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Tongass Home » Recreation » Boating » Kayaking
Kayaking near Petersburg
The Petersburg area offers outstanding paddling opportunities. From an iceberg-filled fjord in LeConte Bay to the Keku Islands, this remote area has hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore.
Be aware
Alaska is not a forgiving place; being remote, having cold water, large tides and rugged terrain means help is not just around the corner. You need to be experienced in both paddling and wilderness camping. There are no established campsites and we are trying to keep them from forming. To help ensure these wild areas retain their natural character, it's best to camp on the durable surfaces of the beach and not damage the fragile uplands vegetation.
Local information and safety guidelines
Information about launch sites, temporary kayak storage and navigating the Petersburg harbor can help you plan and enjoy your trip. See the main kayaking page for safety reminders. Be aware of your communication options.
Day trip
Petersburg Creek - From Petersburg Harbor, cross Narrows and head up the creek. Beautiful area with wildflowers, good fishing, and wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Excellent 4-hour day trip up with incoming tide and back down with outgoing tide.
Extended trips
Please use durable surfaces for camping. For beach camping, that means choosing gravel or sand beaches for the tents and the cooking area and staying off of the vegetation. Most of the campsites listed on the following routes are based on this practice.
| Petersburg to Kake via the north shore of Kupreanof Island | 65 miles (104 km) 1-way |
| Petersburg to Kake via the south shore of Kupreanof Island | 95 miles (152 km) 1-way |
| LeConte Bay Loop | 75 miles (120 km) round-trip |
| Thomas Bay Loop | 60 miles (96 km) round-trip |
| Duncan Canal Loop | 62 miles (99 km) round-trip from Papke's Landing |
| North Kuiu Island Loop | 85 miles (136 km) round trip from Kake |
| Map of all beach campsites around Petersburg | |
Recommended maps - USGS Quadrangles, at a 1:250,000 scale, are given for each campsite. You can buy many USGS maps at sporting goods and outdoor equipment stores; check at your local stores. Marine charts may also be helpful; they show navigational aids, water depths, and rocks and other hazards in the water. Marine charts are available at Petersburg hardware stores. It would be prudent to waterproof your maps in some way, such as with clear contact paper.
Full service communities in this area:
- Petersburg, northern tip of Mitkof Island
- Wrangell, northern point of Wrangell Island
- Kake, northwestern shore of Kupreanof Island.
Point Baker, on the northwest tip of Prince of Wales Island, has a general store.
USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Last Modified: June 06, 2006