Chichagof Island Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Know

Chichagof Island Travel Guide: Untamed Alaska at Its Best

Welcome to Chichagof Island — where the wild reigns and the views hit you right in the soul. This massive, remote gem in Alaska’s southeast offers a rare blend of breathtaking nature, abundant wildlife, deep Indigenous culture, and authentic off-the-grid experiences. Whether you’re hopping off a cruise ship, flying in on a floatplane, or arriving by ferry with hiking boots in tow, Chichagof will welcome you with misty forests, breeching whales, and bald eagles perched on every other pine.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan your Chichagof Island adventure.

Getting to Know Chichagof Island

Chichagof (pronounced CHICK-a-goff) Island is part of Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago and is the fifth-largest island in the U.S., spanning over 2,000 square miles. It’s known for having the highest population of brown bears per square mile in the world, making it a wildlife lover’s dream. It’s also home to several small towns and Tlingit villages like Hoonah, Tenakee Springs, and Elfin Cove.

While it remains rugged and sparsely populated, Chichagof isn’t primitive—it’s wild in the best possible way. This is the Alaska that still feels undiscovered.

How to Get There

Chichagof Island isn’t accessible by road, so your adventure starts with a boat or plane.

• By Air: The easiest way is to fly from Juneau via floatplane to Hoonah, Elfin Cove, or Tenakee Springs. Alaska Seaplanes and other local carriers provide regular service.
• By Ferry: The Alaska Marine Highway ferry serves Hoonah, connecting it to Juneau and other Southeast towns.
• By Cruise: Many cruise passengers dock at Icy Strait Point near Hoonah, a purpose-built cruise port surrounded by wilderness.
• Private Charter: Adventurous types often arrive by private yacht or charter boat from Juneau or Sitka.

When to Go

The best time to visit Chichagof Island is between May and September. During these warmer months, the weather is relatively mild, wildlife is most active, and all excursions and services are up and running.

• June to August: Peak season for bear viewing, kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. Expect lush greenery and long daylight hours.
• May and September: Shoulder months that are quieter and cheaper, with still great wildlife sightings and fewer crowds.

How Long Should You Stay?

If you’re arriving by cruise, you’ll have just one day—enough to hit a few highlights. But if you're planning an immersive trip, aim for 3 to 5 days. That gives you time to explore multiple villages, go hiking and kayaking, and maybe even sit still long enough to see a bear wander across your path.

Solo vs. Group Travel

You can absolutely travel solo here—but for many activities, especially bear viewing or remote hiking, guided tours or small group excursions are safer and more enriching. Many local operators are Tlingit-owned and offer deep insight into Indigenous culture and traditions.

Top Activities on Chichagof Island

Here’s where the real fun begins.

🐻 Brown Bear Viewing

Chichagof is famous for its brown bears. Visit in spring or late summer to see them waking up or fishing for salmon. Tours out of Hoonah offer respectful, safe bear-watching excursions into their natural habitat.

🐋 Whale Watching

Humpback whales, orcas, and porpoises frequent nearby waters. Join a small boat tour from Hoonah or Icy Strait Point—some even offer whale sighting guarantees. Point Adolphus is one of the top whale-watching spots in North America.

🛶 Kayaking and Canoe Trips

Glide through glassy inlets surrounded by thick forest and snowcapped peaks. You may spot sea otters, seals, bald eagles, or even a curious whale. Try the Tlingit Canoe & Culture Experience for a deeper connection.

🥾 Hiking Trails

Chichagof’s trails range from boardwalk strolls to strenuous mountain climbs like Mount Adkins (4,420 feet). Tongass National Forest blankets much of the island—expect mossy trails, giant spruce, and waterfalls.

🎣 Fishing

Anglers can hook halibut, salmon, trout, and char in both saltwater and streams. Charter fishing trips are available in Elfin Cove, Hoonah, and Tenakee Springs. You can even ship your catch home.

📷 Wildlife Photography

You’ll be surrounded by creatures—Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, whales, seals, mink, and that ever-present bear population. Bring your zoom lens and binoculars.

🛍️ Totem Poles & Cultural Sites

In Hoonah, visit the carving shed to see Tlingit artists at work. Explore the Huna Tribal House at Glacier Bay or view historic dugout canoes and local totems around town.

🌊 Hot Springs at Tenakee

Looking to soak after all that hiking? Tenakee Springs is known for its clothing-optional, natural hot spring bathhouse right in the center of town.

Where to Eat

Dining on Chichagof is simple, hearty, and often seafood-focused.

• Hoonah Beach House – Best Dungeness crab of your life, caught fresh and served with a view. Try the Thai iced tea.
• Oso Gordito – Mexican-style food with a local Alaskan twist. Great tacos and smoked salmon burritos.
• The Duck Point Smokehouse & Bar – Right on the water at Icy Strait Point, this place serves smoked salmon, crab legs, and craft beers from Icy Strait Brewing Co.
• Tenakee Springs Bakery – Local favorite for baked goods, fresh breads, and coffee.

Pro Tip: Dining options are limited outside of Hoonah. Always check open hours and consider self-catering if you’re staying in a lodge or cabin.

Where to Stay

Accommodation ranges from rustic to cozy-luxe.

• Hoonah:
  • Icy Strait Lodge – A classic, clean stay with great hosts and proximity to excursions.
  • The Wilderness Lodge – Waterfront lodge perfect for fishing packages and wilderness immersion.
• Elfin Cove:
  • Elfin Cove Resort – All-inclusive lodge offering fishing, meals, and guided tours.
• Tenakee Springs:
  • Tenakee Hot Springs Lodge – A charming guesthouse near the hot springs and waterfront.
• Backcountry Options:
  • You’ll also find cabins and yurts throughout Tongass National Forest—some are reservable via the U.S. Forest Service.

Local Tips

• Pack Smart: Bring rain gear, sturdy shoes, layers, and insect repellent. Weather can flip in minutes.
• Book in Advance: Flights, ferries, and accommodations fill fast in summer. Lock down plans early.
• Bear Aware: If hiking alone, make noise, carry bear spray, and avoid hiking during dawn/dusk.
• Respect the Land: Follow Leave No Trace, and tread gently. You’re a guest in both a fragile ecosystem and someone’s homeland.
• Talk to Locals: The Tlingit people are incredibly welcoming and love to share stories, especially about the Kóoshdaa Káa—the shapeshifting “boogeyman” said to roam the island.
• Walk Between Icy Strait Point and Hoonah: It’s a beautiful 1.5-mile oceanfront path, where you might spot porpoises or bald eagles along the way.

What Makes Chichagof Special?

Chichagof Island is where Alaska feels real. It’s not polished or commercialized. Here, nature doesn’t take a backseat to anything. You’ll leave with the smell of cedar in your hair, bear tracks in your memories, and the sense that you’ve touched something truly wild.

Whether you're kayaking with whales, hiking into the fog, or just watching the mist roll in over the mountains with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll feel it: this is the spirit of Alaska.

So go ahead—pack your boots, bring your curiosity, and let Chichagof Island show you what real adventure looks like.

Chichagof Island isn’t just a stop on a cruise—it’s a destination worth planning your whole trip around. Wild, remote, and profoundly beautiful, it offers the kind of travel experience that changes you. Whether you’re going solo, joining a tour, or taking your family on an unplugged escape, Chichagof promises unforgettable encounters and deep connection to nature.