Admiralty Island National Monument In Alaska Is So Well-Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The State’s Best Kept Secrets
By Megan McDonald|Published January 15, 2021
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
Alaska isn’t short of stunning places to admire, and the Admiralty Island National Monument is no exception. But this national monument is off the radar; many people don’t know where it is or how to get there. So if you visit this gorgeous, hidden island, you’ll have it almost completely to yourself, as long as you don’t mind sharing with the grizzlies.
If you’re looking for an incredible Alaskan experience off the beaten path, you need to head to Admiralty Island National Monument.
This stunning spot in Southeast Alaska is just 15 short miles from Juneau, and is a part of the gorgeous Tongass National Forest. The monument is 955,747 acres and was created on December 1, 1978.
The island is surrounded by Stephen’s Passage on the north and the east side of the island.
In fact, the Tlingit call the island "Kootznoowoo," which means "Fortress of the Bear." 90% of the national monument is designated as Kootznoowoo Wilderness, while the remaining 10% is the community of Angoon, a Tlingit village.
The island is also home to the world’s greatest concentration of nesting bald eagles. There are also humpback whales, Sitka deer, harbor seals, and sea lions. There is a wonder of wildlife to see if you head to see this national monument.
The island is mostly visited to see one of the resident 1,600 brown bears.
Visitors fly in on float planes, then take the mile long hike to Pack Creek for prime brown bear viewing from an observation tower. There are more brown bears on this island than all of the rest of the states in America combined!
Getting out on the water is one of the most wonderful ways to experience the island.
Kayak around the waters surrounding this magical spot, and spend the night in one of the cabins. The entire island is filled with views you’ll want to see again and again.
If you have a chance to visit this hidden island, you need to go and explore it.
This is one gorgeous spot that’s never overrun with crowds, and will give you lifelong memories of truly incredible Alaskan sights. Put this spot on your bucket list, and make sure to visit it soon!
Have you ever been to the Admiralty Island National Monument? What did you think? Was it stunning? Will you ever visit it again? Let us know in the comments below!
