<<Back to Southeast Alaska Birding Trail Homepage
Yakutat is the farthest northwestern portion of the SE Alaska Birding Trail. Although remote, Yakutat is well worth the trip and easy to access with daily jet service from Seattle, Juneau, Cordova, and Anchorage. If you prefer, you can also travel by ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway system. Yakutat is a scenic coastal village with a rich Alaska Native culture. The village is surrounded by beautiful beaches and stunning scenery including the Gulf of Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Tongass National Forest, Mount St. Elias, and the Hubbard Glacier. The community of Yakutat celebrates the return of its birds each spring with the annual Yakutat Tern Festival, a wonderful event with unique birding opportunities as well as opportunities to experience local art and culture. Don’t miss this stop on the birding trail!
The Yakutat Tern Festival is an annual celebration of the natural and cultural resources of Yakutat, Alaska. The Festival is typically planned for late May or early June. Birders planning a trip to Yakutat should consider planning their trip so they are in town during this festival! Yakutat hosts one of the largest and southernmost known nesting colonies of Aleutian Terns as well as Arctic Terns and up to 200 other bird species that nest in or migrate through the area each spring. The following links have information on this annual birding festival.
Download the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
General Area Overview and Information Sources:
- Yakutat Chamber of Commerce
- US Forest Service Yakutat Ranger District
- US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map for Yakutat
- National Park Service Wrangell St. Elias - Yakutat Area
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Yakutat Birding and Wildlife Viewing
- Yakutat Ranger District - Recreation: Trails and Cabins
- Yakutat Area Map
- Medical clinic
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
- Yakutat Birding Checklist
- US Forest Service Yakutat Area Birding Guide
- US Forest Service - Birding on the Yakutat Ranger District
- The Summer Birds of Yakutat Bay 1939
- Marine Birds of Yakutat Bay 2013
- Audubon Important Bird Area - Yakutat Bay
- Audubon Important Bird Area - Black Sand Spit
- eBird - Yakutat Alaska
Birding Trail Map for Yakutat (click on site names for details).
Sites in Yakutat
Ahrnklin Estuary
Black Sand Spit Colony (viewable from the estuary) is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA).
Airport Area
This is a great spot to see songbirds.
Cannon Beach
This scenic beach, lined with beach grass and bordered by coastal rainforest, makes for great birdwatching.
Disenchantment Bay and Hubbard Glacier
You will need to contact a local charter boat company to access.
Harlequin Lake Trail
Yakutat Glacier is visible across the lake.
Monti Bay and Islands
This is a great area for seabirds!
Railroad / Fish Train Trail
Look for birds in flight in this area.
Russell Fiord
Pay attention to tides while exploring this area.
Sandy Beach
Covered shelters available.
Situk Lake
Be bear aware in this area.
Situk River Trail
Be bear aware in this area.
Strawberry Point
Area is known for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.
Tawah Creek and Cannon Beach
Trails located at Cannon Beach
Totem Park and Lagoon
Short boardwalk available
Yakutat Bay
Accessible by boat
Birding Photo: Ben Sullender
Are you ready for the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail?
Find gear lists, birding tips, and general advice.
How you can help, right now
Donate to Audubon
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.
1% for the Planet
We are proud to be part of the 1% for the Planet network. If you own a business, please consider joining 1% for the Planet to support Audubon Alaska’s conservation efforts.