Two Bays and Protected Islands in Peril Strait, 35 Miles North of Sitka
Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park covers 1,032 acres near Peril Strait, about 35 miles north of Sitka. The park takes in Big Bear Bay and Baby Bear Bay, a series of protected islands and bays in Peril Strait.
Access is mainly by boat. The park is undeveloped and has no visitor facilities. Alaska State Parks names a protected anchorage, with opportunities for camping, hunting and fishing.
Things to Do
- Anchoring: a protected anchorage in the bays
- Fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks
- Camping: possible, but there are no sites or facilities
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Peril Strait, about 35 miles north of Sitka |
| Size | 1,032 acres |
| Access | No road access. Mainly by boat |
| Facilities | None (undeveloped) |
| Fees | No entrance fee listed by Alaska State Parks (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | No accessibility information on the Alaska State Parks page |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 57.4320, -135.5631 |
Getting There
Sitka is the usual starting point, about 35 miles to the south. The bays are reached mainly by boat; bring everything you need, since there are no facilities.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Sealion Cove State Marine Park lies about 14 miles southwest, Magoun Islands State Marine Park about 19 miles south and Old Sitka State Historical Park about 22 miles south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park?
In Peril Strait, about 35 miles north of Sitka, covering Big Bear Bay, Baby Bear Bay and the protected islands around them.
Are there facilities at Big Bear/Baby Bear?
No. The park is undeveloped with no visitor facilities, according to Alaska State Parks.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: Alaska State Parks lists no reservable sites for Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park. Cabins and campsites that can be booked are listed at reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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