🌤 Weather at Black Sands Beach State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–59 °F | 50–67 °F | 37–60 °F | 32–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Beaver Falls, 6 mi away, elevation 35 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Dark Sand Beaches on the Blank Islands, 4.6 Miles South of Ketchikan
Black Sands Beach State Marine Park (Alaska State Parks: Black Sands State Marine Park) covers 640 acres on the Blank Islands and part of Gravina Island, at the mouth of Blank Inlet on the east side of Gravina Island, about 4.6 miles directly south of Ketchikan.
Its dark, sandy, gently sloping beaches and forest have been a popular recreation area since the 1930s, and the Tlingit historically used the area for fishing and hunting. A half-mile wood-chip trail crosses the southernmost Blank Islands. The park has a picnic shelter and an outhouse and is otherwise undeveloped.
Things to Do
- Hiking: the half-mile wood-chip trail on the southernmost Blank Islands
- Kayaking and exploring: named by Alaska State Parks
- Scuba diving: named by Alaska State Parks
- Fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Blank Islands and part of Gravina Island, mouth of Blank Inlet, about 4.6 miles south of Ketchikan |
| Size | 640 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat or aircraft |
| Facilities | Picnic shelter, outhouse |
| 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 | 55.2775, -131.6424 |
Getting There
Ketchikan is 4.6 miles to the north. The park is reached by boat or aircraft only.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Dall Bay State Marine Park lies about 9 miles southwest, Refuge Cove State Recreation Site about 10 miles northwest and Totem Bight State Historical Park about 11 miles northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Black Sands Beach State Marine Park?
On the Blank Islands and part of Gravina Island at the mouth of Blank Inlet, about 4.6 miles south of Ketchikan; it is not on Resurrection Bay.
What facilities are there?
A picnic shelter and an outhouse; the rest of the 640-acre park is undeveloped.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Black Sands Beach State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: Camping at Black Sands Beach State Marine Park cannot be booked online; Alaska State Parks lists no reservable sites for this park. Cabins and campsites that can be booked are listed at reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Black Sands Beach 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 Black Sands Beach 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
Plan your gear for Black Sands Beach State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
