Description

Shuyak Island State Park comprises most of the island's 48,000 acres, with a few small privately owned parcels scattered about. The park is part of the unique Kodiak Archipelago coastal forest system, which contains only one tree species: Sitka spruce. Besides a virgin Sitka spruce forest, the park includes miles of rugged coastline, beaches and protected waterways. If you visit Shuyak, you may either camp or rent one of the four public use cabins. Groceries and other supplies must be purchased before you arrive on Shuyak. There is a state park contact station on Big Bay for possible assistance if necessary. They may be able to provide communication to the mainland, but only in an emergency. Visitors should be as self-sufficient as possible; assistance could be hours or days away. The Shuyak experience is one of the wilderness. Those who have planned their trip carefully find the greatest rewards.

Several air charters provide float plane service to the park and the four public use cabins located on the remote island. Once you arrive on the island, no visitor services are available. Weather at Shuyak Island is generally cool and moist. Average annual precipitation is about 75 inches and summertime temperatures range from the low 40's to the mid 60's. Poor weather can delay flights to and from the park so all visitors are encouraged to pack extra food and supplies in case they get weathered in.

Geography:

Shuyak Island is located 54 air miles north of Kodiak, Alaska, with access to the island via boat or float plane only. Shuyak Island's compact dimensions measure approximately 12 miles long and 11 miles wide, but contain more sheltered interior waterways than anywhere in the Kodiak Archipelago. The land and water of the area host a large variety of seabirds, and otters share the sea with whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and Dall porpoise. Kodiak brown bear and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the island's forests along with many other fur bearing critters

Recreation:

Hunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, remote backcountry camping, beachcombing, wildlife and marine mammal viewing, bird watching, and photography

Facilities:

The four public use cabins in Shuyak Island State Park are located just up from the water's edge in a dense old growth Sitka spruce forest. All cabins are also located inside protected saltwater bays. The cabins are identically built from cedar 'Pan Abode' kits and each measure 12' x 20'. Each cabin site includes an outhouse and a wood shed usually outfitted with wood and splitting tools. All cabins have a All cabins include four "double sized" sleeping platforms, wood stove, a basic supply of cooking pots, pans, and utensils for four to six people. Visitors should plan to bring any additional gear including a cookstove, lantern or LED lighting, sleeping pad and any gear or supplies they rely upon. They are generally located in areas that offer great opportunities for hunting, fishing, kayaking and hiking, and some cabin users may also find excellent beach combing near-by. There is a sink in each cabin, a fresh water creek is located near the cabin, but water must be hauled to the cabin, visitors are advised to purify the water before using it. The Island has an approximately 14 mile established trail system that connects some of the cabins to points on the outer coast and the state park contact station.

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 7 Month(s) in advance.

Season Schedule

• General Rules