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Admiralty Island Canoe Route

Route: Across Admiralty Island between Angoon and Seymour Canal

Length: 32 miles (53 km)

Trailheads: Mole Harbor, east end of Mitchell Bay

Portages: up to 7; longest is 3 miles (5 km)

Portage difficulty: varying

Terrain: old-growth rainforest wilderness

Originally built by the CCC in the 1930s, the Cross Admiralty Canoe Route features portages of varying difficulty linking seven mountain lakes in the heart of Admiralty Island's Kootznoowoo Wilderness.

Four Forest Service cabins are available for rent along the route; reservations are required.

The canoe route is not heavily used, so it offers visitors an outstanding opportunity to experience the solitude of the Alaskan wilderness. However, floatplanes are a common sight on lakes with cabins.

Paddlers are strongly encouraged to buy a detailed map of the Admiralty Island Canoe Route from the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, or by calling the U.S. Forest Service at (907) 586-8800.

Admiralty Island Canoe Route Map (163 kb pdf)

What to Expect

Southeast Alaska is known for its unpredictable weather. Be prepared for cold temperatures, rain, high winds, and rough water conditions (even on lakes). Bring extra food in case you are delayed, and always leave word with a responsible person who will contact authorities if you do not return on time.

Cellular phones will not work in the Wilderness. Bring flares, a marine VHF radio, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and/or satellite telephone in case of an emergency.

Filter or chemically treat all water before drinking.

All of Admiralty Island is brown bear country, and it is very likely that you will see signs of bears in the area. Conflicts between bears and humans are extremely rare, and you can prevent problems by using good bear-country etiquette. Hang your food at least 12 feet above the ground or use bear-resistant food containers.

Visit the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game for more information on traveling safely in bear country.

The lakes of Admiralty Island offer abundant opportunities for freshwater fishing. For details on species and seasons, visit our fishing page.

Fishing licenses are required for most residents and nonresidents. You can buy your fishing license online from the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game.

Planning Your Trip

The Canoe Route is recommended for paddlers with intermediate to advanced skills. Portages can be steep and up to three miles long.

Most people start and finish the Canoe Route in Angoon. You can avoid backtracking by taking a sidetrip to Distin and Thayer Lakes.

Paddling a canoe from Juneau to Oliver Inlet via Stephens Passage is not advised. The high winds and rough seas in this area are make it appropriate only for powered skiffs or experienced kayakers.

Oliver Inlet Tram

For travelers from Juneau, the Oliver Inlet Tram is a unique alternative to flying. This rail-mounted pushcart is located in Oliver Inlet State Marine Park, and is maintained by the State of Alaska Division of Parks.

The one-mile tram connects Stephens Passage with upper Seymour Canal, and is capable of hauling personal gear and small watercraft (e.g. kayaks or canoes).

Be sure to check the tide! Arriving at Seymour Canal during low tide can mean a long walk across hundreds of acres of mud flats.

The Seymour Canal Cabin, located at the south end of the tram, is available for rent from the State of Alaska Division of Parks. Call (907) 465-4563 for more information.

Water taxi service is available from Juneau to Oliver Inlet. This option eliminates the need to paddle across Stephens Passage, which frequently experiences high winds and rough seas.