🌤 Weather at Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–53 °F | 48–62 °F | 36–58 °F | 32–42 °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 Sitka Airport, 1 mi away, elevation 14 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
World War II Harbor Defenses West of the Sitka Airport Runway
Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park lies west of the Sitka Airport runway. The fort was the headquarters for the harbor defenses of Sitka during World War II, and that role earned it designation as a State Historical Park in April 2008. There is no land access: you reach the park by a short boat ride or by kayak.
Alaska State Parks lists ammunition magazines, lookouts, gun emplacements and the headquarters command center among the World War II features you can explore here. The fort is part of the Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses National Historic Landmark. The 60-acre park is undeveloped, with trails but no visitor facilities, and the agency also names picnicking and wildlife viewing as things to do.
Alaska law (AS 41.21.190–.194) sets the park’s purpose: to support public use while protecting the area’s fish and wildlife habitat, cultural resources and scenic values. The park takes in state-owned upland, shoreland, tideland and water in U.S. Survey 3926, except the strip within 1,100 feet of the airport runway centerline. Land can only be added to the park by an act of the legislature.
Things to Do
- World War II history: ammunition magazines, lookouts, gun emplacements and the headquarters command center
- Trails: Alaska State Parks lists trails in the park
- Picnicking: on your own, with no picnic facilities
- Wildlife viewing: named by Alaska State Parks as a highlight of a visit
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West of the Sitka Airport runway, Sitka |
| Size | 60 acres (Alaska State Parks) |
| Access | No land access. Short boat ride or kayak |
| Facilities | None (undeveloped); trails |
| Fees | No fee listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Designated | State Historical Park since April 2008 |
| National Historic Landmark | Part of the Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses NHL |
| Legal basis | AS 41.21.190–.194 |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 57.0485, -135.3824 |
Getting There
There is no road or trail into the park. Alaska State Parks describes the trip as a short boat ride or a kayak paddle, which it calls worth the effort. Check the tides and the weather before you set out, and bring everything you need, since there are no facilities on site.
Nearby State Parks
The distances below are straight-line. Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site lies about 2 miles east, and Halibut Point State Recreation Site about 4 miles north. Old Sitka State Historical Park is about 6 miles north, and Magoun Islands State Marine Park about 11 miles northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park?
No. The park has no land access; Alaska State Parks describes it as a short boat ride or kayak trip from Sitka.
What can you see at Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park?
World War II features of Sitka’s harbor defenses, including ammunition magazines, lookouts, gun emplacements and the headquarters command center.
When did Fort Rousseau become a State Historical Park?
In April 2008. The park is set out in Alaska Statutes AS 41.21.190 to 41.21.194.
Are there facilities at Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park?
No. The 60-acre park is undeveloped, with trails but no visitor facilities.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park; Alaska Statutes AS 41.21.190–.194; Alaska State Parks fee schedule; Alaska DNR, ASP Park Boundary (open data). Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical 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 Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical 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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