Canoe Passage

Canoe Passage State Marine Park protects a scenic waterway suitable for small boat and kayak travel in the Southeast Alaska panhandle. The marine park provides a protected route through the island-studded waters of the Alexander Archipelago. The passage offers kayakers and small boaters a scenic journey away from the main shipping channels.

The protected waterway supports diverse marine life including harbor seals, sea otters, and various fish species. Bald eagles nest along the shores and fish the productive waters. Seabirds utilize the passage while salmon migrate through during summer and fall runs. The surrounding forests provide habitat for black bears and Sitka deer.

Temperate rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock lines the shores, creating the classic Southeast Alaska scenery of dark green forest meeting blue-gray water. The understory is lush with devil's club, salmonberry, and ferns. Kelp forests mark the subtidal zones, supporting rich marine life.

The intricate waterways of Southeast Alaska were carved by glaciers that once covered the region under thousands of feet of ice. The islands display ancient oceanic rocks accreted to North America through plate tectonics. Rising and falling sea levels have shaped the current coastline over thousands of years.

The maritime climate brings mild temperatures and abundant precipitation. Summers typically see temperatures in the 50s-60s°F while winters rarely drop below 25°F. Rain is possible any day, with annual totals often exceeding 100 inches. Fog and clouds are common, adding to the mystique of the rainforest islands.

Tlingit peoples have navigated these waters for thousands of years, with kayaks and canoes providing transportation between villages and seasonal camps. The name reflects the waterway's suitability for traditional small boat travel. European exploration and later settlement added new layers to the region's maritime history.

Canoe Passage State Marine Park was established to protect this scenic and historic waterway suitable for kayak and small boat travel. The marine park preserves a quieter alternative to the main shipping channels, maintaining the character of traditional small boat navigation in Southeast Alaska.

Paddling through the scenic passage is the primary attraction, with opportunities to experience the intimate scale of Southeast Alaska's waterways. Wildlife viewing includes marine mammals and eagles. Shore stops allow exploration of rainforest and beaches. The passage serves as a route for longer kayaking trips through the archipelago.

The marine park is accessible by kayak or small boat. No developed facilities exist, emphasizing the wilderness character. The park may be accessed from various Southeast Alaska communities depending on trip routing. Kayakers should be experienced and prepared for remote conditions.

The marine park protects both the waterway and adjacent shores from development. The park helps maintain the scenic and wilderness character valued by paddlers and small boaters. Leave-no-trace practices are essential in these sensitive coastal environments.