🌤 Weather at Shelter Island State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–57 °F | 48–63 °F | 31–56 °F | 25–35 °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 Juneau Mile 17, 5 mi away, elevation 245 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Lynn Canal — state marine park managed with the Juneau Channel Islands
Shelter Island State Marine Park is a marine park unit of the Alaska state park system in Lynn Canal northwest of Juneau. Alaska law lists it in AS 41.21.304, item 11. Alaska State Parks manages Shelter Island as part of the Juneau Channel Islands State Marine Park, which it places about 25 miles northwest of downtown Juneau. The park’s coordinates are 58.4400, -134.8800.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shelter Island, Lynn Canal, northwest of Juneau, AK |
| Managed as | Part of Juneau Channel Islands State Marine Park |
| Cabins | Two public-use cabins (Alaska State Parks) |
| Access | Boat or floatplane only, no road access |
| Legal basis | AS 41.21.304 (11) |
Alaska State Parks says the area is easily reached by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay or Juneau, and by floatplane. It lists wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, kayaking and camping as popular uses, and names North Pass as a favorite spot for salmon and halibut fishing and for whale watching.
Two of the agency’s public-use cabins stand on the island: one at Handtrollers Cove on the northwest side, with a wood stove and no water supply, and the Salamander Cabin in Halibut Cove on the east side, with a kerosene heater. Both sleep up to 8 guests and are booked through the Alaska State Parks reservation system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shelter Island a separate state marine park?
Alaska law designates it as its own marine park unit (AS 41.21.304, item 11), but Alaska State Parks manages it as part of the Juneau Channel Islands State Marine Park.
How do you get to Shelter Island?
By small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay or Juneau, or by floatplane. There is no road access.
Keep exploring: The closest parks in our guide are Ernest Gruening State Historical Park (about 5 miles), Juneau Channel Islands State Marine Park (about 6 miles) and Eagle Beach State Recreation Area (about 7 miles).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Shelter 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 Shelter 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 Map
Plan your gear for Shelter Island State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Juneau
from $249
from $249
from $185