Sitka
The capital of Russian America until 1867, on an island under a volcano, with an onion-domed cathedral and a totem park.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
The Russian-American Company established itself here in 1799 and the Tlingit destroyed the post in 1802; the Russians returned in 1804 and the Battle of Sitka followed, after which the Tlingit withdrew rather than surrendered - a distinction the Tlingit maintain and the park now presents. Sitka was the capital of Russian America until the 1867 transfer to the United States, signed on Castle Hill. St Michael's Cathedral, an onion-domed Orthodox church of 1848, burned in 1966 and was rebuilt to the original plans with the icons saved from the fire. Sitka National Historical Park holds a totem trail through rainforest on the battle site. Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, stands across the sound.
What you actually see
- St Michael's Cathedral - rebuilt after 1966 with the rescued icons.
- Castle Hill - where the 1867 transfer was signed.
- A totem trail through rainforest - on the 1804 battle site.
- Mount Edgecumbe - the dormant volcano across the sound.
When to go
May to September. A full day.
Honest expectations
No road access - ferry or plane only, and both are weather-dependent. Rain is frequent. Cruise days crowd a small town. The 1804 events are contested history and the Tlingit account differs from the older telling.
Nearby
Baranof Island's coast is around; Juneau is north by ferry or air.
What to pack for Sitka
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.