Southeast Alaska Birding Trail Saxman

Herring Cove

Good spot for salmon viewing, bear watching as well as birding.

Herring Cove is a rich estuary and salmon fishery located 6 miles south of Saxman. This is a good spot for salmon viewing, bear watching as well as birding. The abundance of fish brings in a diversity of gulls as well as Bald Eagles, Common Raven, and Northwestern Crow. Viewing the creek and estuary from the bridge is popular spot, but be sure to watch for traffic on the highway and stay outside of the driving lanes. This site can also be crowded at times when cruise ships are in port. Other sightings include: Black Turnstone, Great Blue Heron, and Belted Kingfisher.

Directions:

Located approximately 10 miles south of Ketchikan Ferry Terminal on the South Tongass Highway.

Belted Kingfisher.
Belted Kingfisher. Photo: Milo Burcham

Birding Resources:

Bird Species Checklist:

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