West Coast of Baranof Island

Book 8 · Chapter 12

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West Coast of Baranof Island

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NOAA Coast Pilot figure — Open original at NOAA

This chapter describes the west coast of Baranof Island, the coasts of Kruzof Island and Sitka Sound and the city and port of Sitka. The east coast of Baranof Island has been described with Chatham Strait in chapter 10.

, about 90 miles long with a greatest width of about 22 miles, forms about one-third of the outer coastline of southeastern Alaska between Cape Muzon and Cape Spencer. The west coast from Cape Ommaney at Chatham Strait to Point Kakul at Peril Strait is about 80 miles. Mt. Katlian, 4,303 feet high, is in the north part of the island. The greater elevations are on the south part of the island.

 Prominent features

Vessels making the land at Cape Edgecumbe in thick rainy weather may be aided in their determination of position by the color of the rocks. The rocks and cliffs north of Cape Edgecumbe are decidedly black as far as Cape Georgiana, and the rocks south of Cape Edgecumbe are a whitish gray from Biorka Island to Whale Bay. The shore for 3 miles north of Cape Edgecumbe rises in a precipitous cliff of dark brown lava about 200 feet high and forms a prominent landmark. Numerous large caves or blowholes can be seen in this lava cliff.

From Cape Ommaney, the west coast of Baranof Island trends northwest to Biorka Island, a distance of 50 miles. For a distance of about 20 miles from the cape, the shoreline has numerous inlets and indentations, which, as anchorages, furnish poor protection except to very small craft. The shore is of gray, storm-swept rock. From the headlands and points along the coast, the land rises to peaks and ridges in the interior of the island. The lower slopes are timbered; the ridges and summits are snow covered until well into the summer. The shoreline to the north of Biorka Island has the same general features but is less forbidding. During foggy weather along the coast, it is often clear in Chatham Strait.

 Weather

This coast is exposed to the weather from the Gulf of Alaska with some protection afforded in the north by Kruzof Island. However, from October through March, the area is pounded by gales, which blow about 10 percent of the time in open waters, and by waves which reach 8 feet or more up to 30 percent of the time. Wind waves and swells from distant storms also find their way into many of the bays and inlets. Strongest winds are usually out of the north, east and southeast. Along the coast, strong southeasterlies trigger williwaws in many areas. Precipitation is frequent year round; in winter, up to one-third of it falls as snow. Visibilities are worst during June, July and August as warm air blows over still-cool waters.

 Cape Ommaney to Kekur Point

, the south extremity of Baranof Island, is a remarkable promontory terminating in Ommaney Peak, a bluff, rugged, rocky mountain, detached from the higher land north by a low depression running through from Port Conclusion. Wooden Island, close southeast of the cape, is marked by Cape Ommaney Light (). (See chapter 10 for descriptions of the island and light.)

is an open bight on the west side of Cape Ommaney and is of no importance to navigation. are a group of bare rocks close off the first point west of Cape Ommaney.

, about 1.8 miles northwest of Cape Ommaney, is the southeast point at the entrance to Larch Bay. It terminates in a wooded hummock that may be mistaken for Wooden Island during an approach from northwest.

is a large open bay with an arm that extends in a northeast direction. Anchorage may be found in about 20 fathoms in this arm. Small launches use this arm during the fishing season when fair weather prevails. Rocks extend about 500 yards off the west point of the entrance to the bay. There are low depressions between the bay and Chatham Strait.

, about 5.8 miles northwest of Cape Ommaney, has depths of 21 fathoms at the entrance, decreasing to 7 fathoms about 0.3 mile from the head, and then shoals rapidly. At the head of the bay are a stream and a gravel beach with outcropping rocks. Exposed anchorage for small vessels may be had in 6 to 7 fathoms, hard bottom. In entering, favor the north shore to avoid rocks awash and breakers off the south shore near the entrance.

Sealion Rocks () are a cluster of four dark rocks about 7.5 miles above Cape Ommaney and directly off the entrance to Puffin Bay. Several smaller outlying rocks are close-to. The central rock is pyramidal in appearance with steep sides; the others are somewhat more massive. The depths are good on all sides of the rocks, but it is better to pass south of them in entering Puffin Bay.

is about 7.2 miles northwest of Cape Ommaney. On the northwest shore near the entrance is a massive patch of white rock. Depths in the bay range from 90 fathoms near the entrance to 23 fathoms close to the head. A small bight in the northwest shore, 1 mile within the bay, furnishes temporary anchorage with limited swinging room for small craft. The entrance to the anchorage has a depth of 11 fathoms in a channel about 60 yards wide between shoals that extend from both points of the entrance. The cove furnishes little protection from south. The small cove in the southeast shore near the head of the bay furnishes anchorage for small craft in 5 to 8 fathoms in the middle of the cove. The very narrow entrance channel has depths of 12 fathoms. Williwaws blow with considerable force during southeast gales.

is a little bay 1.2 miles north of Sealion Rocks; its entrance is obstructed by reefs marked by kelp patches. The cove is exposed.

is a massive, dark, round-topped rock, about 1.8 miles north-northwest of Sealion Rocks and about 1.6 miles southeast of Redfish Point.

is a narrow peninsula appearing as a comparatively low, wooded ridge, parallel to the coast; it is the only apparent low ridge in the vicinity. From north a short distance above Redfish Cape, a white conspicuous cliff is seen in the midst of the timber. A chain of barely separated wooded islets extends 0.5 mile south from the end of the cape; the southernmost one terminates in (). Between Redfish Point and Big Branch Rock are the entrances to Little Branch Bay, Big Branch Bay and Redfish Bay.

, awash at low water, is 0.1 mile south of the outer rocks south of Redfish Point. It breaks except in calm weather. A rocky patch with a least-found depth of 3½ fathoms is about 0.5 mile southeast from the same point. A shoal covered 7 fathoms is about 0.6 mile south of the point.

is about 1.9 miles long to the narrows, which are barely 75 yards wide, and widens into a basin. About 0.4 mile south-southwest of the narrows is an island, separated from the east shore by a channel 50 to 100 yards wide. Midchannel depths in the bay range from 81 fathoms near the entrance to 21 fathoms off the island, 12 fathoms in the narrows and 17 fathoms in the middle of the basin at the head. About 0.8 mile within the entrance, a narrow channel in the southeast shore, entered only at high water, leads to a lagoon that has depths of 1 to 7½ fathoms.

Little Branch Bay Light (), 109 feet above the water, shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark, marks the entrance to Little Branch Bay and Big Branch Bay.

, separated from Little Branch Bay by a high narrow neck of land, extends in a north-northeast direction and narrows in width 2.5 miles from the entrance, then widens again. An arm indenting the west shore about 0.9 mile from the west entrance point has depths from 9 to 20 fathoms, where small boats can find good shelter. About 2 miles from the entrance to Big Branch Bay is an islet close to the west shore. The bight on the east shore east of this islet affords indifferent anchorage in 23 fathoms. Depths up to 66 fathoms are found above the narrows.

has its entrance between Redfish Cape and . From its entrance the bay extends in a general north direction, narrowing in places to about 100 yards and in one place to about 80 feet. The channels are probably safe but too narrow for safe steering; there is no certainty that dangers do not exist. The use of the bay by vessels other than small craft is not recommended.

, within the entrance of Redfish Bay, about 0.6 mile east of Redfish Cape, furnishes secure anchorage for small craft. The entrance is about 75 yards wide.

The small bay 2.6 miles north-northwest of Redfish Cape furnishes good shelter for small boats, but the entrance is so narrow and the turns so sharp that a vessel of any size cannot enter, especially if there is any swell.

Byron Bay is 4.3 miles north of Redfish Cape and is apparently clear but too deep for secure anchorage. Indifferent, temporary anchorage may be obtained in about 22 fathoms close to the west shore about 0.8 mile within the entrance. Close to the west shore, near the head, is a small island above which small craft can find anchorage. A thin, high waterfall, visible from offshore, empties into a lake north-northwest of the bay. A flat over 100 yards wide is at the head of the bay. In entering, favor the east shore, which is bold and steep-to.

Kekur Point (), a rounded point backed by a flat-topped ridge, is about 4.5 miles north-northwest of Redfish Cape. First Kekur, a group of black rocks, is off the south extremity of this point. A breaker over a least-found depth of 2¾ fathoms, surrounded by deep water, is about 0.4 mile northwest from the First Kekur.

 Snipe Bay to Slate Islets

, indenting the west coast of Baranof Island, has its entrance about 18 miles northwest of Cape Ommaney and 1.8 miles north of Kekur Point. The bay is deep and clear except for the rocks close to the shore at the entrance. The islets off the southeast entrance point are wooded. A group of islets is close to the northwest entrance point. About 1.4 miles within the entrance in the southeast shore is a sheltered bight with 35 fathoms in the middle. At the head of Snipe Bay are two short branches. A conspicuous waterfall empties into the head of the north branch. Depths of 31 fathoms were obtained in the small bight south of the northeast branch.

