, and Southeast Alaska Inventory & Monitoring Network.
Another great activity to do in Yakutat is kayaking. There are several kayaking outfitters in the area. You can rent folding kayaks, or you can hire a professional outfitter to guide you on a guided expedition. Kayaking is also a great way to explore the bays near the town.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a gorgeous ocean beach located along the Yakutat Bay in Southeast Alaska. The beach is home to some of the most gorgeous tide pools in the world. Cannon Beach is about 200 miles from Juneau, Alaska. You can find many different types of waves at this popular surf spot. In addition to the waves, you can also find whale watching, possible bear and moose sightings, and Forest Service camping platforms.
This community has a strong Native American history, and visitors can explore this heritage by visiting the local elders. During your visit, you can see the Tlingit traditional clothing, listen to a storyteller, or see the local Tlingit dance group.
The water temperature at Cannon Beach is 8.5 degrees Celsius, so you will need a neoprene hood and gloves. It’s also important to bring boots to prevent getting wet. Cannon Beach is located in an area with cloudy weather, and the effective air temperature is 6.0 degrees Celsius. The wind and surf are variable in strength and direction, so you will want to dress appropriately for the weather and the conditions.
If you’re planning a camping trip, be sure to pack warm clothing. The temperatures can drop to the low 30s during the summer, and even lower in the mountains. You may want to bring a telephoto camera to capture photos of wildlife. You can also explore the area by hiking or by vehicle, or by renting a chartered boat.
Fishing
The remote fishing village of Yakutat, Alaska, is a hidden treasure for fly fishermen. The surrounding area is home to the Malaspina glacier, the largest in North America, and numerous rivers, which have been stocked with salmon for thousands of years. Yakutat is home to a diverse population of fish, from salmon to steelhead.
The fishing in Yakutat is excellent year-round. Many of the bays and backwaters are accessible by small boats. Some of these bays offer some of the best halibut fishing in Alaska. Many commercial salmon and halibut charter boats are also available, and will provide all the gear necessary for catching fish.
The climate in Yakutat is temperate, with rainy weather. The town averages 132 inches of precipitation per year. The summer is the least rainy season, with temperatures hovering in the 50s. However, shoulder months can still be cold, so it is important to wear layers and pack rain gear.
The Situk River is located near Yakutat and is a unique and prolific river. It is home to 4 species of wild salmon, including the largest steelhead run in the state. The river also features resident rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and cutthroat trout. The river is accessible by air from Yakutat via Alaska Airlines. The airline has flights into Yakutat twice daily, so you won’t have any problems getting there.
In addition to fishing, there are many other activities to do while in Yakutat, Alaska. Kayaking is a great way to explore the area and see the beautiful scenery. The town also offers some of the world’s best surfing.
Hiking
Hiking in Yakutat is a wonderful way to explore this picturesque community in southeast Alaska. The area offers many beautiful trails, endless waterways, and world-class fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The region also boasts some of the world’s largest non-polar ice fields and some of North America’s highest peaks, including Mt. Saint Elis, the second highest peak in the country.
There are numerous hiking trails in Yakutat, most of which are relatively well maintained. If you’re a beginner or are a family looking for a day trip, try hiking near Harlequin Lake. This lake is fed by the Yakutat Glacier, and the hike will provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is not very challenging, and it’s teeming with wildlife, so it’s ideal for hikers of all skill levels.
If you’re interested in seeing moose, take a hike along the Sitk Lake Trail, located 11.5 miles east of Yakutat. This trail is located along the shores of a fjord and is part of the Mountain Lake Trail. It’s a short hike that will take you near a moose colony.
If you’re planning a hike, check the weather before setting out. The amount of sunshine and precipitation can affect your enjoyment and safety. It’s also important to make sure you’re wearing appropriate gear. Also, be sure to avoid slippery areas and finish hiking before the sun sets.
Birding
If you are looking for a great birding experience, Yakutat is the place to go. The local birding area is home to several bird species, and the city has many resources to help you identify them. The city also has several unique birding opportunities, including the Yakutat Tern Festival, which celebrates the terns and local natural history. The festival includes educational activities for children, art exhibits, and Native cultural presentations.
Birds are plentiful in this region, and the extensive tundra provides nesting grounds for migratory and resident species. Look out for tundra and trumpeter swans, emperor geese, brants, ducks, and terns. The area also hosts a number of bald eagles, which gather in thousands every year to feed on salmon.
Birding in Yakutat, Alaska is not difficult despite the remoteness of the town. There are over 200 different bird species to see, and a good way to experience them is to take a boat cruise or inner island cruise. The waterways surrounding the village provide the perfect habitat for birding.
In early June 2019, researchers reported good numbers of Aleutian terns. These birds quietly traverse half of the planet each year.