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Grindall Island State Marine Park, AK

Description
The Grindall Island State Marine Park is located 18 air miles from Ketchikan and 40 air miles from Craig. The Grindall Island Public Use Cabin is located at this site. Inside Grindall Passage there is an unmaintained mooring buoy adjacent to the island. The Grindall Island area is known for its king salmon fishing, beachcombing and wildlife viewing. One of the main attractions is the sea lion haul out on the southeast side of the Island. Humpback and orca whales are a common sight in Grindall Passage. This site was historically used for fox farms until around the mid 20th century. The average temperatures in this area are 55°F to 70°F during the summer and spring. High humidity and a high average rainfall make for a wet environment. Winter snow conditions vary from wet and snowy to cold and clear. Average winter temperatures are in the low 30s with extremes in the teens.
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Overview
Description
The Grindall Island State Marine Park is located 18 air miles from Ketchikan and 40 air miles from Craig. The Grindall Island Public Use Cabin is located at this site. Inside Grindall Passage there is an unmaintained mooring buoy adjacent to the island. The Grindall Island area is known for its king salmon fishing, beachcombing and wildlife viewing. One of the main attractions is the sea lion haul out on the southeast side of the Island. Humpback and orca whales are a common sight in Grindall Passage. This site was historically used for fox farms until around the mid 20th century. The average temperatures in this area are 55°F to 70°F during the summer and spring. High humidity and a high average rainfall make for a wet environment. Winter snow conditions vary from wet and snowy to cold and clear. Average winter temperatures are in the low 30s with extremes in the teens.
Geography:

The peaceful and secluded Grindall Island SMP totals 240 acres. The island is heavily wooded with Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar. There is a small lake which can be accessed via an unmaintained trail from the cabin. There are two low hills on the island, the highest is around 400'. The steep rocky shores of Grindall Island are rich with sea life making this a popular destination for divers. Because of the tidal action around the island, various marine debris are deposited here making beachcombing a sometimes rewarding activity for park visitors. Off of the south side of Grindall Island there are several large rocks which accommodate a large population of sea loins.

Recreation:

Camping, hiking, beach combing, photography, wildlife / nature viewing, fishing, hunting

Facilities:

Grindall Island Public Use Cabin, fire ring, mooring buoy and pit toilet.

Nearby Attractions:

Numerous wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic views. There is a lake in the center of the island accessed by an unmaintained trail. Stellar Sea Lion haul out on the rocks off of Grindall Island's southeast side offer wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.

Services and Amenities

Services & Amenities:

Within Park
  • Backpacking
  • Beach
  • Beach Access
  • Beachcombing
  • Berry Picking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Cabin Rentals
  • Campfire Circles
  • Campfire Rings
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sites
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Mushroom Picking
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Area
  • Pit Toilets
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Scuba Diving
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Star Gazing
  • Trailheads
  • Water Access
  • Whale Watching
  • Wildlife Viewing
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
55.44806, -132.1403
55°26'53"N, 132°8'25"W

Park is located on an island and is accessed by float plane or boat only. Located on the west side of Clarence Strait south of the Kasaan Peninsula. Distance by boat from Knudson Cove in Ketchikan is 16 miles, 22 miles from Bar Harbor in Ketchikan and 25 miles from Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. GPS 55° 26' 53.03"N, 132° 08' 25.09"W
Contact Information
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Grindall Island State Marine Park
9883 N Tongass Hwy
Ketchikan  AK  99901
Phone Number:
Project Office: (907)465-4563
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