, the northwest entrance point of Snipe Bay, is a conspicuous straight-topped headland.

, 3 miles north of Snipe Bay, extends in a north-northeast direction and divides into two arms 0.8 mile from the entrance; a long narrow arm extends north and a second arm extends east.

Good anchorage may be had in 22 to 24 fathoms at the northeast head of the east arm off the waterfall. About 0.8 mile within the arm a group of islets extends off the north shore. Pass well south of these to avoid a 1½-fathom spot, not marked by kelp or showing any surface indication, which is about 0.1 mile south of the islands. Anchorage may be had either in the bight west of the islands or in the arm that extends northwest from the east arm.

A 7½-fathom spot in the middle of the entrance causes the seas to pile up dangerously in southeast weather.

The , a conspicuous conical rock islet, is 1.6 miles north-northwest of the northwest entrance point of Sandy Bay.

consists of an open bight and a lagoon that can only be entered on the flood. Several breakers are off the northwest point of the entrance.

has its entrance between Point Lauder and North Cape. It extends in a northeast direction for about 4 miles, where it divides into two arms, Great Arm and Small Arm.

, low and wooded, about 15 miles north-northwest of Redfish Cape, is the southeast point of the entrance to Whale Bay.

(), the northwest point of the entrance to Whale Bay, 4 miles northwest of Point Lauder, is an island close to shore with three hills on it. The middle hill is the highest.

, at the entrance to Whale Bay, is about 1.5 miles north of Point Lauder. The entrance, about 0.1 mile wide, is north of , the chain of rocky islets that extend north-northwest from the point northeast of Point Lauder. The northeast shore at the entrance is foul.

About 1 mile above the entrance to Still Harbor, a group of islets and rocks extend from the southwest shore, restricting the channel to about 150 yards. A rocky ledge extends about 250 yards from the northeast shore toward the north point of the 30-foot island that is close to the southwest shore, about 1.2 miles from the entrance. The only anchorage is at the head of the harbor, and even there the swell is felt in heavy weather; this anchorage is not recommended.

has its entrance about 2.7 miles northeast of Still Harbor. A submerged rock on which there is a depth of 1¾ fathoms is about 0.5 mile north off the west point of the entrance; it is reported to break in a moderate swell. Deep water surrounds this rock.

It is recommended that vessels bound for Port Banks steer midchannel courses until clear of the off-lying dangers, then head into Port Banks, favoring the east shore. The Makhnati Islands can usually be identified in thick weather; they furnish a good leading mark for clearing the off-lying 1¾-fathom rock. It is reported that breakers extend from this rock to the southwest point of the entrance during very heavy weather; under such conditions it is probably better to make Rakovoi Bay. After the 50-foot islet at the entrance to Port Banks is passed, the only obstruction is the small rocky islet, 6 feet high, 1.1 mile from the entrance. Pass to the east of this islet. About 0.4 mile beyond, the bay widens and forms a basin that has depths of about 15 fathoms. Good anchorage in depths from 8 to 20 fathoms, mud bottom, may be had in Port Banks, which is used extensively during the fishing season.

, used extensively during the fishing season, is between Port Banks and Rakovoi Bay. The bay affords excellent shelter but is used mostly by small craft because of its narrow entrance, about 75 yards wide. The entrance between Finger Point and is deep and clear except for a depth of 2¼ fathoms about 0.3 mile inside the entrance in Good anchorage in desired depths from 5 to 20 fathoms, mud bottom, can be had in the basin.

is 1.2 miles east of Port Banks. An island close to the east point makes the channel about 275 yards wide. The channel east of the island is foul and suitable only for small boats. Anchorage may be found south of the island at the entrance in about 18 fathoms or farther up the bay in 20 fathoms.

, the northeast arm of Whale Bay north-northeast of Rakovoi Bay, narrows to less than 0.3 mile at a distance of 5.3 miles from the entrance. A small bay indents the southeast shore 3.5 miles from the entrance, and another bay is at the narrows. Both bays have depths of over 30 fathoms. Great Arm is clear. An excellent anchorage with sand and mud bottom is in the small bay on the east side of the arm about 3.5 miles above the entrance to the arm. However, in the arm proper depths are too great for anchorage. is off the north entrance point to Great Arm.

extends in a north-northeast direction from the northwest side of Whale Bay. At its head it turns east for 0.6 mile. , a group of wooded islands, are off the entrance to Small Arm. Anchorage may be found among them, but it is exposed and not recommended. The depths in Small Arm are too great to afford anchorage. If the west shore is favored when passing the Makhnati Islands, no obstructions will be encountered throughout the length of the arm.

Necker Bay, about 35 miles northwest of Cape Ommaney and 3.5 miles north of North Cape, has its entrance between the Yamani Islets and the Guibert Islets. Yamani Islets, a group of wooded islets about 4 miles north from North Cape, form the northwest entrance point of Necker Bay. Good anchorage for small craft can be had north of the islets in Yamani Cove.

Guibert Islets, consisting of three low, bare, rocky islets and several small rocks, are about 3 miles north of North Cape and 0.5 mile off the southeast point at the entrance to Necker Bay. A rocky patch where 10 fathoms were found is about 0.5 mile north of the northernmost of the Guibert Islets in the middle of the bay; it is reported to break in extremely heavy weather. Except for the dangers previously described, deep water is found throughout the bay. About 5.6 miles from the entrance the bay widens and anchorage can be found in 30 fathoms on the east side of the bay.

Two remarkable headlands are about 2 miles northeast of the Guibert Islets, one on either side of Necker Bay. The rocky outcrop shows well offshore and makes a good landmark.

, on the southeast shore of Necker Bay, about 5 miles above the entrance, with reported depths of 4 to 7 fathoms, affords shelter for small boats.

, north of Toy Harbor and about 6 miles above the entrance to Necker Bay, affords excellent anchorage for small craft in depths of about 6 to 10 fathoms east of the largest islet near the head of the cove. The entrance to the anchorage, south of this islet, is about 125 yards wide. A shoal area, with a depth of ¼ fathom in about , extends about 300 yards northwest of the west island.

is separated from the north part of Necker Bay by a large island. The south entrance is extremely narrow, 30 yards at one place, with least known depth of 6½ fathoms. The north entrance, north of the island, is wider but is obstructed by a ledge that extends northeast about 100 yards from the north point of the island, leaving a clear channel of about 100 yards with a depth of 3½ fathoms. A large stream enters the north part of the bay, and an extensive flat strewn with boulders makes off the mouth of this stream. Small craft have found anchorage in 14 fathoms in the north part of the bay off this flat and anchorage in 6 fathoms in the south part of the bay.

A small bay extends from the head of Necker Bay where anchorage may be found in 20 fathoms, soft bottom.

Slate Islets, a group of rocky islets, parallel the shore between Necker Bay and Walker Channel. One of the southeast islets has a few trees on it. Between the islets and the main shore is deep water, but many rocks make navigation dangerous without local knowledge.

 Crawfish Inlets to Hot Springs Bay

Crawfish Inlets, with entrances 6.5 to 11.5 miles northwest of North Cape (), consist of two principal arms connected about 5 miles inland by Cedar Pass. The inlets and entrances are generally deep and clear, but between the two principal entrances are off-lying dangers.

is the southeast entrance to Crawfish Inlet, and , low and wooded, forms the southeast point at the entrance.

, with a depth of 5½ fathoms in the entrance, extends southeast from the head of Walker Channel. In entering, keep in midchannel, and anchor near the head of the bay in 10 to 17 fathoms with good holding ground. Southeast winds sweep through the anchorage with considerable force.

are a group of wooded islands between Walker Channel and the entrance to West Crawfish Inlet. , the largest island of the group, forms the northwest side of Walker Channel. , the southwest island of the group, is west of Beauchamp Island.

indents the west shore of Beauchamp Island and is much used by local fishermen as an anchorage. Favor the southeast shore when entering the bay, passing south of all the islands near the entrance. At the narrows leading to the basin at the head of the bay, a 10-foot shoal extends 100 yards northeast from the island on the southeast. Maintain midchannel between the charted rocks and island. There is good anchorage off the point about 0.8 mile above the entrance on the north shore of the bay in 10 fathoms, mud bottom; also in the basin at the head of the bay in 2½ to 3¼ fathoms, mud bottom.

is a passage leading to Crawfish Inlet from the sea, midway between Walker Channel and West Crawfish Inlet. Setting a course from southwest to pass close to the northwest side of Scow Island, then adjusting course as necessary to clear the island, islets and rocks north of Scow Island, will lead clear of the dangers up to this entrance. One mile inside this entrance, near midchannel, is a submerged rock with ¼ fathom over it and marked by kelp, which should preferably be passed to the south.

