Kayak Island: Remote Alaskan Wilderness Where Captain Cook First Landed

Why Kayak Island Stands Out

Kayak Island rises from the stormy Gulf of Alaska as a narrow, 20-mile-long strip of land shaped by tectonic forces and relentless Pacific storms. Its western beaches feature black sand and massive drift logs, while the interior holds dense Sitka spruce forests that escaped the last ice age. The island marks the spot where Captain James Cook made his first Alaska landing in 1778, leaving behind a bottle and coins that confirmed European contact.

Getting There

Reach the island only by boat or floatplane from Cordova, roughly 50 miles to the northeast. Commercial flights serve Cordova year-round from Anchorage; once there, arrange a multi-day charter with local operators familiar with the island’s exposed anchorages. No roads, docks, or public transport exist on Kayak itself, so every visitor arrives self-sufficient.

Best Time to Visit

June through early September offers the longest daylight and calmest seas, allowing safe beach landings and extended hikes. May and September can work for experienced paddlers but bring higher chances of gale-force winds. Winter visits are rare and require expedition-level preparation.

Things to Do

• Beachcomb the western shore for Japanese fishing floats and historic debris carried by the Alaska Current.
• Hike inland on faint game trails through moss-draped spruce to viewpoints overlooking Controller Bay.
• Watch for brown bears foraging on sedge flats and harbor seals hauled out on offshore rocks.
• Launch kayaks from sheltered coves to explore tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones.
• Visit the approximate site of Cook’s landing near the southern tip, marked only by a small cairn.

Nearby Attractions

From Kayak, boaters can continue to Wingham Island’s seabird colonies or the abandoned lighthouse ruins on Cape St. Elias, both within a day’s travel when weather cooperates.