Southeast Alaska Birding Trail Thorne Bay

Sandy Beach

Camping sites and other facilities nearby.

The Sandy Beach Road provides easy access to the coastal beaches along the eastern shore of Prince of Wales Island adjacent to Clarence Strait. The rich marine waters attracts a variety of birds and marine mammals. In this area you can see humpback and killer whales, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. Trumpeter Swans can be observed in the Ratz Harbor estuary in the fall. The Forest Service Sandy Beach Recreation Area is a great place to look for Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagles and loons. Camping sites and other facilities are available at the Forest Service Sandy Beach Recreation Area.

Directions:

From Thorne Bay drive north approximately 6 miles on Sandy Beach Road/NF-30.  Roadside pull-offs are available along the road near the beach area and at the USFS Picnic Area.

Trumpeter Swans.
Trumpeter Swans. Photo: John Schoen

Birding Resources:

  • eBird Hotspot: None

Bird Species Checklist:

Other Resources:

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