Tongass National Forest

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Petersburg Information

All the Petersburg harbors are managed by the Harbormaster. His office is at top of the ramp to the North Harbor. You can reach it on VHF channel 16 or at 907-772-4688.

Petersburg has an excellent harbor very protected from the wind. But its location at the northern end of the Wrangell Narrows means the tidal currents can be very strong. With a strong current, fixed docks and a very active commercial fishing fleet, paddlers need to use extra caution. If possible, plan your harbor paddling at either the low or high slack tide, when the current will be slowest. On large tide changes, the current can be 5 knots or more. Beware of the rip tide that can form at the mouth of the narrows on a running tide. More than one unwary mariner has run into trouble in its steep and roiling waves.

Launch sites

You can launch or land at boat ramps in Petersburg's north and south harbors. The boat ramp in the north harbor may be better than the one in the south harbor, as it is not as busy.

Sandy Beach Park, about 2 miles by road from town on Frederick Sound, has a gentle beach and a large tide flat.

Temporary storage

Temporary kayak storage is planned for the harbor; contact the Harbormaster for the latest information. No camping or storage at Sandy Beach Park.

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: June 06, 2006