If you are looking for a beautiful new place to visit in Alaska, consider an enchanting adventure in remote Yakutat. This coastal community at the mouth of Yakutat Bay is on the very beginning of the Alaskan panhandle. Accessible by ferry or plane from Juneau or Valdez, this area is rich with rugged wilderness and incredibly scenic. Visit Yakutat and head to the remote public use cabin for an enchanting adventure. Head to the Russell Fjord Wilderness in Yakutat for a memorable hike through the rainforest in Alaska.
Russell Fiord (Fjord) Trail Tongass National Forest Terminus Forest Road 9955 Yakutat, AK
Directions to Trailhead:
From Yakutat, drive Forest Highway #10 (Dangerous River Road) east towards Harlequin Lake approximately 11.5 miles. Turn left on East Gate Road and follow East Gate Road 4.0 miles to the trailhead located at the end of the road.
Begin your journey in the beautiful seaside, rural Alaskan town of Yakutat. The small town lies 212 miles Northwest of Juneau and is a beautiful corner of Alaska.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Russell Fiord Wilderness is muskeg and temperate rain forest, a part of the Tongass National Forest and a habitat for many kinds of wildlife. The trail to the glacier is under a mile over the forested edge and down to the beach.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
In this location, there is ample rainfall and the forest is covered in thick moss, making the scenery truly enchanting. The trail rises 100 feet in elevation and intermediate in difficulty.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
The surrounding area is so wild and untouched that you are bound to see a variety of Alaska’s wildlife and interesting plants and flowers.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
There are several Public-use cabins in the area operated by the U.S. Forest Service. More info about the public-use cabins here.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
The view at the end of the Russel Fiord Trail is worth the hike, with a lovely lake spreading out at the base of the glacier.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Follow the shoreline for miles of additional hiking. Wilderness camping is unrestricted and powerboats, snowmobiles, and airplanes are allowed.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Head back over the same 0.8 mile trail and head back to town to keep enjoying the beauty of Yakutat.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Finish your hike with a relaxing sunset on Cannon Beach back in town. You’ll have an enchanting adventure in this beautiful part of Alaska.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Yakutat is The One Tiny Town In Alaska With An Unexpected Secret. There’s No Finer Place Than This Underrated Beach In Alaska, also in the area.
Forest Service Alaska Region | Flickr
Have you been on an enchanting adventure in Yakutat? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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