🏆 Where Europeans First Touched Alaska — Historic island where Vitus Bering’s expedition first sighted mainland Alaska in 1741
Kayak Island State Marine Park protects a narrow, 23-mile-long barrier island in the Gulf of Alaska — the site where naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller went ashore on July 20, 1741, during Vitus Bering’s expedition, making it the first recorded European landfall in Alaska. Steller spent only a few hours ashore but identified the Steller’s jay — which became the evidence proving they had reached North America. The remote island is one of the most historically significant sites in Alaska.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulf of Alaska (60 miles SE of Cordova) |
| Island | 23 miles long, barrier island |
| Access | Boat or floatplane only |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| History | First European landfall in Alaska (1741) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this island historically important?
Naturalist Georg Steller’s brief landing here in 1741 was the first documented European contact with Alaska. He identified the Steller’s jay — a bird related to the European jay — proving they had reached North America. The expedition also discovered Steller’s sea cow (now extinct).
About Kayak Island
Kayak Island State Marine Park protects a remote 23-mile-long barrier island in the Gulf of Alaska — the first point where European explorers (Vitus Bering’s 1741 expedition) made landfall in Alaska. Naturalist Georg Steller collected the first scientific specimens of Alaska’s unique wildlife here, including the Steller’s jay. The island remains one of the most remote parks in the Alaska system.
Things to Do
Visiting the site of first European contact in Alaska, beachcombing on remote Gulf of Alaska beaches, wildlife viewing (seabirds, sea otters, Steller sea lions), and experiencing extreme wilderness. Access by floatplane or boat from Cordova — weather-dependent and remote.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Boswell Bay Beaches State Marine Park (elsewhere in the state) or Liberty Falls State Recreation Site (elsewhere in the state).
🗺️ Visit Kayak Island SMP
Where Alaska was discovered — 1741 Bering expedition’s first landfall on a remote Gulf island.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Kayak Island 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 Kayak Island 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 Location
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