Sitka's exceptional network of hiking trails—designed to appeal to all fitness levels—beckon to outdoor enthusiasts of every ilk. Whether combing wilderness beaches, wave-swept by winter weather, in search of prized Japanese glass balls; walking the raised boardwalk through muskeg meadows and the adjacent coastal estuary; following the trail beneath the forest canopy to a pristine Alaskan lake; or ascending the rugged alpine to elevations beyond the tree-line and below jagged, snow-capped peaks, the Sitka trail system promises hikes of enduring charm, beauty and, if you wish, challenge. Furthermore, as regards rigorous activities, sea kayaking and SCUBA diving opportunities abound for guests with the requisite training, conditioning and certification. [ Some adventures require advanced planning, multiple scheduled activity days, and possibly additional fees. Contact us by phone or email for detailed information. ]

Sitka Sound offers whale watching and wildlife viewing unrivaled by perhaps any other single location on earth. Under peak conditions you may see more than one hundred wild, mature bald eagles in a single day, and you're dead certain to spot numerous eagles each and every day. We often encounter pods of feeding humpback whales so close you can not only hear them spout, you can smell their breath [an olfactory experience not soon to be forgotten]. Sea otters, harbor porpoise, stellar sea lions, black tail deer, and a wide variety of pelagic and coastal birds are other likely sightings. Alaskan brown bears and transient pods of Orca whales also offer the occasional chance confrontation.

The Alaska Raptor Center allows a person to approach within a few feet of powerful and majestic bald eagles. Volta, the dominant resident eagle, accompanies staff during informational talks. The Center's goal is to heal and rehabilitate injured birds of prey, particularly bald eagles, but also hawks, owls and falcons, and then release them back into the wild. An informational wall display elaborates on raptor physiology and explains how their injuries are treated. Additionally, a "touch table" provides visitors the opportunity to actually feel the lightness and intricacies of eagle bones and feathers. Because of Bountiful Alaska's relationship with the Raptor Center, we can offer personal and intensive access otherwise unattainable.