, bare and white, is the extreme west islet of a chain of bare islets that extend west from Rakof Islands. Foul ground extends for about 1 mile south and east of the rock. are a group of rocks, awash at high water, near the southeast limit of the foul ground.

An inside passage furnishes protection for small craft bound for Sitka. Pass east of Scow Island, avoiding the rock in midchannel, and through . Favor the southeast shore of Middle Channel until up to . Pass east of a large rock off the point, then favor the south shore, and take a midchannel course through the narrows. A shoal of 2½ fathoms is in Second Narrows. Head north until up to an opening leading northwest. Favor the southwest shore of this opening, passing a rock covered ¾ fathom in the center. Then head northeast for about 0.6 mile and turn west around a point, passing in midchannel through . Cross West Crawfish Inlet and enter Windy Passage.

is deep and clear except for a rock that uncovers 3 feet in midchannel, about 3.5 miles from its junction with Walker Channel, Middle Channel and Cedar Pass and a 4-fathom shoal on the east side of the channel in about and about 3 miles from the head. The inlet can be entered from seaward through Walker Channel or Middle Channel; the former is safer.

, connecting Crawfish Inlet with West Crawfish Inlet, is suitable only for small craft. In using the pass, favor the west shore up to the narrows, then keep a midchannel course. is the large island that forms the west side of Cedar Pass. The bay formed by the bight in Lodge Island and the Rakof Islands, located between First Narrows and Second Narrows, affords good protection and anchorage for vessels up to 300 feet in length, clay bottom. Large vessels must enter the bay by passing north of Biali Rock outside of the 20 fathom contour and heading east-northeast to the narrow, deep cut between the Rakoff Islands. This cut is about 200 yards wide but carries 15 fathoms at midchannel with no dangers extending from the steep vertical walls into the cut. Anchorage in 19 fathoms may be found 400 yards northwest of the islet in the middle of the bay.

extends northeast for about 8 miles where it divides into two arms. The north arm, opposite Cedar Pass, is clear in midchannel except for a landslide shoal with ¾ fathom over it, which is off the west shore about 0.8 mile from the entrance. leads east from a point near the head of the inlet. The inlet and bays are too deep for good anchorage.

are a group of low, wooded islands that extend northwest from the entrance to West Crawfish Inlet. Between the islands are many passages. An inside passage for small craft leads through Windy Passage, Dorothy Narrows and Hot Springs Bay, which are between the islands and Baranof Island.

The most prominent landmark in the Necker Islands is (), a knob 430 feet high at the southwest end of , the long narrow island west of Gornoi Island.

is the fairly large wooded island at the south end of the Necker Island group. It has high light-gray cliffs on its seaward side. Broken ground with isolated shoals and rocks awash extends up to 1 mile from Rachek Island with some deep channels available.

is an isolated black rock, block-shaped, and awash in a heavy sea, 1.4 miles west of Rachek Island. Fishermen are known to trawl south of this rock. A rock, awash at high water, is about 300 yards south of North Rock.

is the large light-gray rock, 2 miles northwest of North Rock. Broken ground, with several isolated breaking shoals, is between North Rock and John Rock.

is the south approach to Hot Springs Bay from West Crawfish Inlet. Kelp and rocks cover most of the eastern shore from Big Bay to President Bay. A shoal area of kelp and rocks extends 0.2 mile into Windy Passage west of two small unnamed islands at the entrance of President Bay. A rock covered 9¾ fathoms is in about

is at the southeast end of Windy Passage. By keeping in midchannel, entrance to the bay can be made on either side of the wooded islands in the entrance. Good anchorage, with mud bottom, is afforded small craft well toward the head of the bay. A basin at the head of the bay is accessible only by small boats, with passage made to the northeast of the southern island with local knowledge.

, 0.7 mile north of President Bay, affords better anchorage than President Bay. When entering, keep in midchannel until near the head of the bay. A ledge that uncovers is off the south shore about 0.2 mile from the head of the bay. This ledge has a sand flat 100 yards wide. Good anchorage for small craft in 5½ to 8 fathoms, mud bottom, can be found in the bay.

, at the northwest end of Windy Passage, is narrow at the entrance, with greatly increased width inside. Anchorage is good in 5 to 10 fathoms, mud bottom, 0.3 mile off the stream at the southeast end of the bay. Favor either shore once beyond the small island about 1 mile from the entrance to avoid a rock that covers ¼ fathom, 0.2 mile northeast of the island.

, between Windy Passage and Hot Springs Bay, has 1¼ fathoms of water at lowest tides. Elovoi Island Rock uncovers 3 feet in midchannel north of the narrowest part and is marked by a daybeacon. Coming from the south, keep midchannel through the narrowest part, then swing right to avoid the rock. When past Elovoi Island Rock, swing left to avoid a rock awash at half tide, 250 yards northeast of the daybeacon. Local knowledge is essential.

The passage between and the group of islands southeast of it is clear except for a rocky islet and two rocks awash off the southeast side of Gornoi island. To avoid this danger, favor the southeast side of the passage. Vessels using this passage to reach the outside are encouraged to use caution due to the numerous offshore rocks at the southern end. Local knowledge is advised.

The passage between Gornoi Island and Golf Island is very foul and should not be used.

The passage along the west shore of Golf Island, between this island and the Jackknife Islands, has good water close along the shore of Golf Island. A foul area extends northeast of the Jackknife Islands. The shoals west of the south end of Golf Island break in a slight swell.

The passage between the Jackknife Islands and is clear if vessels keep close to Elovoi Island, passing west and north of the wooded islet 0.3 mile west of the north end of Golf Island. The passage between the wooded islet and the foul area northwest of Jackknife Island is narrow and mariners are advised to transit this area with caution.

The passage between on the east and and on the west is clear in midchannel. Small craft can pass between Maid Island and Tava Island with local knowledge.

The passage between and is dangerous and should not be used except with local knowledge.

These passages are for small craft only and should be used with caution. The only ship route into Windy Passage is through West Crawfish Inlet.

The best route into Hot Springs Bay from the south or southwest is to pass 0.4 mile east of North Rock in a north direction, passing between Pishak and Tiurpa Islands and passing west of the three small wooded islands about 400 yards off the west shore of Elovoi Island and east of Fragrant Island. Keep midway between visible objects. If conditions permit, Biorka Channel is a more straightforward and comfortable route.

indents Elovoi Island. The approach west of Kirbas Island is impassable. In entering by the approach east of , pass west of a bare 20-foot rock off the east point of the entrance and follow midchannel. Excellent anchorage can be had for small craft in 2 to 3 fathoms, mud bottom.

Biorka Island is the most westerly and largest of the Necker group. Point Woodhouse, the south point of the island, is moderately high and wooded. Rocks and small islands are close to the point and extend along the south side of Biorka Island. Three of the small islands are named Kaiuchali Island, and Impassable Island. The entrance to Rocky Cove, on the southeast side of the Biorka Island, is lined with small islets, rocks awash and shoal features that break frequently. Vessels operating in this area are advised to use caution as an offshore swell can create dangerous surge conditions around the numerous rocks and shoals in the cove.

Little Biorka Island is northwest and close to Biorka Island with a narrow passage between. This pass is foul, but in good weather small boats can use it with local knowledge. The south neck is a bare, rugged rock cliff. The west and north sides are bare rock cliff. This island is wooded in its center. A bare islet is at the south point.

Vasilief Rock, awash at high water, is about 1 mile south of Point Woodhouse. Breakers are visible in this section in rough weather.

, about 2.4 miles southeast of Point Woodhouse, is on the southeast side of Biorka Channel and has two parts. The inshore half is high and wooded; the outer half is a high, bare, gray rock, rounded on top, with a perpendicular south face.

, about 0.8 mile south of Golovni Island, is a large, outstanding, dark-gray rock. Frequent breaking waves can be seen on its south and west sides.

, southeast of Biorka Island, furnishes a short route into Sitka Sound from the southwest. The towers of the aero radio range on Biorka Island are prominent when making Biorka Channel from north or south; flashing red lights mark these towers at night. Vessels should keep between the 50-fathom curves on entering from south until past the north end of Wrangell Island, then head north. This channel is clear except for rocks and shoals as shown on the chart. The velocity of the current is about 0.4 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.)

, about 1.2 miles northeast of Vasilief Rock, has two pinnacles and looks like a gunboat when seen from certain directions. The rock is a good landmark. A small reef awash, which breaks in all but dead calm weather at high water, is 0.45 mile 198° from Gunboat Rock. Depths of 3¾ and 8½ fathoms are 0.6 and 0.7 mile southeast and on the opposite side of the channel from Gunboat Rock. Broken ground with rocks awash extend about 0.3 mile north of Gunboat Rock.

