- Region
- AK, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permits, visitor requireme…
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service — Tongass National Forest, Admiralty Island National Monument
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Photos of Kootznoowoo Wilderness
How to get there
Angoon, on Admiralty Island's western side at the mouth of Mitchell Bay, has ferry service to Juneau and limited visitor amenities. The cross-island canoe trail connects Mitchell Bay and Mole Harbor. Arrange onward access for the chosen route separately, and confirm current access requirements and cabin arrangements with the Forest Service.
- Angoon
Village at the mouth of Mitchell Bay on the island's western side, with ferry service to Juneau and a bed and breakfast. Visitor amenities are limited, and the community is not geared toward large numbers of tourists.
- Mitchell Bay
Western endpoint of the cross-island canoe trail near Angoon. The route links a series of inland lakes with Mole Harbor.
- Mole Harbor
The other endpoint of the cross-island canoe trail connecting inland lakes with Mitchell Bay. Plan transportation to or from this endpoint as part of the trip.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AK, USA · United States
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Climbing
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
An island wilderness of rainforest and salmon creeks
Kootznoowoo Wilderness covers nearly a million acres on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, within Admiralty Island National Monument and Tongass National Forest. Designated in 1980, it protects most of the island, though the northern end, Angoon, and Native lands along the western shore are outside the wilderness. The Tlingit name means “Bear Fort,” a fitting description of a landscape supporting one of the world's densest brown bear populations. Massive Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the coastal forest, with mosses, ferns, and blueberry beneath them. Open muskegs interrupt the canopy, while rocky peaks rise above 3,000 feet along the island's crest. This is primarily a forest, lake, and coastal-water destination rather than an alpine hiking destination. Plan around the terrain and access demands of a specific outing instead of treating the island as a single trail-based park.
Choose between inland lakes and coastal water
The clearest through-route is the 26-mile canoe trail connecting lakes across the island between Mole Harbor and Mitchell Bay near Angoon. Nine miles of that route are portages, so carrying equipment is a substantial part of the trip, not a minor interruption to paddling. Shelters and remote cabins lie along the route; confirm their current availability and arrangements with the Forest Service before building an itinerary around them. Seymour Canal offers a different kind of outing: sea kayaking that calls for time and appropriate skills, or a guide. Angoon, on the western side at the mouth of Mitchell Bay, has ferry service to Juneau and limited visitor amenities. Keep equipment manageable, protect essentials from rain, and leave room in the plan for conditions to change. Inland lake travel and coastal kayaking require different preparation; neither should be treated as a casual extension of the other.
Travel carefully in bear habitat
Brown bears are central to both the ecology and the practical planning of a Kootznoowoo trip. Salmon-filled creeks support the island's dense bear population, and summer bear viewing is available at Pack Creek. Confirm current access requirements with the Forest Service before planning a visit. Other remote bays offer viewing possibilities, but reaching them takes additional effort and skill. Give bears space, keep food and scented items secured, and avoid crowding animals feeding along waterways. Wildlife watching extends beyond bears: bald eagles perch along beaches, while harbor seals, Steller sea lions, humpback whales, and sea ducks use coastal waters. Wheeler Creek provides important spawning habitat for pink and chinook salmon, and recent land protection there safeguards streamside habitat and old-growth forest. Treat creek banks and shorelines as working wildlife habitat, not simply convenient places to stop.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Kootznoowoo Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 57.6049, -134.3012
- Latitude (DMS)
- 57° 36′ 17.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 134° 18′ 4.4″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Kootznoowoo Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The indigenous people of SE Alaska, the Tlingit, know Admiralty Island by the name Kootznoowoo, the "Bear Fort" or "Fortress of the Bears". Coastal forests of massive Sitka spruce and western hemlock...
