The Blind River Rapids Trail is a flat, .25-mile accessible boardwalk leading to the Blind River Rapids with several benches, two picnic tables, an outhouse, and a picnic shelter. The trail passes through muskeg wetland and the boardwalk keeps hikers’ feet dry as they get an opportunity to explore this ecosystem type. There is a side loop trail option with a .25-mile long boardwalk winding through muskeg and scrub forest. Some lodgepole pine is located in this area, which is uncommon for coastal Alaska.

The rapids are a popular spot for fishing and salmon viewing. King salmon (chinook) spawn in June and July, pinks (humpies) in July and August, and silver (coho) between August and October. The salmon also attract bears, so be bear-aware while in the area. Bald Eagles are common while the fish are in the river. Other birds in the area include Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Steller’s Jay, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Belted Kingfisher, and Pacific Wren. At low tide, a hike down the channel provides good access to viewing of the tide flats near the Wrangell Narrows. Rubber boots are the footwear of choice. The tide flat is especially good birding during the spring or fall migrations. Occasionally birds such as Pectoral Sandpiper (uncommon) or Baird’s Sandpiper (casual) can be seen, in addition to the more common birds such as Western and Least Sandpipers. Double-crested Cormorants like to roost on the navigation aids in the Wrangell Narrows.

During the winter, the rapids maintain open water conditions suitable for wintering waterfowl, including Trumpeter Swan. Care should be taken so that people and dogs do not stress the swans during the winter as they need to conserve energy to survive the winter. More than one swan has died in this area due to stress and starvation.

Directions:

Blind River Rapids Trailhead is located approximately 14 miles south of Petersburg on the Mitkof Highway.

Trail Information:

• US Forest Service: Blind River Rapids Trailhead
• A Forest Service-maintained .25-mile-long boardwalk trail leads hikers from the parking area to Blind River Rapids. Additionally, a short loop boardwalk trail hike is also available at this site winding through muskeg and scrub forest.

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: None

Bird Species Checklist:

• Petersburg checklist

Other Resources:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game
• US Forest Service: Blind River Rapids Picnic Shelter