🌤 Weather at St. James Bay State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–57 °F | 42–63 °F | 28–56 °F | 22–37 °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 Gustavus 2 NE, 23 mi away, elevation 20 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Protected Anchorages on the West Side of Lynn Canal
St. James Bay State Marine Park lies near the Chilkat Peninsula on the west side of Lynn Canal, approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines. The park takes in St. James Bay and Boat Harbor and continues north up the valley that drains the area. Alaska State Parks describes abundant protected anchorages, concentrations of fish and wildlife, and beaches for landing.
Recreational use is very high. Visitors come for wildlife viewing, photography, sport fishing, boating, kayaking and camping, and for waterfowl and big-game hunting. The park has a public-use cabin, the Bob Hinman Memorial Cabin. Summer temperatures are in the 60s with rare highs of 80, annual rainfall is 60 to 90 inches, and snow can begin to build up as early as October.
Things to Do
- Cabin: the Bob Hinman Memorial Cabin, a public-use cabin for rent
- Wildlife viewing and photography: named by Alaska State Parks
- Fishing: sport fishing
- Boating and kayaking: from Amalga Harbor, Auke Bay or Juneau
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West side of Lynn Canal near the Chilkat Peninsula, about 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines |
| Access | No road access. Boat or floatplane |
| Facilities | One public-use cabin (Bob Hinman Memorial Cabin); otherwise undeveloped |
| Fees | No entrance fee. Public-use cabin rates are in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | No accessibility information on the Alaska State Parks page |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 58.6500, -135.2000 |
Getting There
The bay is easy to reach by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay or Juneau, and floatplanes also serve it. Bring warm clothes and good rain gear: Alaska State Parks warns that bad weather can set in quickly and last for days.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Point Bridget State Park lies about 8 miles east, Ernest Gruening State Historical Park about 18 miles southeast and Eagle Beach State Recreation Area about 18 miles southeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to St. James Bay State Marine Park?
By small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay or Juneau, or by floatplane; the park is about 35 miles northwest of Juneau.
Is there a cabin at St. James Bay?
Yes. The Bob Hinman Memorial Cabin is a public-use cabin; rates are listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule.
What is the weather like at St. James Bay?
Summer temperatures are in the 60s, rainfall is 60 to 90 inches a year, and snow can start to accumulate in October.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, St. James Bay State Marine Park; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: At St. James Bay State Marine Park, Alaska State Parks takes online bookings for cabin rentals through reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at St. James 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 St. James 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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