The Settlers Cove State Recreation Area is located at the northern end of the North Tongass Highway adjacent to Clover Passage. This recreation site is on lands managed by the State of Alaska and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. Both RV and camping sites are available along with a public-use cabin, trails, and picnic facilities.

The surrounding temperate rainforest is composed of Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, and Sitka spruce. A short hike to the beach will yield views of Clover Passage and opportunities to see Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Marbled Murrlet, and many other species of waterfowl and seabirds. The surrounding forests provide opportunities to see a wide variety of passerines typical of Southeast Alaska forests.

Directions:

From the Ketchikan Ferry Terminal, head north on the North Tongass Highway approximately 16 miles to the end of the road.

Trail Information:

• US Forest Service: Ketchikan Area Trails Guide (PDF)
• There are a series of trails in this area including:
  • Hollow Cedar Beach Access Trail: Trail guide Page 30-31. This trail provides ADA access with assistance to the beach picnic shelter, accessed from either the campground or the day-use parking lot.
  • Lunch Falls Loop Trail: Trail guide Page 34-35. This trail provides access over and beyond Lunch Creek, to the beach or a mile loop hike through the forest. A connector trail from Lunch Creek above the Waterfall Viewing Deck to another mile hike up the Lunch Creek Trail, adjoining the 3.5-mile trail continuation on National Forest to the Emery Tobin Lakes.

Birding Resources:

•  eBird Hotspot: Ketchikan--Settlers Cove State Park

Bird Species Checklist:

• Ketchikan checklist

Other Resources:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Settler's Cove State Recreation Site 
• Alaska Department of Natural Resources: Settler's Cove State Recreation Site