Southeast Alaska Birding Trail Craig

Craig Town Center

A great spot for whale watching, especially when the herring are spawning.

You can explore the coastal and tidal areas that surround the town of Craig. Hike either the Graveyard Island Trail through the coastal rainforest on the south edge of town to Cape Suspiro or hike the Sunnahae Mountain Trail to get alpine views. The Graveyard Island Trail is a nice area with a flat, easy hike that is close to town and a close walking distance from many accommodations in Craig. The trail ends at Cape Suspiro with a nice beach and a bench, which is a great spot for whale watching, especially when the herring are spawning.

Evening is the best time to look for marine mammals from these spots. The best viewing is during the herring spawn (mid-March to mid-April) with peak spawning in late March. The Sunnahae Mountain Trail passes through young growth of varying age classes and yields great views of Craig and surrounding ocean. Muskeg and alpine areas are found in higher elevations. The trail has had some recent trail improvements but remains a strenuous hike on a very steep trail taking up to four hours to reach the top. The diversity of habitats around Craig offers the more than 100 species detected in and adjacent to the town.

Directions:

From Ketchikan, you can either ferry to Hollis on the Inter-Island Ferry or fly into Klawock. From either location, you will need to rent a car or call a taxi to get to Craig. Alternatively, you can take a float plane directly to Craig.

Dark-eyed Junco.
Dark-eyed Junco. Photo: John Schoen

Birding Resources:

Species Checklist:

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