Old Sitka State Historical Park
Alaska’s Russian-Tlingit Battleground — 1799 Russian Fort Destroyed by Kiks.ádi, National Historic Landmark, 3 Miles of Coastal Trails, Starrigavan Bay on Baranof Island
Old Sitka State Historical Park is a National Historic Landmark on Baranof Island, approximately 7.5 miles north of downtown Sitka, Alaska, at the end of Halibut Point Road. The park preserves the site of the first Russian settlement on Baranof Island — Redoubt St. Archangel Michael (1799), destroyed by the Tlingit Kiks.ádi clan in 1802 — featuring 3 miles of scenic coastal trails (Forest & Muskegs Loop, Mosquito Cove Trail, Estuary Life Trail), interpretive displays, a boat launch on Starrigavan Bay, and proximity to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal.
In 1799, Russian fur traders established Redoubt St. Archangel Michael — a fortified trading post on Starrigavan Bay. In 1802, the Tlingit Kiks.ádi clan attacked and destroyed the fort, forcing the Russians to retreat. The Russians returned in 1804 with warships, leading to the Battle of Sitka (now commemorated at Sitka National Historical Park). Rather than rebuilding at Old Sitka, the Russians established New Archangel (modern Sitka) as their permanent colonial capital. Today, the archaeological site is a National Historic Landmark. Three scenic coastal trails totaling ~3 miles wind through spruce-hemlock forest, muskegs, and coastline. The 1.25-mile Forest & Muskegs Loop is barrier-free with interpretive panels.
Things to Do
Historic Exploration
- 1799 Russian fort site — archaeological remains
- Tlingit Kiks.ádi uprising story — 1802
- Interpretive displays
- National Historic Landmark
Trails
- Forest & Muskegs Loop: 1.25 mi — barrier-free, interpretive
- Mosquito Cove Trail: 1.5 mi — coastal through spruce-hemlock
- Estuary Life Trail
Water Access
- Boat launch + dock — Starrigavan Bay
- Near ferry terminal
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mile 7.8 Halibut Point Rd, Baranof Island, AK |
| Designation | National Historic Landmark |
| Russian Fort | Redoubt St. Archangel Michael (1799) |
| 1802 Event | Tlingit Kiks.ádi destroyed the fort |
| Trails | ~3 miles total — 3 trails |
| ADA | Forest & Muskegs Loop — barrier-free |
| Boat Launch | Yes — Starrigavan Bay |
| Camping | NOT in park — Starrigavan Campground nearby (USFS) |
| Ferry | Walking distance to Alaska Marine Highway terminal |
| Coordinates | 57.1296° N, 135.3734° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Longest days; wildlife; whale watching; ferry access; combine with Sitka NHP | SE Alaska rain; bring layers + rain gear |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Salmon runs; fewer visitors; dramatic skies; fall colors on muskeg | More rain; shorter days; cool |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Herring runs; migratory birds; whale season; spring wildflowers | Wet; cool; limited services |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Storm watching; eagles; solitude; aurora possible | Cold; very wet; short days; trails slippery |
Visitor Tips
- Two battles: Old Sitka (1802 Tlingit victory) and Sitka NHP (1804 Russian return) tell both sides of the same story — visit both.
- Barrier-free: The 1.25-mile Forest & Muskegs Loop is fully accessible with interpretive panels.
- Ferry connection: The park is within walking distance of the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal — perfect during a layover.
- No camping: Use the USFS Starrigavan Campground next door for overnight stays.
- Rain gear: Southeast Alaska gets 80+ inches of rain annually — waterproof layers are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Old Sitka Alaska?
Old Sitka State Historical Park on Baranof Island marks the site of Redoubt St. Archangel Michael, the first Russian fort on Baranof Island established in 1799. In 1802, the Tlingit Kiks.ádi clan attacked and destroyed the Russian settlement. The Russians returned in 1804 and fought the Battle of Sitka. The National Historic Landmark features 3 miles of scenic coastal trails (including a barrier-free loop), interpretive displays, and a boat launch on Starrigavan Bay. It is within walking distance of the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal.
Last updated: May 2026
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