🏆 Southeast Alaska Old-Growth — Pristine old-growth rainforest bay on Kuiu Island
Security Bay State Marine Park protects a deep, well-protected bay on Kuiu Island in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska. The bay is surrounded by pristine old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock rainforest — part of the Tongass, the largest intact temperate rainforest on Earth. The bay provides exceptional protection from weather and is a traditional Tlingit gathering place. Brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and spawning salmon inhabit the surrounding forest and streams.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kuiu Island, AK (Alexander Archipelago) |
| Access | Boat or floatplane |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Forest | Old-growth Tongass rainforest |
Frequently Asked Questions
How remote is this?
Very remote — Kuiu Island has no roads and no permanent residents. Access is by boat or floatplane from Petersburg, Kake, or Juneau. Complete self-sufficiency is required.
How big do halibut get?
Alaska halibut commonly reach 50-100 pounds. “Barn door” halibut (200+ pounds) are caught every season. The largest halibut on record exceeded 500 pounds. Halibut are flat, bottom-dwelling fish that taste exceptional fresh.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Baranof Castle Hill State Historic Site is within about an hour’s drive, and Halibut Point State Recreation Site is elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🌲 Visit Security Bay SMP
Pristine Tongass — old-growth rainforest bay on remote Kuiu Island.
About Security Bay
Security Bay State Marine Park on Kuiu Island in Southeast Alaska protects a sheltered bay in the remote central Inside Passage. True to its name, the bay provides secure anchorage during the powerful storms that sweep the Southeast Alaska coast. Kuiu Island is uninhabited and home to one of the densest populations of Sitka black-tailed deer in Southeast Alaska.
Things to Do
Anchorage for boaters, wilderness camping, deer hunting (seasonal), fishing for salmon and halibut, wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, whales), and experiencing remote Southeast Alaska wilderness. Access by boat from Petersburg or Kake.
Insider Tips
Kuiu Island wilderness: Security Bay on Kuiu Island is deep Southeast Alaska — some of the most pristine temperate rainforest on Earth. Pro tip: The island has one of the highest brown bear densities in Southeast Alaska. Fishing: Halibut fishing in the surrounding waters produces enormous fish — state record halibut come from Southeast Alaska waters.
Best Time to Visit
June-August: Best weather and fishing. July: King salmon peaks. May: Whale migration. Fall: Fewer visitors, brown bears feeding heavily before hibernation.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Security Bay 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 Security Bay 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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