🌤 Weather at Sealion Cove State Marine 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, 25 mi away, elevation 14 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Mile of Open-Pacific Beach on Kruzof Island, Reached by Boat and a 3.5-Mile Trail
Sealion Cove State Marine Park covers 630 acres at the north end of Kruzof Island, about 25 miles northwest of Sitka. There is no road and there are no developed facilities. You arrive by boat or floatplane at Kalinin Bay, then walk 3.5 miles along a river estuary and through forest and muskeg until the trees open onto Sealion Cove: a mile-long sandy beach facing the open Pacific Ocean.
Alaska State Parks describes the park as a place for more adventurous visitors. The beach is good for beachcombing, hiking, camping and bird watching, and fishing is listed as an activity. Plan to be fully self-sufficient: there are no toilets, no water, no shelters and no marked campsites.
Things to Do
- Hiking: the 3.5-mile trail from Kalinin Bay through forest and muskeg
- Beachcombing: a mile-long sandy beach on the open Pacific coast
- Bird watching: along the beach and the estuary
- Fishing: listed by Alaska State Parks as an activity here
- Beach camping: possible on the beach, with no developed sites or facilities
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | North end of Kruzof Island, about 25 miles northwest of Sitka |
| Size | 630 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat or floatplane to Kalinin Bay, then a 3.5-mile trail |
| Facilities | None (no toilets, water, shelters or developed campsites) |
| Fees | No fee listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not listed as an ADA facility |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 57.3019, -135.8327 |
Getting There
Sealion Cove has no road access. Visitors typically take a boat to Kalinin Bay on the north side of Kruzof Island (the Alaska State Parks page spells it “Kallinin Bay”). The trail starts at Kalinin Bay and follows the river estuary before crossing forest and muskeg to the beach, 3.5 miles one way. A floatplane is the other option. Arrange your pickup before you go, and plan for Southeast Alaska weather on both the water and the trail.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park lies about 14 miles northeast, Magoun Islands State Marine Park about 14 miles southeast, and Old Sitka State Historical Park, just north of Sitka, about 21 miles southeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Sealion Cove State Marine Park?
Take a boat or floatplane from Sitka to Kalinin Bay on the north end of Kruzof Island, then hike the 3.5-mile trail along the estuary and through forest and muskeg to the beach.
Can you camp at Sealion Cove?
Alaska State Parks names camping among the things to do on the beach, but there are no developed campsites, toilets or water, so you need to bring everything you need.
Are there facilities at Sealion Cove State Marine Park?
No. Alaska State Parks lists no developed facilities at this remote 630-acre park, and it is not an ADA facility.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Sealion Cove State Marine Park; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sealion Cove 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 Sealion Cove 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
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