Annette Island: Alaska’s Remote Island Reserve in the Inside Passage

Why Visit Annette Island

Annette Island stands apart as Alaska’s only Indian reservation, home to the Metlakatla Indian Community since 1891. The 134-square-mile island offers visitors a rare combination of rich Tsimshian culture and pristine coastal wilderness without the crowds found on the mainland.

Getting There

Access is primarily by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Ketchikan, a scenic 45-minute crossing through protected waters. Small aircraft also serve the island’s airport from Ketchikan. Private boats and floatplanes provide additional options for those already exploring the region.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall brings the mildest weather and longest daylight for outdoor activities. July and August offer peak salmon runs and reliable whale sightings in nearby channels, while shoulder months of May and September provide fewer visitors and vibrant wildflower or autumn foliage displays.

Things to See and Do

Explore the historic boardwalks and cedar longhouses of Metlakatla village to learn about Tsimshian traditions. Hiking trails lead through old-growth rainforest to waterfalls and alpine meadows with sweeping views of the Tongass National Forest. Anglers target five species of salmon plus halibut from shore or guided boats. Beach walks reveal tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones, while bald eagles and sea lions are common sights along the shoreline.

Wildlife and Nature

The island’s position in the Alexander Archipelago makes it excellent for marine mammal watching. Humpback whales feed in the channels during summer, and black bears forage along streams in fall. Birders can spot marbled murrelets and rhinoceros auklets in the sheltered bays.

Nearby Attractions

From Annette Island, travelers can easily reach Ketchikan for totem pole parks and historic downtown. Day trips by boat access Misty Fjords National Monument for dramatic fjord scenery. Prince of Wales Island lies to the north, offering additional cave systems and remote fishing lodges.