Shakes Island is a small island accessible by footbridge and located in Wrangell’s Reliance Harbor, a short walk from most places in town. The island is the location of the Chief Shakes Tribal House, a historic site of a Tlingit community house and totem poles. The site was updated in 2013 using the traditional Tlingit carving methods with Master Carvers and local apprentices. The Tribal House is not always open, but the island is open for visitors. Contact the Wrangell Cooperative Association (907-874-4304) for information on tours inside the Tribal house.

The island is a nice location to scan the harbor for waterfowl and water birds with the low tide exposing the mudflats around the island, creating foraging opportunities for birds. Watch for Pigeon Guillemot, American Wigeon, and Mallard as well as Western Sandpiper, Belted Kingfisher, Northwestern Crow, Black-billed Magpie, and Bald Eagle.

Directions:

Accessed from footbridge to island from Wrangell’s Reliance Harbor.

Trail Information:

There is a footbridge that accesses the island.

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Wrangell--Shake's Island

Bird Species Checklist:

• Wrangell checklist

Other Resources:

• Wrangell: Chief Shakes Tribal House