🏆 Lynn Canal Island — Remote island marine park in Lynn Canal with brown bear habitat and old-growth forest
Sullivan Island State Marine Park protects a forested island in Lynn Canal between Juneau and Haines. The island supports old-growth Sitka spruce forest and hosts a significant brown bear population drawn by salmon streams. The park’s coves provide anchorage for boats navigating the dramatic Lynn Canal fjord, with views of the snow-capped Chilkat Range and massive tidewater glaciers in nearby Glacier Bay.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lynn Canal, AK (between Juneau & Haines) |
| Access | Boat |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Wildlife | Brown bears, salmon, eagles |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there brown bears on the island?
Yes — Sullivan Island has resident brown bears. Be bear-aware, store food in bear-resistant containers, and make noise while hiking. Peak bear activity occurs during salmon runs (July–September).
How high do tides get in Southeast Alaska?
Tides of 16-20 feet are normal; extreme tides exceed 25 feet. The difference between high and low tide can expose hundreds of yards of beach. Always check tide tables before camping or beaching boats.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, St. James Bay State Marine Park is a short drive away, and Ernest Gruening State Historical Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐻 Visit Sullivan Island SMP
Lynn Canal island — brown bears, old-growth forest, and glacier views.
About Sullivan Island
Sullivan Island State Marine Park in Lynn Canal near Juneau protects an island in the deepest fjord in North America. The island provides camping and anchorage with views of the Chilkat Mountains. The waters around the island are feeding grounds for humpback whales during summer, with whales sometimes visible from camp.
Things to Do
Island camping, whale watching (humpback whales are common), sea kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, and wildlife photography. Access by boat from Juneau or Haines.
Insider Tips
Lynn Canal camping: Sullivan Island offers protected beach camping in the upper Lynn Canal. Pro tip: The area between Juneau and Haines is one of the richest whale watching corridors in Alaska — keep binoculars ready during any transit. Tidal awareness: Southeast Alaska tides average 16-20 feet — camp well above the high tide line.
Best Time to Visit
June-August: Best boating conditions. July: Peak whale activity. May: Early season with fewer visitors. Fall: Beautiful but increasingly rough seas.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sullivan 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 Sullivan 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 Location
Plan your gear for Sullivan Island State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