Symonds Bay is the east cove indenting the north side of Biorka Island and is sometimes a convenient anchorage for small vessels deterred from entering the sound by thick weather. Entrance Islet is north of and close to the west point of the entrance.

is north of and close to the east point of the entrance. The depths range from 20 fathoms at the entrance to 4½ to 6¼ fathoms at the anchorage near the head of Symonds Bay. The chart shows the dangers in the bay.

The bay is open north but affords anchorage with shelter from south winds, sand and shell bottom, with infrequent rocky outcroppings. The best shelter is near the head inside the ¼-fathom rock in 4½ to 6¼ fathoms, but it is suitable only for small craft. Large vessels should anchor in midchannel just inside the entrance in 12 to 13 fathoms.

A U.S. Government wharf, a mooring buoy and a seaplane float are on the west side near the head of Symonds Bay. The wharf, 178 feet long and with a 16-foot face, had a reported depth of 6 feet alongside in 1976. Biorka Island maintains telephone communication with Sitka. Water is available on the island.

Biorka Reef is 1.2 miles 283° from the southernmost point of Little Biorka Island. The reef is a rock awash, with deep water around it, and breaks in moderate weather; it has no kelp. The channel between the reef and Little Biorka Island is about 1 mile wide, clear, and practicable for vessels of any size.

() is between Elovoi Island and Baranof Island. marks the northwest point of the entrance to the bay. Island is the large island southeast of Torsar Island. Kolosh Island is the large island on the north side of the bay.

The hot springs on the northeast side of the bay have a temperature of about 145°F., and the water contains chlorine, iron, magnesia and sulphur.

 Sitka Sound

has its entrance from the sea between Biorka Island and Cape Edgecumbe. It extends in a north direction about 16 miles, with a width east and west of 5 to 10 miles. The east and north shores are fringed with numerous islands and rocks and indented by bays and inlets. At its north end, the sound connects with several bays and estuaries that extend north, and with Olga Strait, which is part of a navigable inland passage connecting Sitka Sound, through Neva Strait and Peril Strait, with Chatham Strait. The shores are wooded, rendering it difficult to distinguish them from the wooded islets at a distance. Land along the shore usually rises rapidly a short distance from the sea, culminating in broken mountains. The islands are mostly small, low and sparsely wooded.

 Cape Edgecumbe to Low Island

, about 64 miles northwest of Cape Ommaney, is the southwest extremity of . The cape is formed by a cliff of black lava, about 100 feet high. Foul ground extends 400 yards off the shore of the cape, and there are banks with depths of 8 to 9 fathoms, about 0.8 mile south of the cape, on which the sea breaks in very heavy weather. The rocks and cliffs north of Cape Edgecumbe are decidedly black as far as Cape Georgiana, whereas those south of Cape Edgecumbe, from Biorka Island to Whale Bay, are whitish-gray. These color characteristics are of considerable assistance in identifying the locality in thick weather.

Cape Edgecumbe Light (), 100 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark, marks the north side of the entrance to Sitka Sound. Sitka Pinnacles Marine Reserve, a Marine Protected Area, is about 4.6 miles southwest from Cape Edgecumbe and on the range with Lazaria Islands, slightly open of Shoals Point.

is about 1 mile southeast of Cape Edgecumbe Light. Foul ground extends about 0.3 mile south from the point and about 0.2 mile west of Cape Edgecumbe Light. The water is clear outside these reefs. Fishing vessels frequently anchor on the east side of Sitka Point close inshore and north of the reef, marked by kelp, that extends 300 yards off the east side of the point. This anchorage is exposed in east or south weather.

, on Kruzof Island, is the prominent landmark for Sitka Sound. From any point seaward, it is easily distinguished by its isolated position, flat top, peculiar streaked appearance and its reddishness. The upper part is a bare volcanic cone, usually snow-covered. Extending down the sides of the cone are numerous deep gullies or ravines, in which the snow lies until late in the summer, giving it a peculiar appearance. The crater is 300 to 400 feet deep.

St. Lazaria Islands, about 1 mile off the south shore of Kruzof Island, form the St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. These islands are of a peculiar volcanic formation and are frequently visited by tourists. Deep water is close-to on all sides of the islands except for a reef that extends about 125 yards off the northeast point of the easternmost island and a 2.5-fathom rock in and about 300 yards north of the same easternmost island. Small craft frequently anchor close inshore in 8 to 10 fathoms, rocky bottom, on the north side of the island, which affords protection in moderate south weather.

is a bare flat island, surrounded by a large area of shoals and breakers marked by kelp, which extends to Shoals Point. The highest part of the island is only 7 feet above high water and is swept by heavy seas in south storms. The island is of lava formation partly covered by sand and shells and is difficult to identify at a distance.

 Vitskari Island to Arguello Island

, about 10 miles east of Cape Edgecumbe, is a bare rock about 20 feet high. It is marked by Vitskari Island Light (), 53 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark. A racon is at the light.

Vitskari Rocks are a group of bare rocks and rocks awash northwest of Vitskari Island. Between the rocks and Low Island is a channel 1 mile wide; however, the channel between the island and Kulichkof Rock is always used by vessels bound for Sitka.

(), on the southeast side of Sitka Sound, is a prominent landmark with two humps at its summit. When seen from west it shows a perfect cone-shaped outline.

is about 2.5 miles northeast of Biorka Island. Rocks are 0.2 to 0.5 mile offshore.

is about 0.7 mile southeast from the south extremity of Peisar Island.

The entrance to is about 1.9 miles east of Peisar Island, and the inner bay has depths of 10 to 21 fathoms with a 3¾-fathom shoal about 0.6 mile west of the head of the bay. The channel passes northeast of the small islet about midway between the entrance and the head of the bay. Foul ground extends 0.2 mile in a northwest direction from the south point of the entrance to the bay. Holding northeast of Kanga Island was found to be excellent in a variety of conditions.

is northeast of Kanga Bay. The head of the bay has two arms, which are deep. empties into the east arm. The entrance to Redoubt Lake is not navigable by any type craft, because the entrance has the remains of a rock dam across it and the lake level is about 9 feet above high water level of the bay. The entrance to the lake has very steep rapids. A boat lift has been built along the north side of the entrance so that small boats up to 16 feet can be lifted into the lake. The U.S. Forest Service maintains the boat lift.

, in which depths of 11 to 29 fathoms are found, leads from Kanga Bay to Redoubt Bay. is at the north end of the passage. Soundings of 18 fathoms were found west of the islet and 13 fathoms in the channel to the east. Well protected, excellent holding anchorage can be found in 17 fathoms south of Fankuda Islet. Various channels lead into Redoubt Bay and Kanga Bay through the numerous wooded islands off the entrances; these are shown on the chart. A daybeacon on a rock awash, about 0.4 mile west of Round Island, marks the west side of , which is part of the inside route for small vessels between Sitka and Hot Springs Bay. is the outermost of the larger islands of the group off (), which is low and wooded.

Many islets and rocks are offshore between Povorotni Point and Cape Burunof. Submerged rocks extend about 0.4 mile west of Cape Burunof; many isolated rocks are even further offshore. The entire area of rocks and islets should be navigated with caution. Use latest edition of the chart.

, marked by two rocks that uncover 10 feet and 5 feet, about 0.5 mile apart and awash at high water, is about 1.5 miles west of Povorotni Point.

 Local magnetic disturbance

Differences of as much as 4° from normal variation have been observed on , which is about 1.2 miles northwest of Povorotni Point.

Kulichkof Rock, known locally as 6-Mile Rock, is about 2.2 miles north of Vasilief Bank. The rock is steep-to and bare and is a prominent landmark. A small group of rocks, awash at high water, is about 0.2 mile north of the rock, and 0.2 mile west-northwest in about , is a rock covered 3 feet that breaks in a moderate swell. Rocky patches, usually marked by some kelp at low water, are charted east. A lighted buoy, about 0.5 mile north-northwest from the rock, marks the east side of the main channel to Sitka.

, with 2 fathoms over it, in about , is about 2 miles east-northeast of Kulichkof Rock and about 1 mile west-southwest of Liar Rock, the westernmost rock of The Eckholms.

The shoreline from () north to Deep Inlet is rocky with heavy spruce timber growing to the storm high-water line. Many off-lying islets, and rocks, awash and submerged, are found along this coast, making it dangerous to traverse without local knowledge. A pass, carrying less than 1 fathom at low water, is used by small boats and fishing craft between Povorotni Point and the islets off it, but should not be attempted without local knowledge.

, the long narrow shallow bay south of Cape Burunof with three entrances, is a protected anchorage for small boats but is seldom used. The north entrance is the best and will carry 1¼ fathoms. In west weather, all entrances are exposed to the open sound. Do not use this bay without local knowledge.

, the first cove northeast of Cape Burunof, is a protected anchorage at the head but is constricted and shoal. Two to three small boats can anchor.

