Yakutat is a former city and now a borough in Alaska. Its name is derived from Tlingit, which means “Yakwdáat.” The Eyak version is “diyaqudat” and the Tlingit version is “yaakw.” There are many places to see in Yakutat, including Mount St. Elias, the second highest peak in the United States.
Moose, bear, and waterfowl are the most sought-after species
The Yakutat area is home to a variety of animals, including bears, moose, and waterfowl. Moose are usually easy to spot, and they can be seen almost anywhere. They can be especially aggressive if they have calves, so it is important to keep a safe distance. Moose can also be photographed, so make sure you have a telephoto lens. There are many ways to view wildlife in Yakutat, including by hiking, driving, and by chartered boat.
If you’re interested in hunting these animals, you should know that the best times of year depend on the species you’re hoping to hunt. Some species are legal year-round, while others have a specific hunting season. For instance, moose hunting is only permitted by non-residents for two weeks in early September. For more information, contact the local fish and game department or an outfitter.
The most sought-after species in Yakut at present include moose, bear, and waterfowl. During the fall, you’ll have the opportunity to hunt sandhill cranes, which are huntable. During the September moose hunting season, you can see them staging for their migration south.
The town’s history is rich. It is home to many cultures, from the Eyak-speaking natives to English, French, and Spanish explorers. In 1805, the Russian-American Co. built a fort in the town. However, the Russians refused to give local Tlingit access to the fisheries, and a Tlingit war party attacked the fort. Then, in 1884, the Alaska Commercial Co. opened a store in Yakutat, and gold was discovered in the area.
The most sought-after species in Yakut at Alaska are moose, bear, and waterfowl. While you’re out hunting for these creatures, make sure you take plenty of photos to capture the best shots.
Harlequin Lake is fed by Yakutat Glacier
Harlequin Lake is one of the fastest growing lakes in North America and is fed by the Yakutat Glacier in Southeastern Alaska. Recent Landsat images show the rapidly retreating glacier, which has caused the lake’s edge to expand 15 square miles since 1999. In addition, the lake’s ice has become thicker, revealing the deep turquoise color of the water.
Harlequin Lake is surrounded by mountains and a scenic drive leads to the trailhead. At the trailhead, you’ll find a stunning glassy lake dotted with icebergs. The hike is ideal for novices and is filled with wildlife.
Since 2000, the area of the west branch of the Yakutat Glacier has been losing 2.1 km2 per year. It had a mean calving front width of 4.2 km in 2000, but a significant retreat in calving since 2007 has resulted in a shrinking accumulation zone. The ice loss from this glacier is the third highest among land-terminating glaciers.
The retreat of the Yakutat Glacier began during the 19th century. The rate of retreat accelerated throughout the twentieth century, and it reached 15 km in 20 years. However, the rate of retreat is not constant, and it is not clear why this is happening. It may be a function of changing climate conditions, episodic calving, and lake geometry. The shallow waters around the glacier’s terminus may have inhibited calving during the 1960s and 1980s.
Icy Bay is a popular destination for sea kayakers
Sea kayaking in Icy Bay is a popular activity for tourists visiting Yakutat. The bay is home to numerous islands, which make kayaking here a great activity. The bay is accessible by small bush planes, and most kayakers choose to use collapsible kayaks. Sea kayak tours are offered by several companies and lodges in Yakutat. Some offer guided tours and Alaskan cuisine.
Yakutat is a quaint town on the northern shore of the Inside Passage. It is famous for its epic waves, which can reach up to 25 feet. The best waves are found from mid-April to mid-June, while the colder winter waters average in the low to mid-50s. Because of its location, Yakutat is accessible by plane and Alaska Marine Highway ferry.
If you’re looking for accommodations, Icy Bay Lodge is a great option. It is located right on the bay, and has satellite wifi. The lodge also has a cozy lounge for guests to relax. The lodge also has five heated cabins that are equipped with hot showers and are comfortable enough for two people.
The area is rich in culture. It is home to the Malaspina Glacier, Alaska’s largest glacier. The glacier is nearly 40 miles across and is thousands of feet thick. It is a popular destination for kayakers.
Sea kayakers in Yakutat can experience the wildlife of the area. Its black sandy beaches were once used to mine gold. Locals believe that a barge containing millions of dollars may still be buried at the bottom of the ocean. Japanese fishing nets often wash ashore, and glass balls from the nets wash ashore during storms. The locals are getting more tuned into the rhythm of the waves, and the outsiders are following suit.
Mount St. Elias is the second tallest peak in the United States
Mount Saint Elias is the second tallest peak on the North American continent and is found on the border of Alaska and Canada. It is 18,009 feet (5,489 meters) high and lies within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, near Glacier Bay. The mountain has a high density of glaciers, and volcanic activity has been recorded.
In the native Yakutat Tlingit language, Mount Saint Elias is known as Yas’eit’aa Shaa. An Italian expedition first climbed its summit in 1897. The third tallest peak in the United States is Mount Foraker, at 17,400 feet (5304 meters).
Mount Saint Elias is a large pyramid-shaped mountain that rises 18,008 feet. It is located in Alaska, 70 miles northwest of the city of Yakutat. It was first climbed by Vitus Bering on July 31, 1897. It is the second tallest peak in both the United States and Canada, and it is only about 35 miles away from the ocean.
The Saint Elias Mountains are a subgroup of the Pacific Coast Ranges and are located in southeastern Alaska and Southwestern Yukon. The Saint Elias Mountains also cover parts of Yakutat, Kluane National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park.
Mountain climbing in the Saint Elias Mountains is a challenge. The second tallest peak in the United States is only reached 50 times since 1887 and has no well-established trail to the summit. Mountaineers should plan ahead and do research to make the right decision.
There are no permits or registration requirements to climb in the park, though it is advised to check in with the park rangers to avoid any issues. Because there is no search and rescue service, mountain climbers are required to make good judgment calls.
Blueberries and salmon berries are available in Yakutat
The Yakutat region has a wide variety of wildlife. In fact, many of the birds that live in the area are rare elsewhere. Some of the animals you’ll find here include sparrows, finches, thrushes, and swallows. You can also find owls, muskrats, lemmings, and sandpipers.
During the summer months, blueberries and salmon berries are available in the area. In the fall, you’ll find several kinds of edible mushrooms. Make sure to know which kind to pick, as some are poisonous. Also, don’t try to eat mushrooms you don’t recognize.
The climate in Yakutat is temperate and wet. The average temperature is around 42°F, but it can be cold at times. It also receives a lot of precipitation, with 132 inches of snowfall per year. The people of Yakutat depend on subsistence fishing and hunting. However, there are opportunities for economic growth in the town.
The salmonberry is a keystone species, meaning it is an important food source for local animals. Its leaves, twigs, and berries are crucial to the local ecosystem. Among other things, they are an important source of protein for small mammals, birds, and insects.
Yakutat has a diverse cultural history. Its original inhabitants were Eyak-speaking people who were eventually conquered by the Tlingit. The area was also visited by English, French, and Spanish explorers. In the early 1800s, a Russian-American Company established a fort in Yakutat, but the Russians refused to let the local Tlingits access the fisheries. In 1884, a Tlingit war party attacked the Russian-American Co. store and burned it down. In the same year, the area was also mined for gold.
In Yakutat, salmon berries and blueberries are widely available. Bears also hang out in areas with maroon-colored blueberries.