Southeast Alaska Birding Trail

Thorne River Estuary

A good spot to see shorebirds and waterfowl.

The Thorne River Estuary is where the Thorne River flows into Thorne Bay. This river is a significant fishery with steelhead and salmon running into the river to spawn. The estuary is a good spot to see shorebirds during the spring migration and a good spot for waterfowl in the fall. Arriving 1 to 2 hours before high tide is a good strategy for birding tidal areas, as the incoming tide will push the birds closer to shore for better viewing.

Directions:

From Thorne Bay travel approximately 2.7 miles west on NF-30/South Thorne Bay Road. There is roadside parking on the north side of the road.

Mallard
Mallard. Photo: Donna Dewhurst/ FWS

Birding Resources:

  • eBird Hotspot: None

Bird Species Checklist:

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