, the second cove east of Cape Burunof, is a well-protected anchorage for small boats with easy access from the west side and good holding ground of mud and sand in 2 to 8½ fathoms.

, the cove east of Samsing Cove and southwest of the entrance to Deep Inlet, is a protected anchorage for small craft in 5¼ to 9¼ fathoms, mud and sand bottom.

are a small group of islets and bare rocks at the entrance to Eastern Channel, about 1.8 miles north-northeast of Cape Burunof; the easternmost islets are wooded. The Eckholms Light (), 33 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped daymark, marks the islets. The are close southeast of The Eckholms.

, which has a narrow entrance southeast of The Eckholms, has no anchorage. A large flat rock with ¾ fathom over it is on the south side and partly blocks the entrance.

, north of the entrance to Deep Inlet, offers fair anchorage in 15 to 17 fathoms, mud bottom. The bay has two entrances. The west entrance, between and , is clear, and a midchannel course will lead to the anchorage. The east entrance is between and , and a midchannel course will likewise lead safely to the anchorage.

, joined with Aleutkina Bay to the southwest by a narrow passage, affords anchorage for small vessels in any desired depth. The entrance is about 250 yards wide. Vessels desiring to make use of this well-sheltered anchorage should follow the north shores close-to in order to avoid the extensive sand and mudflats bordering the south shores. The bottom is mud in the middle of the bay but rocky near the shores.

, on the southeast side of Eastern Channel, about 3.5 miles east of The Eckholms Light, has a narrow, but clear, entrance and a landlocked anchorage inside for small vessels in 6¾ to 14 fathoms, mud bottom. Several streams enter at its head, where a flat makes out about 0.2 mile.

, North of Camp Coogan Bay, is composed of two landlocked bodies of water connected by narrow, shallow channels. Only small boats can enter and then only at high-water slack, because of strong currents in the outer narrows. High water is ¾ hour later than high water at Sitka; low water is 2½ hours later; for high-water heights subtract 3.8 feet from the high-water height at Sitka. Shoal depths of ¾ fathom are off the entrance and in the outer narrows, and a rock awash at high water is on the south side of the outer narrows near the inner end.

is a small shoal bay between Camp Coogan Bay and No Thorofare Bay. A small foul passage connects with Camp Coogan Bay but can be used only by small boats at half tide or more. Use this passage only with local knowledge.

, at the east end of Eastern Channel, extends in a northeast direction for 0.8 mile, then southeast about 4.4 miles. A light on on the west side marks the entrance to the bay. Unlighted log rafts, moored close to shore, extend about 2.2 miles from Sugarloaf Point. On the opposite side of the bay log rafts extend from Herring Cove to Bear Cove. Smoke from the pulpmill in Sawmill Cove can be seen in the bay.

, at the north end of Silver Bay, about 1 mile above the entrance, was the site of a large pulpmill with wharves on the west side of the cove. Numerous submerged obstructions are in the northern portion of the cove. A submerged dolphin, with a least depth of 1¾ fathoms, is near the center of the cove in about

is on the north side of Silver Bay, about 1.5 miles within the entrance. Mariners should pass with caution the 1½-fathom spot in the middle of the entrance.

is on the east side of Silver Bay, halfway up the southeast arm. Most of this cove, in 1976, was used for log storage, and like Herring Cove, small craft at times can tie up to the log storage booms.

is a small island on the south side at the head of Silver Bay. Anchorage in 15 fathoms can be had west of the island. Enter to the west of the island, because a 1¼-fathom shoal is in the middle of the passage south of the island. Small vessels can anchor in 8 fathoms, with a constricted swinging area, about 0.2 mile south-southeast of the island. During northeast and south winds, anchorage is poor in the southeast end of Silver Bay.

 Sitka Harbor and Approaches

 Sitka Harbor and approaches

The greater part of the approaches to Sitka Harbor covers the northeast side of Sitka Sound. The area is reef studded, with numerous wooded islands and isolated shoals. These are charted and need no detailed description because they lack outstanding or prominent features. Lights mark the principal islands in the approaches or at the turns in channels; buoys mark the reefs and shoals in way of the channels. The harbor is easy to approach, and with due attention to the chart and by following the aids, the navigator should have little difficulty in entering in clear weather.

, wooded, is the largest island in the approaches to Sitka. There is a wharf along its east side. , a shallow basin off the southeast end of the island, is formed by and on its southwest and south sides and by on its east side. The entrance to the basin is marked by a light and daybeacons. The submerged ruins of a pier are on the southwest side of the entrance and extend more than half way across the entrance. These islands are connected to Japonski Island by landfills. The runway of the Sitka airport extends southeast along the southwest side of Japonski Island, thence over a landfill to the south end of Charcoal Island (locally called ). An aerolight is shown from near the northwest end of Japonski Island.

is an unincorporated community on Japonski Island. The State of Alaska maintains a large school with the necessary housing for students and staff on the island.

, the site of an early Russian settlement and once the capital of Alaska, is a major fishing port on the east side of Sitka Sound. Sitka is the main distribution point for the settlements in the northwest section of southeast Alaska. Two oil companies, a large pulpmill and several seafood processing plants are here. Sitka also has a National Military Cemetery, a National Monument and the Alaska Pioneer Home. The deepest draft of vessels calling at the port was 32 feet in 2002.

 Prominent features

The white building of the Indian Health Service Hospital, at the northwest side of Mount Edgecumbe, on Japonski Island, the lighted towers of Sitka-Mount Edgecumbe (John O’Connell) Bridge, a grey cement silo on the northwest side of Jamestown Bay and the aerolight at the airport, on the west side of Japonski Island, are the most prominent objects when approaching the harbor.

 Channels

From the sea, three natural channels lead to Sitka among islands and reefs on the northeast side of Sitka Sound. is the widest and main entrance; the principal dangers are marked by buoys. has its entrance between Kayak Islands and Passage Islands; it is not recommended. Western Channel is used by vessels that enter from the sea and wish to go alongside a wharf heading southeast; the channel has its entrance west of Makhnati Island.

Three detached breakwaters enclose Sitka Harbor from the northwest approach the Western Anchorage. The system of breakwaters runs to the southwest from the north shore of Western Anchorage, about 0.1 mile southeast of Watson Point (). The south end of the north breakwater is marked by a light. The middle breakwater, which runs northeast and south of Channel Rock, is marked by a light at both ends while the south breakwater is marked on its north end by a daybeacon.

A federal project provides for a channel 22 feet deep and 150 feet wide on the east side of Harbor Rock.

 Anchorages

Anchorage in 5 to 25 fathoms, mud bottom, can be had at the about 0.4 mile southwest of the entrance to Jamestown Bay. The swell from outside makes this anchorage uneasy in south weather.

Anchorage in 5 to 7 fathoms, mud bottom, can also be had at the , east of Channel Rock, just inside the lighted breakwaters. A submerged wreck in , is about 0.4 mile northeast of Light 3.

During the winter northeast gales sometimes sweep across the Eastern Anchorage with considerable force and make it rather unsafe. In south gales the sea is felt considerably at both the Eastern and Western Anchorages.

, west of Japonski Island, affords anchorage in about 10 to 12 fathoms, mud bottom, with Japonski Island Aero Light () bearing 110°, distant 0.3 mile. This anchorage is exposed to west and northwest winds and swells and is seldom used, because most vessels prefer the Eastern Anchorage at Sitka.

, about 1.5 miles east of Sitka, affords anchorage in 8 to 13 fathoms, mud bottom, about 400 yards offshore and 300 yards west of the rocks, awash at high water, in the northeast part of the bay.

Other anchorages may be used by large ships, and many others are suitable for small fishing vessels and other small craft, provided local knowledge is obtained regarding off-lying rocks and dangers. One of the best ship anchorages is just off the channel courses for the northwest approach to Sitka. The depth ranges from 8 to 13 fathoms, mud bottom, with Channel Rock bearing 289°, distant about 0.2 to 0.3 mile.

 Dangers

There are numerous rocks, reefs and shoals in the approaches to Sitka Harbor, all of which are charted; most are unmarked, but the principal ones adjacent to or in the three channels are marked.

Passage north of Simpson Rock and Tsaritsa Rock should be avoided because of the numerous obstructions south of Kayak Islands, Whale Island and .

Middle Channel has numerous shoals and dangers and should be used only by small vessels with thorough local knowledge. The passage between Kayak Islands and Whale Island is foul and the bottom very irregular. A rock, covered 1.2 fathoms, is in about , and near the center of this passage.

, marked by a daybeacon, is in the northwest part of Sitka Harbor in about The area from Harbor Rock to Sitka Harbor Channel Lights 9 and 11 is shoal. Depths of 3 fathoms, in , and 2.5 fathoms, in , are about 100 and 370 yards respectively southeast of Harbor Rock. These depths are close to and east of the courses followed by ships; caution is advised.