Key takeaways
- Region: AK, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 57.605, -134.301
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Kootznoowoo Wilderness
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Animals around Kootznoowoo Wilderness
An island wilderness of rainforest and salmon creeks
Kootznoowoo Wilderness covers nearly a million acres on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, within Admiralty Island National Monument and Tongass National Forest. Designated in 1980, it protects most of the island, though the northern end, Angoon, and Native lands along the western shore are outside the wilderness. The Tlingit name means “Bear Fort,” a fitting description of a landscape supporting one of the world's densest brown bear populations. Massive Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the coastal forest, with mosses, ferns, and blueberry beneath them. Open muskegs interrupt the canopy, while rocky peaks rise above 3,000 feet along the island's crest. This is primarily a forest, lake, and coastal-water destination rather than an alpine hiking destination. Plan around the terrain and access demands of a specific outing instead of treating the island as a single trail-based park.
Choose between inland lakes and coastal water
The clearest through-route is the 26-mile canoe trail connecting lakes across the island between Mole Harbor and Mitchell Bay near Angoon. Nine miles of that route are portages, so carrying equipment is a substantial part of the trip, not a minor interruption to paddling. Shelters and remote cabins lie along the route; confirm their current availability and arrangements with the Forest Service before building an itinerary around them. Seymour Canal offers a different kind of outing: sea kayaking that calls for time and appropriate skills, or a guide. Angoon, on the western side at the mouth of Mitchell Bay, has ferry service to Juneau and limited visitor amenities. Keep equipment manageable, protect essentials from rain, and leave room in the plan for conditions to change. Inland lake travel and coastal kayaking require different preparation; neither should be treated as a casual extension of the other.
Travel carefully in bear habitat
Brown bears are central to both the ecology and the practical planning of a Kootznoowoo trip. Salmon-filled creeks support the island's dense bear population, and summer bear viewing is available at Pack Creek. Confirm current access requirements with the Forest Service before planning a visit. Other remote bays offer viewing possibilities, but reaching them takes additional effort and skill. Give bears space, keep food and scented items secured, and avoid crowding animals feeding along waterways. Wildlife watching extends beyond bears: bald eagles perch along beaches, while harbor seals, Steller sea lions, humpback whales, and sea ducks use coastal waters. Wheeler Creek provides important spawning habitat for pink and chinook salmon, and recent land protection there safeguards streamside habitat and old-growth forest. Treat creek banks and shorelines as working wildlife habitat, not simply convenient places to stop.
Route options
- Mole Harbor–Mitchell Bay canoe trail26 miles, including 9 miles of portagesSubstantial carrying effort as well as paddling
A cross-island route linking a series of lakes through the center of Admiralty Island. Nine miles are portages, making load size and carrying ability important planning considerations. Shelters and remote cabins are located along the route; confirm current arrangements with the Forest Service.
- Seymour Canal sea kayakingRequires appropriate sea-kayaking skills or a guide
A coastal paddling option for travelers with sufficient time and sea-kayaking skills, or those using a guide. Choose an itinerary suited to the group's experience rather than assuming a fixed route.
- Pack Creek bear-viewing outing
A summer wildlife-viewing option focused on brown bears. Confirm current access requirements with the Forest Service before arranging the outing, and keep wildlife space and food security central to the plan.
Sample itineraries
- Pack Creek summer bear viewing · 1 day
Plan a summer visit focused on brown bear viewing at Pack Creek. Confirm access arrangements and current visitor requirements with the Forest Service before committing to travel. Keep the day focused on observation from a safe distance, not approaching bears.
- Seymour Canal kayaking · 3 days
Use this as a flexible paddling trip framework, not a fixed route. Explore Seymour Canal within your skills and conditions, watching for bald eagles and marine wildlife. Employ a guide if needed, and confirm landing and overnight options before departure.
- Interior lakes canoe exploration · 3 days
Plan a partial exploration of the canoe route connecting Mole Harbor and Mitchell Bay near Angoon. The full route covers 26 miles, including nine miles of portages; this itinerary does not assume a complete crossing. Confirm access, overnight arrangements, and a realistic turnaround before setting out.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Plan around a coastal rainforest landscape with wet forest floors, muskegs, and alpine terrain. Check current weather and route conditions rather than assuming the interior canoe route or higher ground is ready for travel.
