Chichagof Island, also known as Shee Kaax, is located in the Alaska Panhandle near Bell Island, Nelson Island, and Soloma Point in the Alexander Archipelago. It is the fifth-largest island in the United States, measuring 75 miles in length and 50 miles in width for a total of 2,000 square miles.
If you were to go north from Baranof Island, you would reach Chichagof Island, with the narrow of Peril Strait between them. It is bounded by the Gulf of Alaska to the west, Cross Sound to the north, Icy Strait to the northeast, and Chatham Strait to the east. Hoonah, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and Elfin Cove make up the northern half of Chichagof Island and are counted as part of the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area. Most of the island is made up of untouched Alaskan wilderness full of native plants and animals.
Chichagof Island is home to more brown bears per square mile than any other site on Earth, making it one of the last grizzly strongholds. Though the brown bear reigns supreme, the island is also home to a plethora of other species, including Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, minks, martens, beavers, ducks, and sea birds.
There are several spots on the island where you can see wildlife depending on the time of year and the weather. Bears can be found feeding in coastal rivers and streams in July, when the salmon begin their annual migration inland from the ocean. By late August and early September, the salmon have made it to the shallow streams above the falls, where the bears chase them.
The crew has carefully navigated you through glacier-carved fjords, so you can sit back and take in the breathtaking views. Drop the kayaks and skiffs off at anchor in secluded bays. Take a guided walk along the beach or into the woods to see what you can discover.