 Bridges

The Sitka-Mount Edgecumbe (John O’Connell) Bridge is a fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 52 feet and crosses the south entrance to Sitka Harbor from Harbor Island to the vicinity of Castle Hill in Sitka.

 Currents

In the open sound the tidal currents are weak and somewhat rotary turning clockwise. Stronger currents may be expected among the islands.

In Sitka Harbor the flood sets northwest and the ebb southeast. Velocities are small. In midchannel off the wharves velocities of 0.5 knot were observed. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

 Weather

Winter is the most difficult season. With temperatures around the freezing mark, east and southeast winds blow more than 50 percent of the time from October through February; southeasterlies average 10 knots or more. Calms occur 14 to 18 percent of the time, compared to 20 to 25 percent from May through September when northwest winds are frequent. Visibilities are worst in winter and summer; precipitation is most frequent in fall. Snow falls from November through April.

 Pilotage, Sitka

Pilotage, except for certain exempted vessels, is compulsory for all vessels navigating the inside waters of the State of Alaska. (See Pilotage, Alaska, indexed as such, chapter 3 for details.)

Vessels en route Sitka meet the pilot boat about 0.25 mile north of The Eckholms Light ().

The pilot boat, a tugboat, can be contacted by calling “SITKA PILOT BOAT” on VHF-FM channels 16, 13 or 12.

 Towage

Tugs up to 2,200 hp are available 24 hours a day at Sitka for assistance in docking and undocking. They are equipped with VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 12. Arrangements for tugs should be made well in advance through ships’ agents.

 Quarantine, customs, immigration and agricultural quarantine

(See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Appendix A for addresses.)

Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Health Service, chapter 1.) The Indian Health Service maintains a large, well-staffed hospital on Japonski Island; it is available to the public in emergency cases. Sitka also has a community hospital.

Sitka is a customs port of entry.

 Coast Guard

Sitka Coast Guard Air Station is at Sitka Airport on the northwest part of Japonski Island. A Coast Guard vessel is stationed at Sitka.

 Wharves

The wharves for Sitka are in Sitka Harbor, and in Starrigavan Bay. All wharves except the U.S. Coast Guard Wharf and the Alaska State Ferry Terminal are privately owned and operated.

Petro Marine Services, Sitka South Plant Wharf and Float (): most south wharf on the east side of the Sitka Harbor, about 75 yards north of the Sitka-Mount Edgecumbe Bridge; 150-foot face; depth alongside, 20 to 30 feet; deck height, 25 feet; pipelines extend to tank farm in rear; receipt of petroleum products; fueling vessels; owned and operated by Harbor Enterprises, Inc., d.b.a. Petro Marine Services.

Sitka Sound Seafoods Wharf (): about 475 yards northwest of the bridge on the east side of the harbor; 120-foot face; depth alongside, 36 feet; seafood processing and freezing plant at rear; six ¾- to 1¼-ton, electric-hydraulic or hydraulic, mast-and-boom derricks with 10- to 15-foot boom; eight 1- to 2½-ton, LP-gas and electric, forklift trucks; receipt of seafood; mooring, and icing fishing vessels; owned and operated by Sitka Sound Seafoods.

Fisherman’s Quay Wharf (): about 670 yards northwest of the bridge on the east side of the harbor; 110-foot face with 15 to 20 feet alongside; deck height, 17 feet, receipt of seafood, mooring fishing boats and small craft; owned and operated by Fisherman’s Quay, Inc.

Seafood Producers Cooperative, Sitka Wharf (): 278-foot face; depth alongside, 16 feet; deck height, 20 feet; five 1½-ton and one ¾-ton, mast-and-boom derricks, and seven 1- to 3-ton gasoline and electric forklifts; receipt and occasional shipment of seafood and icing fishing vessels; owned and operated by Seafood Producers Cooperative.

Sitka City Dock (): 350-foot face; depth alongside, 37 feet; deck height, 16 feet; occasional mooring of cruise ships and excursion vessels; handling supplies and equipment to and from fishing vessels and mooring vessels; owned and operated by the City of Sitka.

Petro Marine Services, Sitka North Plant Dock (): about 350 yards northwest of Sitka City Dock; offshore steel float with 60-foot face; depth alongside, 12 feet; receipt of petroleum products, fueling vessels; occasional mooring of cruise ships and excursion vessels; pipelines extend to storage tanks at rear, total capacity 20,000 barrels; one 4- and two 2-inch pipelines extend to metered pumps on float; owned and operated by Harbor Enterprises.

U.S. Coast Guard Wharf (): about 340 yards northwest of the bridge on the west side of the harbor; 223-foot face; 42 feet alongside; deck height, 35 feet; water and electrical connections are available; berthing for U.S. Coast Guard and other Government vessels; owned and operated by U.S. Government.

Alaska Marine Lines, Sitka Wharf (): about 4.8 miles north of the bridge at the south side of an unnamed cove; 140 feet of berthage, with dolphins; 10 feet alongside; one 45-ton and one 35-ton forklift; two 60- by 10- foot, steel portable ramps; receipt and shipment of containerized and roll-on/roll-off general cargo; owned and operated by Alaska Marine Lines.

State of Alaska, Sitka Ferry Terminal Dock (): about 5.6 miles north of the bridge, on the south side of Starrigavan Bay; 460 feet of berthing, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; paved parking is located at rear; owned by the State of Alaska and operated by the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

Samson Tug and Barge Co., Sitka Dock (): about 5.8 miles above the bridge, 300 yards east of the ferry terminal on the south side of Starrigavan Bay; 300-foot face; 65 feet alongside; receipt and shipment of containerized general cargo; mooring company-owned towboats and barges; owned and operated by Samson Tug and Barge Company.

 Supplies

Provisions, fishing supplies, and limited amounts of marine supplies are available in Sitka. Diesel fuel, gasoline, distillates, lubricating oils and greases can be obtained at the wharves of the oil companies. All of the wharves have water, and ice for fishing vessels can be obtained at the Conway Corporation Wharf.

 Repairs

There are no drydocking or major repair facilities for large vessels in Sitka or in southeastern Alaska. The nearest facilities are in British Columbia and the State of Washington. A privately owned and operated repair facility for tugs is on the south side of Starrigavan Bay about 5.5 miles north of Sitka. An 800-ton side-haul marine railway is available. Another repair facility is about 4.7 miles north of Sitka.

A boatyard on the northwest shore of Jamestown Bay has one 70-ton and one 60-ton mobile vertical lift for repairing company owned vessels, barges, water taxis and sightseeing vessels.

The city-operated grids, 100 feet, 72 feet and 64 feet long, are close northwest of the City Float and 0.2 mile north of the bridge. Water, in summer, and electricity are available. There is a 72-hour limit on the grids.

 Small-craft facilities

The city operates three small-boat basins. A fourth basin is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. These facilities are on the east side of the harbor, except for the city-operated small-boat basins in Crescent Bay and Sealing Cove. The city harbormaster with an office at the City Float enforces a 3-knot speed limit and a no-wake law in the city basins and a 5-knot speed limit in the main harbor channel makes berth assignments in the city basins and controls the use of the grids. The harbormaster can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 and by telephone (907–747–3439).

The Crescent Bay Boat Basin, on the north side of Crescent Bay is about 0.35 mile east-northeast of the east end of Sitka-Mount Edgecumbe Highway Bridge. A federal project provides for a 10-foot depth in the entrance channel and basin. In 2010, the controlling depth was 10 feet in the entrance channel and basin except for lesser depths along the edges of the project. The basin is entered at the southwest end between two breakwaters, which have their ends marked by lights. A shoal, marked by a daybeacon, is about 100 yards south of the west breakwater light. The floats can accommodate 413 small craft. Electricity is available, but water can be had only in the summer. No transient moorage is available. A boat-launching ramp is at the southwest end of the basin.

Sealing Cove Boat Basin is at the southeast end of Japonski Island between Mount Edgecumbe and Alice Island. In 2002, 8 feet was reported in the entrance channel and 9 feet was reported in the basin. A light and daybeacons mark the entrance channel. Transient berths, electricity, water and a launching ramp are available in the basin.

The U.S. Forest Service Basin is on the east side of the harbor just north of Petro Marine Service. A federal project provides for a 10-foot deep basin. In 2002, the basin was reported at project depth. The basin is used by vessels of the U.S. Forest Service and other Government agencies in the area.

The City Float, a divided basin with a north and south section, each with its own entrance, is on the east side of the harbor directly opposite the U.S. Coast Guard Wharf on Japonski Island. The basin is protected on the channel side by a log boom breakwater. In 2002, 15 feet was reported alongside the floats. Water and electricity are available.

About 360 feet of berthing space is available on the southeast side of Fisherman’s Quay.

A seaplane float is approximately 600 yards north of the bridge on the east side of the harbor.

