The paved Mitkof Highway runs approximately 32 miles from Petersburg south adjacent to the Wrangell Narrows, Blind Slough, and Sumner Strait to the southern end of the island adjacent to the Stikine River Delta. There are numerous opportunities for roadside stops along the highway across a wide variety of habitats and ecosystem types. Along the highway, you will see stands of old-growth and 50-year-old managed stands of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Several Forest Service-maintained recreation facilities along the drive have restrooms and short trails to viewing areas.

One can visit the Blind River Rapids fishing area via the accessible boardwalk trail, check out the Swan Observatory, hike the Ohmer Creek Trail to Ohmer Creek, or walk the beaches of Sumner Strait. Manmade Hole Picnic Area has a shelter and an accessible forest trail around a freshwater lake and Blind Slough Recreation Area is a newly renovated recreation site. The associated eBird hotspot has documented approximately 70 species along this route including a wide variety of waterfowl, seabirds, and passerines. Blind River Rapids trail passes through several habitats culminating in the estuary which hosts multiple resident and migratory species ranging from swans, ducks, and shorebirds to raptors.

The Swan Observatory has Trumpeter Swans from mid-October to April, various waterfowl, year-round, gulls, and even an occasional Sandhill Crane. The Blind Slough Picnic Area has open water, sedge meadows, and forest where species sighted include swans seasonally, mergansers, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Belted Kingfishers, American Dippers, and swallows. Warbler species include Yellow, MacGillivray’s, and Common Yellowthroat. More unusual sightings would include Warbling Vireo, Vaux’s and Black swifts, Olive-sided Flycatcher, or an American Coot in the fall and winter.

Directions:

From Petersburg drive south on the Mitkof Highway to the end of the highway located near mile 32, then return to Petersburg via the same route. A variation on the trip could be added by driving back via the 21-mile gravel-surfaced Three Lakes Loop Road.

Birding Resources:

•  eBird Hotspot: Petersburg--Mitkof Highway

Bird Species Checklist:

• Petersburg checklist