High Island

High Island State Marine Park protects an island rising prominently from the surrounding waters of the Southeast Alaska panhandle. The marine park provides wilderness camping and anchorage with dramatic topography unusual among the generally low-relief islands of the archipelago. The island's elevation creates distinct habitat zones and scenic views.

The island's elevation creates habitat diversity from shoreline to summit. Black bears and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the forests, while various small mammals occupy different elevation zones. Marine mammals including harbor seals and sea otters frequent surrounding waters. Eagles soar on thermals generated by the island's slopes.

Vegetation zones shift with elevation from rainforest at the shore through subalpine and potentially alpine conditions on higher slopes. Sitka spruce and hemlock dominate lower elevations while more stunted growth occurs at higher levels. The understory varies with moisture and exposure.

High Island's prominent relief results from resistant rock that has withstood erosion better than surrounding materials. The island displays the geological complexity of the Alexander Archipelago, with rocks of oceanic origin that were accreted to North America through plate tectonics.

Maritime climate brings mild temperatures and abundant precipitation. Higher elevations experience more severe conditions with stronger winds and occasionally snow even in summer. Clouds frequently obscure the summit, but clear days reveal spectacular views of surrounding islands and waters.

Tlingit peoples have utilized islands throughout the archipelago for generations, with prominent islands like this one serving as landmarks and resource areas. The island's height would have made it a navigation reference point for travelers in the complex waterways.

High Island State Marine Park was established to protect this topographically distinctive island and provide public access. The marine park offers unique experiences compared to the typical low-relief islands of Southeast Alaska. It provides opportunities to explore elevation gradients in a maritime setting.

The island's terrain offers hiking opportunities with elevation gain unusual in the archipelago. Summit views on clear days are exceptional. Wildlife viewing varies with elevation and habitat. The distinctive topography makes this a special destination among Southeast Alaska's many islands.

The marine park provides primitive camping and anchorage. No developed facilities exist; visitors must be self-sufficient. Access is by boat from nearby communities. The island's terrain requires careful planning for hiking and camping.

The marine park protects the island's diverse habitats from shoreline to summit. Leave-no-trace practices help preserve sensitive alpine and subalpine areas. The park demonstrates the variety of landscapes within Southeast Alaska's marine environment.