Top 10 adventure things to do in Sitka

1. Guided nature hike through Sitka's landscapes

A scenic walk through Sitka's 14 miles of coastal roads — guided by a local, exploring nature and ecology in small groups.

2. Bear and Forest Trek tour in Sitka with lunch

Four hours, small-group tour by vehicle — visit the Fortress of the Bear, local trails in Tongass Forest, with a locally sourced meal included.

3. Guided hiking tours in Sitka, Alaska

Half-day and full-day hikes through Tongass National Forest, with options that include a local brewery tour and insights on Sitka's culture and history.

“This was a fantastic experience. Although there was a minor issue with the meeting time, everything turned out fine. We had Lilli as our guide for the hike, which was wonderful. The scenery was stunning, even in the rain. I highly recommend this excursion, but be prepared to do some climbing and hiking, as the area involves plenty of elevation.”— Julie_E

4. Kayak paddle tour around Sitka's islands

Two to three hours of kayaking around Sitka's islands led by a local guide, focusing on wildlife and history, limited to six guests for a personal experience.

“Charlie led us on an enjoyable and secure adventure filled with tales, legends, and history. He expertly navigated us across boating lanes and through the harbor. The entire team was professional, friendly, and polite. The transportation from the cruise drop-off in town was very convenient.”— Scott M

5. Private seaplane tour over Sitka Sound

Aerial tour of Sitka Sound for one hour in a private seaplane, taking in views of mountains, forests, and coastline.

“Jackson was an outstanding pilot with a wealth of knowledge, and he really enhanced our tour experience. I highly recommend this activity.”— Susan_K

6. Sitka Sound marine wildlife tour

Two and a half hours by boat — watch humpback whales, sea lions, otters, and eagles, with just six guests aboard for a personalized experience.

“Captain Mike was an engaging and informative guide who expertly took us to the best spots to see whales. I highly recommend this experience, as we encountered various marine life and multiple whales.”— C3921PWjordanh

7. Self-guided Jeep tour in Sitka

Explore Sitka at your own pace in a Jeep Wrangler with GPS audio guide, perfect for a flexible adventure among historic sites and natural beauty.

8. Guided wildlife hike around Beaver Lake in Sitka

Three hours of hiking with naturalist guides — explore Beaver Lake and spot wildlife, including whales and eagles, while learning about the ecosystem.

“It was a special journey for the kids. Haley was very friendly, and they enjoyed talking to her while learning. The hike in Tongass National Forest was great, and she prepared snacks for everyone, introducing us to various berries and mushrooms. A wonderful experience for all.”— pattypL3058NV

9. Guided hike in Tongass National Forest

Three hours exploring Tongass National Forest with a local guide — spot eagles, seasonal salmon, and learn about Sitka’s ecology and Tlingit culture.

“This was the highlight of our Alaskan cruise. With limited time to connect with nature during our port visit, this outing was ideal. Our guide, Sadie, picked us up at the cruise terminal and took us into the Tongass National Forest. She was friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable about both Sitka and the local environment. We hiked into a stunning mountain valley leading to Beaver Lake, which was breathtaking in every way. As a temperate rainforest, waterfalls surrounded us, alongside towering forests, muskeg bogs, and the picturesque Beaver Lake. Sadie proved to be a skilled and patient guide, sharing insights and pointing out the various waterfalls, plants, and trees, while addressing all our inquiries. Despite the rain, which is common in this part of the Alaskan rainforest, it only enhanced the area's natural beauty. We highly recommend Sitka Walking Tours and suggest booking Sadie as your guide. It was a moderately challenging and wet hike, but equipped with the right rain gear, it made for an enjoyable day in Sitka, Alaska.”— HoneymoonersOct2016

10. Snorkel tour in Sitka Sound

Two hours in Sitka Sound — snorkel among octopus, rockfish, and sea stars with all equipment provided.

“The actual tour we participated in was enjoyable and included more sights than anticipated. However, my negative experience stemmed from being initially overlooked for our booking. After contacting them, we learned there was an error with our reservation, and they scheduled us for a later tour. They also mentioned compensating us for the inconvenience, but ultimately did not follow through. Unfortunately, it seems we were among the unlucky ones. If you encounter problems, their reliability to keep promises is questionable.”— Q8371LIns