Hoonah's compact size puts most points of interest within walking distance.
BIRD WATCHING
More than 250 species of waterfowl, shorebirds and common birds inhabit this area. Hoonah Harbor is a prime spot for viewing bald eagles.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Chichagof Island has the largest Brown bear population in the world, approximately three per square mile!
Other land animals including Sitka black-tail deer, land otter, marten, beaver, mink and red squirrel may also be observed.
MARINE MAMMALS
Whale sightings are common from shore. In the summer of 2007, a record 161 individual humpback whales were identified near Hoonah in the Point Adolphus-Glacier Bay area.
Other aquatic mammals include orcas, sealion, porpoise, sea otter and seal.
SHOPPING
Local businesses supply fuel, groceries, hunting and fishing supplies, licenses, food and drink, bait, boat repair, hardware, laundry facilities and more.
Beautiful, labor-intensive products made by Hoonah artists and other Alaskan artists are for sale in most shops.
ICY STRAIT POINT
In 1912, one of the world’s most productive salmon canneries was built on the outskirts of Hoonah.
In 2003, this long-retired facility was renovated to become a unique, Native-owned cruise ship destination named
When a ship is in port, busses run regularly between Hoonah and ISP, but a walking path which parallels the roadway offers an unhurried, panoramic seaside experience at any time of year.
TOTEM SITES
Locally carved canoes and totem poles - wooden monuments depicting Tlingit history, legends and culture - are displayed in front of the Hoonah City School and at Icy Strait Point.
CEMETERIES
Across the road from the ferry terminal is a small cemetery with many interesting and unique grave markers, including a carved stone bear.
There is also a cemetery in front of the town on Pitt Island, reachable by boat.
FOREST SERVICE
On the way to the airport, just down the hill from the Post Office, is the Hoonah Forest Service Complex.
Helpful slide shows, maps, brochures and handouts
are available describing activities and facility locations on the
Tongass National Forest.
HIKING / BIKING/BERRY-PICKING
To find out about the more than 200 miles of dirt roads available for hiking and biking, a Chichagof Island/Hoonah Area Road map can be obtained at the Forest Service Complex. Since this is prime bear habitat, education about bears is essential for safety.
K'EIDLADEE PARK
K'eidladee Park is an area for sports, picnicking, walking, and jogging located at the boat harbor. Picnic tables, grills, a basketball hoop, a skateboard ramp, and playground equipment are provided for all to use.
GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
About 25 miles north of Hoonah across Icy Strait is Glacier Bay National Park, original home of the Huna Tlingit people and one of the seven small wonders of the world. Hoonah is a convenient layover for visitors to the park.
HUNTING/FISHING/SIGHTSEEING/PHOTOGRAPHY
Please see our Charters page for information.
Did you know?
From the top of local "Ear Mountain"
100 mountain peaks
can be seen on a clear day.