This is a quick, easy trip for those with limited time or when sticking close to town. The trail at this site provides a nice example of fairly mature forest. Expect to encounter thrushes, kinglets, and even Brown Creeper. Waterfowl and shorebirds are common in the lagoon and along the shoreline in spring and fall. A short walk to the adjacent harbor may yield murrelets, sea ducks, cormorants, gulls, and eagles. Sitka black-tailed deer are commonly observed in this area.

Directions:

To access the Totem Park and Lagoon site, drive 1.5 miles on Mallott Ave., the main paved road through town, to the Yakutat Boat Harbor parking lot. Just before the harbor, a salt water lagoon and the totem pole at the water’s edge across the lagoon will be visible on your right. Pass the Leonard’s Landing sign on your right and park at the harbor. Walk the road towards Leonard’s Landing a few hundred feet. Look for a wooden walkway and a kiosk on the right for the trailhead.

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: None

Bird Species Checklist:

• Yakutat checklist