Summer
Summer
Summer offers bear viewing at Pack Creek. Rainforest travel still calls for waterproof clothing and protected gear. Paddling in Seymour Canal requires appropriate skills or a guide; choose daily objectives to match conditions.
Fall
Fall
Keep rainforest and water-based itineraries flexible. Check current weather and transport arrangements, protect gear from moisture, and maintain bear precautions around salmon creeks without assuming a particular wildlife-viewing schedule.
Winter
Winter
Treat remote island travel as a conservative undertaking. Confirm weather, access, and overnight options before departure. Pack insulation and waterproof layers, and do not assume summer paddling or bear-viewing plans translate directly to winter.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Plan around a coastal rainforest landscape with wet forest floors, muskegs, and alpine terrain. Check current weather and route conditions rather than assuming the interior canoe route or higher ground is ready for travel. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer offers bear viewing at Pack Creek. Rainforest travel still calls for waterproof clothing and protected gear. Paddling in Seymour Canal requires appropriate skills or a guide; choose daily objectives to match conditions. |
| Fall | Fall | Keep rainforest and water-based itineraries flexible. Check current weather and transport arrangements, protect gear from moisture, and maintain bear precautions around salmon creeks without assuming a particular wildlife-viewing schedule. |
| Winter | Winter | Treat remote island travel as a conservative undertaking. Confirm weather, access, and overnight options before departure. Pack insulation and waterproof layers, and do not assume summer paddling or bear-viewing plans translate directly to winter. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permits, visitor requirements, and overnight arrangements with the Forest Service for your specific itinerary.
Official source: Strengthening Alaska's Kootznoowoo Wilderness through partner ... · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Brown bears occur at exceptionally high densities. Give them ample space, especially around salmon creeks, and manage food and scented items carefully.
- Dense forest and muskeg can make walking and navigation demanding. Avoid treating a mapped location as an established route.
- Sea kayaking in Seymour Canal requires skills and sound judgment. Use a guide when conditions or demands exceed your experience.
- The interior canoe route includes nine miles of portages. Account for repeated carrying when choosing equipment and daily objectives.
- Remote travel and limited visitor amenities around Angoon require self-sufficiency, dependable communication, and contingency supplies.
What to pack for Kootznoowoo Wilderness
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Insulating layers
- Sturdy footwear for wet ground
- Dry bags
- Map and compass
- Offline navigation
- Satellite communication device
- First-aid kit
- Extra food and water treatment
- Properly fitted personal flotation device
- Paddling safety equipment suited to the route
- Secure waterproof cargo storage
- Loads manageable on repeated portages
- Binoculars
- Camera with a long lens
- Bear spray carried accessibly
- Bear-resistant food storage appropriate to current agency guidance
Kootznoowoo Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Kootznoowoo Wilderness?
- It occupies most of Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, within Admiralty Island National Monument and Tongass National Forest. Angoon and some other island lands lie outside the wilderness; check boundaries when planning access.
- What does Kootznoowoo mean?
- The Tlingit name means “Bear Fort” or “Fortress of the Bears.” The wilderness supports one of the world's densest brown bear populations.
- What is the interior canoe route like?
- It connects a series of lakes between Mole Harbor and Mitchell Bay near Angoon. The 26-mile route includes nine miles of portages, so carrying ability matters alongside paddling experience.
- Are there shelters or cabins?
- Shelters and remote cabins occur along the interior canoe route, with additional cabins elsewhere on the island. Confirm availability, booking requirements, and suitability with the Forest Service before building an itinerary around them.
- Can Angoon serve as a trip base?
- Angoon lies on the western side of the island at the mouth of Mitchell Bay. It has ferry service to Juneau and a bed and breakfast, but limited visitor amenities. Arrange essentials in advance and respect the community's small scale.
- What landscape should visitors expect?
- Old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the coastal forest. Mossy ground and blueberry understory give way to muskeg bogs, while rocky peaks rise along the island's crest. Salmon creeks, interior lakes, and coastal waters shape travel choices.