Betton Island

Betton Island State Marine Park protects a forested island in the Tongass Narrows area near Ketchikan, Alaska's southernmost major community. The 60-acre marine park provides accessible island camping and shore exploration for visitors to the Ketchikan area. The park offers a wilderness island experience within easy reach of town services.

The island and surrounding waters support typical Southeast Alaska wildlife including black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and various smaller mammals. Harbor seals and sea otters frequent the surrounding waters. Bald eagles nest in tall trees along the shore. Salmon pass through during migrations, attracting marine predators.

Old-growth temperate rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock covers the island, with moss draping every surface. The understory is dense with devil's club, salmonberry, blueberry, and ferns. Rocky shorelines support salt-tolerant plants while kelp forests mark the subtidal zone.

Betton Island consists of ancient oceanic rocks accreted to Alaska through plate tectonics, primarily metamorphosed sediments and volcanic rocks. The island's shape was refined by glacial erosion during the ice ages. Ongoing wave action continues to shape beaches and rocky shores.

Ketchikan experiences one of Alaska's wettest climates, with over 150 inches of annual precipitation. Temperatures remain mild year-round due to maritime influence, rarely exceeding 65°F in summer or dropping below 25°F in winter. Rain and clouds are the norm, with occasional clear days revealing mountain views.

Tlingit peoples have utilized the islands of Tongass Narrows for countless generations. Ketchikan developed as a fishing and cannery town in the late 1800s, with the surrounding islands providing resources and shelter for mariners. The island preserves a natural setting close to the developed town.

Betton Island State Marine Park was established to provide public access to island camping and recreation near Ketchikan. The marine park offers an accessible wilderness experience for visitors arriving by cruise ship, ferry, or airplane. It demonstrates the value of protected public lands close to Alaska's communities.

Island exploration is the primary activity, with opportunities to hike through old-growth forest and explore rocky beaches. Camping provides an immersive wilderness experience. Kayaking in the surrounding waters offers wildlife viewing. The island's proximity to Ketchikan makes it accessible for day trips or overnight adventures.

The marine park offers primitive camping accessible by boat or kayak. No developed facilities exist beyond landing areas. The island is approximately 15 miles from downtown Ketchikan and can be reached by private boat, charter, or kayak. Ketchikan is served by the Alaska Marine Highway and daily jet service.

The marine park protects old-growth forest and natural shorelines while allowing primitive recreation. Leave-no-trace practices are essential. The park preserves natural habitat in an area subject to development pressure from nearby Ketchikan.