, protected by an L-shaped floating breakwater, is about 330 yards north-northwest of Harbor Rock Daybeacon. In 2002, depths of 12 to 25 feet were reported alongside. Approximately 227 craft can be accommodated. Water and electricity are available.

Eliason Harbor, the most northerly basin on the east side of Sitka Harbor, is protected by a floating breakwater and adjoins Thomsen Harbor. In 2002, depths of 27 feet were reported alongside. Approximately 243 vessels can be accommodated. Transient vessels berth at the breakwater.

 Communications

Sitka has regular passenger, express, and freight service to Puget Sound ports, British Columbia and other Alaska ports and towns by water and air. The Alaska Marine Highway System, operating from Starrigavan Bay, about 5 miles north of the city, has daily ferry service during the summer to Juneau, Haines, Skagway, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, BC, and weekly service to Kake, Hoonah and Seattle. The schedule is less frequent during the winter. In addition to the scheduled airlines, other air services operate from Sitka on a charter basis. Radiotelephone and telephone communications are maintained with the other states and other parts of Alaska.

The National Military Cemetery is about 0.3 mile north of Crescent Bay.

, 57 acres in area, is east and west of the entrance to Indian River. It is the site of the Indian stockade where the Tlingit Tribe made their last stand against the Russian settlers. Sitka National Historical Park is a Marine Protected Area.

 Watson Point to Scraggy Islands

() is on the east side of the northwest approach to Sitka Harbor, about 0.9 mile northwest of Harbor Rock. A rocky ledge extends about 150 yards off the point. When approaching Sitka Harbor from the northwest, exercise care to give this point a berth of about 300 yards, and pass just south of the light marking the south end of the north breakwater protecting the northwest approach to Western Anchorage.

are a group of islands on the west side of the northwest approach to Sitka Harbor. A reef, well marked by kelp, extends about 0.6 mile southeast of the easternmost island and terminates in a rock awash. The rock awash is on a line from the east tangent of the islands to the middle of Battery Island and is almost midway between them.

, on the east side of the channel, is about 2.4 miles northwest of Watson Point.

are a group of rocks that bare at all stages of the tide and extend 0.5 mile from the east shore. The north and largest one has two or three scraggy trees, and the rest are bare. The westernmost rock of the group covers only at highest tides and is marked by Old Sitka Rocks Light 2 (), 30 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red triangular daymark. The main channel is west of Old Sitka Rocks, but a narrow channel is between them and an island near the shore. The shore from Old Sitka Rocks to Western Anchorage should not be approached closer than 300 yards.

The channel passing west of Old Sitka Rocks and east of Middle Island and Kasiana Islands is the main channel for all vessels southbound for Sitka via the inside route. This route contains deep water and the only danger is a 1-fathom rocky shoal, marked by a daybeacon on its north side, about 0.6 mile southwest of Halibut Point.

is a bight, open west, on the east side about 1.5 miles north of Old Sitka Rocks, and just south of the entrance to Katlian Bay. “Old Sitka,” now a State Historic Site, is on the point dividing the two coves on the east side of the bay. In 1799, the Russian fort of St. Michael stood on this point. The north cove is filled by a flat. A foul area, with a rock covered 1 foot in about , is northwest of the north cove and about 150 yards off the shore. The anchorage is abreast the south cove, about 400 yards from shore, in 18 to 20 fathoms, soft bottom. West winds and some sea have a fair sweep into this bay.

The Alaska State Ferry Terminal is on the south shore of Starrigavan Bay. Bus transportation between the terminal and Sitka is available. A private barge facility is east of the ferry terminal. (See wharves at Sitka for a detailed description of the facilities in this area.)

has its entrance about 2 miles north-northeast of Old Sitka Rocks and extends in a northeast direction, curving east near its head. There are no dangers except a flat that extends about 0.2 mile from the head of the bay. At 2.5 miles within the entrance to the bay an arm extends northwest; fair anchorage can be had in this arm northwest of the group of islands on the north side in 11 to 20 fathoms, and very small vessels can anchor in Cedar Cov, the narrow part at the head of this arm, in 4¼ to 7 fathoms.

, on the northwest side of Sitka Sound about 1.3 miles west from , indents the southeast shore of Krestof Island. There is a small wooded island in its entrance with a bare rock about 0.25 mile east of the island. The depths in the bay are 15 to 21 fathoms, and a fair anchorage can probably be had near its head in 16 fathoms, mud bottom, with good protection in almost any weather.

, between and , is 4 miles long in a northwest direction, with an average width of 0.2 mile, and forms a part of the inside route from Sitka to Salisbury Sound. It is in general clear, with a controlling depth of 4 fathoms in midchannel. On both sides of the channel are small flats where streams empty and the shores are fringed with kelp except off these flats. In Olga Strait the current sets northwest on the flood and southeast on the ebb. Off the velocity is 1.6 knots on the flood and 1.2 knots on the ebb. (See the Tidal Current Tables for daily predictions.) About 100 yards off Eastern Point is a rock with a least depth of 6 feet. About 0.8 mile within the southeast entrance is a shoal about 300 yards across with a least depth of 18 feet, marked by a light. It extends about two-thirds of the way across the channel from the southwest shore. Scattered kelp grows all over the shoal.

Middle Shoal is 2.2 miles from the southeast entrance to Olga Strait, midchannel between two small streams, one on each side. It is 400 yards long in the direction of the channel, with a least depth of 16 feet. The north and south ends of the shoal are marked by lights. Kelp grows all over the shoal but usually shows only at slack water.

separates the east side of Halleck Island from Baranof Island. It extends from the south entrance of Olga Strait in a general northeast direction and connects with Nakwasina Passage. The sound is constricted at its south end to about 0.2 mile by and . Small vessels can anchor in the cove west of Beehive Island in 5 to 6 fathoms.

separates the north side of Halleck Island from Baranof Island. It has a northeast direction for about 1.9 miles from the north entrance of Olga Strait, then it takes an east trend for about 3 miles to where it joins Nakwasina Sound. The west part of the passage is about 0.8 mile wide, with about 15 to 20 fathoms, affording anchorage. The navigable channel is winding and constricted in places to 30 yards by extensive flats. The limits of the channel are distinguishable at low water. The controlling depth in the narrowest part of the channel is about 1.9 fathoms; this passage is suitable only for small craft. A rock awash, in about , is north of the 1.9 fathom depth. In Nakwasina Passage the currents are, in general, too weak or variable to be predicted. However, in the channel about 1.5 miles west of , the current velocity is 2.0 knots on the flood and 1.6 knots on the ebb. (See the Tidal Current Tables for daily predictions.)

is west of Krestof Island and connects Neva Strait with Sitka Sound, through Hayward Strait. are at the northeast part of the sound. The sound is out of the line of travel and is of no commercial value. At its northwest end the sound connects by a high-water passage with Sukoi Inlet. At its south end the sound is filled by , with a narrow channel east and west of them and a boat channel through them. East Channel is clear in midchannel; the dangers are shown on the chart. West Channel should not be attempted except by small craft.

De Groff Bay opens north of East Channel; its entrance is narrow and rocky, has a depth of 1½ fathoms, is overgrown with kelp and should only be attempted by small craft. is a broad bight on the south side of West Channel; an anchorage can be had in 6 to 13 fathoms, taking care at high water not to get on the flat that fills the south end of the port to a distance of about 0.5 mile out to an islet 12 feet high. A better anchorage can be had in , west of the Magoun Islands, taking care to avoid the 1¼-fathom shoal about 150 yards off the southeast point of the bay. Two private mooring buoys are in Mud Bay. , connecting East Channel with Sitka Sound, has a good channel through it, but the shores are fringed with rocks and reefs, especially at its south entrance, where they extend almost to midchannel from the west side, and well off from the shore on the northeast side.

A microwave tower that can be seen from Hayward Strait and Sitka Sound is on a hill about 2.6 miles west of the north entrance to Hayward Strait.

 Currents

The flood current enters Krestof Sound from Sitka Sound through Hayward Strait and from Salisbury Sound through Neva Strait and, when the water has risen high enough, through Sukoi Inlet. They meet somewhere in the sound. (See the Tidal Current Tables for daily predictions of places in the entrance to the sound from Hayward Strait.)

Neva Point Reef extends about 75 yards south from Neva Point on the east side of the south entrance to Neva Strait. It is marked by Neva Point Reef Light 12 (), 17 feet above the water, with a red triangular daymark on a pile off the point.

Neva Strait between Baranof Island and Partofshikof Island, together with Olga Strait, is the inside route between Salisbury Sound and Sitka Sound. The strait is narrow throughout and foul and requires careful piloting especially in .

A federal project provides for a channel dredged to a depth of 24 feet through ledge rock in Whitestone Narrows. In 2005, the controlling depth was 24 feet with 13.7 feet on the edge of the channel about 480 feet south of Light 14. The channel is marked by a light, lighted and unlighted buoys and a 345° lighted range.

