🌤 Weather at Chilkat Islands State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–59 °F | 48–65 °F | 25–56 °F | 18–32 °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 Haines #2, 16 mi away, elevation 95 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Group of Islands in Lynn Canal, 13 Air Miles South of Haines
Chilkat Islands State Marine Park is an undeveloped 6,560-acre park made up of a group of islands just south of Chilkat State Park, 13 air miles south of Haines.
Access is difficult: Alaska State Parks warns of high and unpredictable winds that make a regular anchorage hard to find. Kayaks have the best chance, because they can be carried ashore and need little water. The best landing is a bay on Shikosi, the middle island. The beaches are rocky.
Things to Do
- Kayaking: the most practical way to reach the islands
- Boating: possible, but winds make anchoring difficult
- Fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks as an activity
- Wildlife viewing: listed by Alaska State Parks as an activity
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Islands just south of Chilkat State Park, 13 air miles south of Haines |
| Size | 6,560 acres |
| Access | No road access. Kayak or boat |
| Facilities | None (undeveloped). Rocky beaches |
| 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 | 59.0306, -135.2659 |
Getting There
Haines is the closest town. There is no road and no regular anchorage. Land in the bay on Shikosi Island, the middle island, and pull your boat or kayak above the high-tide mark: Alaska State Parks stresses this because the beaches are rocky and winds change quickly.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Chilkat State Park lies about 7 miles northwest, Sullivan Island State Marine Park about 8 miles south and Portage Cove State Recreation Site about 15 miles northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Chilkat Islands?
In Lynn Canal just south of Chilkat State Park, 13 air miles south of Haines.
Where is the best place to land?
A bay on Shikosi, the middle island, is the best spot, according to Alaska State Parks; bring your boat above the high-tide mark.
Is the park part of Chilkat State Park?
No. Chilkat Islands State Marine Park is a separate 6,560-acre unit just south of Chilkat State Park.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Chilkat Islands State Marine Park. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Chilkat Islands 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 Chilkat Islands 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 Chilkat Islands State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
