Aerial view of Southeast Alaska fjords, islands, and coastline

Routes & Destinations

Paddling routes across Southeast Alaska — from day trips out of Juneau to multi-week expeditions.

Southeast Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. These routes are a starting point — each one has been paddled and documented firsthand. Distances are approximate. Always verify conditions with current tide tables and NOAA marine forecasts before launching.

Lynn Canal

The longest and deepest fjord in North America, running 90 miles from Skagway to Juneau. Strong tidal currents, dramatic scenery, and reliable wildlife sightings make it one of the premier paddling corridors in Alaska.

Amalga Harbor to Sentinel Island

Advanced

12 miles one way1–2 days

The classic Lynn Canal crossing. Launch from Amalga Harbor north of Juneau and cross to Sentinel Island Lighthouse — a National Historic Landmark perched on a rocky point at the mouth of Lynn Canal. The crossing exposes you to full fetch from the north; time it for calm morning conditions and slack water. Humpback whales are common in summer.

Highlights

Sentinel Island Lighthouse (National Historic Landmark)
Humpback whale feeding grounds
Bald eagle nesting sites along the Amalga shoreline
Views of the Chilkat Range and Davidson Glacier

Watch for

Afternoon north winds build quickly in Lynn Canal — plan to be across or camped by noon. Tidal currents run 1–2 knots through the crossing.

Berners Bay Loop

Intermediate

25–30 miles3–4 days

A sheltered loop through Berners Bay at the north end of Lynn Canal, taking in the Antler, Lace, and Berners rivers. Spring brings eulachon runs and the bears, eagles, and sea lions that follow them. The bay is protected from the main canal winds and offers excellent camping on gravel beaches.

Highlights

Eulachon (hooligan) runs in April–May
Brown bear viewing along river mouths
Steller sea lion haul-outs
Relatively protected water compared to the main canal

Watch for

River mouths concentrate bears during eulachon season — make noise and give them wide berth. Tidal flats in the upper bay go dry at low water.

Admiralty Island

Admiralty Island National Monument — known in Tlingit as Kootznoowoo, 'Fortress of the Bears' — is home to the highest density of brown bears in the world and some of the most spectacular paddling in Southeast Alaska. The 100-mile Cross-Admiralty Canoe Route is a bucket-list trip.

Cross-Admiralty Canoe Route

Advanced

100 miles7–10 days

The full traverse of Admiralty Island from Mole Harbor on the east side to Angoon on the west, crossing a chain of lakes and portages through the heart of the monument. The route combines open-water paddling on Seymour Canal and Chatham Strait with lake crossings and short portages. Permits required for some campsites.

Highlights

Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area (permit required in peak season)
Swan Lake and Hasselborg Lake systems
Remote wilderness with almost no other visitors
Seymour Canal — one of the best eagle-watching areas in Alaska

Watch for

Chatham Strait is exposed and can build steep seas fast. Portages require carrying loaded boats — plan your gear weight accordingly. Bear canisters required.

Seymour Canal Day Paddles

Beginner–Intermediate

5–15 milesHalf day to full day

Seymour Canal on the east side of Admiralty Island offers protected paddling with extraordinary wildlife. The Oliver Inlet State Marine Park provides a good base camp. Tidal currents in the canal run strong — time your paddle to work with the tide.

Highlights

Bald eagle nesting — one of the highest densities anywhere
Harbor seals on tidal flats
Humpback whales in the outer canal
Oliver Inlet tidal portage (advanced — 6-knot currents at peak)

Watch for

Oliver Inlet currents can exceed 6 knots at peak flow — only attempt the portage at slack water. The outer canal is exposed to Stephens Passage swells.

Juneau Area Day Trips

Accessible launches close to Juneau for day paddles and overnights. These routes are good for building skills and reading local conditions before committing to longer expeditions.

Auke Bay to Mendenhall Bar

Beginner–Intermediate

8 miles round tripHalf day

A sheltered paddle from Auke Bay Recreation Area along the shoreline toward the Mendenhall Wetlands. The wetlands are a state game refuge and excellent bird habitat. Good for practicing tidal reading and navigation in a forgiving environment.

Highlights

Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge
Shorebird and waterfowl viewing
Views of Mendenhall Glacier from the water
Protected from main channel winds

Watch for

Boat traffic in Auke Bay is heavy in summer — stay close to shore and make yourself visible. Tidal flats near the wetlands go dry at low water.

Douglas Island Circumnavigation

Intermediate–Advanced

35 miles2–3 days

A full loop around Douglas Island, the large island across Gastineau Channel from downtown Juneau. The west side faces Stephens Passage and can be rough; the east side through Gastineau Channel is sheltered. A good introduction to mixed-condition paddling close to town.

Highlights

Views of downtown Juneau and the Coast Mountains
Exposed west coast with sea caves and rock gardens
Sheltered camping on the north end
Accessible logistics — close to town for resupply

Watch for

The west coast of Douglas is fully exposed to Stephens Passage — check forecasts carefully. Gastineau Channel has strong tidal currents near the narrows.

Before you go

File a float plan with someone onshore — include your launch point, route, campsites, and expected return.
NOAA marine forecasts: Zone AKZ035 (Lynn Canal), AKZ036 (Stephens Passage), AKZ038 (Chatham Strait).
Tide tables: NOAA station 9452210 (Juneau) is the primary reference for most local routes.
Admiralty Island Monument permits: contact the USFS Juneau Ranger District for Pack Creek and campsite reservations.
VHF Channel 16 is the emergency and hailing channel — carry a radio and monitor it underway.

Sharpen your skills before you go.

Review the kayaking tips and camping guides before heading out on any of these routes.

Kayaking Tips Camping Tips