In Neva Strait the flood current sets generally south and ebb current north. The current velocity is about 1.4 knots. (See the Tidal Current Tables for daily predictions.)

, northeast of , is a good anchorage with depths from 5 to 7 fathoms.

The limits of the channel in Neva Strait are well marked with thick kelp that shows when the current is weak. At low water the limits are best defined by bare rocks and kelp. The dangers in the strait are charted and well marked by aids.

, about 3 feet high and marked by a daybeacon, is close to the west shore about midway through the strait. A shoal, covered 2 feet, on the opposite side of the channel, is marked by a lighted buoy. , covered at high water and marked by a lighted buoy, is about midway between Columbine Rock and Highwater Island.

Highwater Island, wooded and prominent, is connected with the east shore at low water. Anchorage for small craft is found southeast of Highwater Island in 8 fathoms. A rock, with 3¼ fathoms over it and marked by a lighted buoy, is midway between the west side of Highwater Island and the west shore. The main channel between the island and the buoy is about 125 yards wide.

Entrance Island, small and wooded, is close to Zeal Point Entrance Island 24 (), 30 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red triangular daymark on the southwest point of the island, marks the north entrance to Neva Strait.

St. John Baptist Bay is to the east of Entrance Island. The northeast shore is clear and bold for 1 mile, then is irregular with two small bights that are flats at low water. The southwest shore from Entrance Island to where the bay narrows is irregular with deep water close by the points. A timbered islet is 200 yards off the southwest shore and 0.6 mile southeast of Entrance Island, with rock ledges that are covered at high water and extend to the next point. South of the islet the bight is clear, furnishing good anchorage for small craft in 7 fathoms. After this point is passed, the southeast shore is clear except for flats from small streams.

Anchorages for moderate-sized vessels are near the center of the narrow part of the bay in 11 to 15 fathoms and on the north side just northwest of the narrow part in 19 fathoms. This bay is open to the sea through Salisbury Sound, which gives prevailing northwest winds a clear sweep to the anchorages. In southeast weather the bay is said to be subject to severe williwaws that make the anchorages undesirable.

Gilmer Cove is on the southwest shore 1.2 miles northwest of Entrance Island. It is 250 yards long by 75 yards wide, with a flat 150 yards wide at the head, and is a fit anchorage only for small craft in 7 fathoms.

Kane Islands are two low and wooded islands with several rocks and reefs close-to, except on the southeast side, where they extend 300 to 400 yards in a direction parallel to the channel. They are surrounded with kelp and have good water close to their edges. The rocks on the southeast side of the easternmost island are covered with grass. The channel is good on either side of the islands, but the northeast side is always used, because it is more direct.

Kane Islands Light 25 (), 40 feet above the water and shown from a square frame structure with a green square daymark on the east side of Kane Islands, marks the northeast channel.

Sukoi Inlet has its north entrance about 0.8 mile west of Kane Islands and affords good anchorage. At its head it connects at high water by a canoe passage with Krestof Sound. The inlet is comparatively clear until near its head, but the shores are foul. Anchorage may be selected in any place desired, according to depths of water and swinging room required. The best anchorage is about 2.5 miles inside the entrance, opposite a small stream and flat on the west side, in 7 to 10 fathoms. Only small craft should go into the narrow part of the inlet beyond this point.

Scraggy Islands are 1.8 miles northwest of Kane Islands Light 25 and 0.5 mile from the southwest shore. The largest island is scantily wooded with two clumps of trees. Ledges with bare heads extend 0.4 mile south-southeast from the island. The channel southwest of the island is not recommended. The island is surrounded by ledges that bare to a distance of 100 to 200 yards.

 Neva Bay to Sealion Cove

The west coast of Kruzof Island trends north and is indented by Shelikof Bay and Gilmer Bay. Mount Edgecumbe occupies the south third of Kruzof Island and is an unmistakable landmark for this part of the coast. There are no hidden outlying dangers until Cape Georgiana is reached. Submerged rocks do exist in the bays and bights along this coast. The 100-fathom curve is 8 miles from shore abreast Cape Edgecumbe, 12 miles abreast Cape Georgiana, and the soundings decrease regularly to the coast.

The shore from Cape Edgecumbe to Neva Bay rises in a precipitous cliff of brown lava and forms a prominent landmark. Numerous large caves or blowholes are to be seen in this lava cliff. From Neva Bay to Beaver Point the shore is lower and rises in gradual wooded slopes. The shore between Cape Edgecumbe and Beaver Point is fringed with ledges that extend 0.1 to 0.5 mile offshore, and shoal water, marked by thick kelp, extends from 0.2 to 0.5 mile offshore. The bottom slopes regularly out to beyond the 50-fathom curve and is uniformly rocky. There are no dangers more than 0.5 mile offshore.

, 2.5 miles north of Cape Edgecumbe, is open to the sea and the entrance is choked with kelp; it is of no importance to navigation.

, 5.5 miles north from Cape Edgecumbe, is low and wooded and forms the south point to Shelikof Bay. A reef, marked by thick kelp and having numerous rocks that bare, extends for 0.8 mile north of Beaver Point. The open bight, close east of the point, is full of rocks and kelp.

, with depths ranging from 10 to 20 fathoms, is open west and is not recommended as an anchorage. Off Beaver Point and along the south shore kelp grows thick out to 6 and 10 fathoms. In the southeast corner is a sand beach 1.5 miles long. The north side of Shelikof Bay is foul with numerous rocky islets and ledges that extend 0.3 to 1 mile offshore.

, at the head of Shelikof Bay, has general depths of 3 to 5 fathoms except at its north end where it is shoaler. A large rock, about 20 feet high, is off the south entrance point. The only known danger in Port Mary is a rock awash 300 yards off the southeast shore and 0.7 mile northeast of the south entrance point. Small craft can find protected anchorage in south weather in the small bight, with a high rock in its center, on the southeast side of the port.

Small vessels can find partially protected anchorage in the bight called , on the north side of Shelikof Bay, about 1.6 miles east of Slaughter Island, and east of a group of islands and west of a bold, wooded point. To enter the cove, pass south and east of the group of islands and anchor in 3 to 4 fathoms, sand bottom.

is on the north side of Shelikof Bay, about 1.1 miles east of Slaughter Island. The cove affords protected anchorage for small craft and is much used by local fishermen. A large bare rock is in the middle of the entrance, and the passage east of the rock is choked with other rocks and kelp. A rock that bares at half tide is in the middle of the west passage. To enter, pass very close west of the large bare rock and east of the rock that bares at half tide.

, the north point at the entrance to Shelikof Bay, is high and wooded. , off Point Mary, is grass covered and connected with the shore at extreme low water. Rocks that bare at various stages of the tide are off the east, southwest and west sides of the island.

Point Amelia (), 13.7 miles north of Cape Edgecumbe, is the northwest point at the entrance to Gilmer Bay and is the most prominent point between Cape Edgecumbe and Cape Georgiana. The point is the terminus of a peninsula. Two small knolls are at the seaward end; the inner one is wooded and the outer one a cone-shaped rock. Rocks bare at half tide are about 200 yards offshore. In the bight 2 miles north-northeast of Point Amelia is a conspicuous sand beach 0.4 mile long.

Gilmer Bay is on the southeast side of Point Amelia. About 1 mile inside Point Amelia the bay contracts to 0.6 mile wide; it then expands to 1 mile and terminates in a narrow arm.

The anchorage for large vessels is in midchannel, halfway up the narrow arm in about 15 fathoms, sticky bottom. In summer the swell does not come much beyond the entrance of the arm, but there is no record of the value of the anchorage in winter gales. The bight on the southeast side of the bay affords the best anchorage for craft up to 150 feet long. An anchorage, east of the reef, has depths of 5 to 6 fathoms, hard bottom.

A submerged rock is on the east side in the approach to the bay, on line from Point Amelia to a white rocky islet about 58 feet high and close to the east shore. The rock is about 0.4 mile from the islet, has 3½ fathoms over it and shows a breaker at low water with a moderate swell.

Approaching from south, give the east shore a berth of over 0.8 mile to clear the submerged rock off Slaughter Island and the submerged rock described above. Otherwise, there are no dangers and a midchannel course leads safely through the bay.

Sealion Islands are 3.5 miles north of Point Amelia. They are five in number, the easternmost about 0.8 mile from shore. The two largest are grass covered; the east one has a number of dead trees. The easternmost of the group is partially covered with grass; the remaining two are bare rocks.

Eagle Rock is about 1.6 miles north of the westernmost Sealion Islands and 1.4 miles south-southwest of Cape Georgiana. It is dome shaped and bare.

Sealion Cove is a small cove about 2 miles south-southeast of Cape Georgiana. A sand beach at the head is almost 1 mile long. A small peninsula forms its south point.

For planning, not navigation. Verify current information before departure.