Zarembo Island: Remote Wilderness in Alaska’s Inside Passage

Why Zarembo Island Rewards Visitors

Zarembo Island sits in the Alexander Archipelago, surrounded by the protected waters of the Inside Passage. Its dense old-growth spruce and hemlock forest, rocky shoreline, and lack of roads or settlements create a genuine backcountry setting for kayakers, anglers, and hikers who want solitude without traveling to the outer coast.

Getting There

Most travelers reach Zarembo by boat from Wrangell, roughly a 30-minute run across Zimovia Strait. Local charter operators and water-taxi services provide drop-offs at sheltered coves such as Steep Point or Round Island. Floatplane flights from Wrangell or Petersburg offer scenic aerial views and quick access to interior lakes for fly-in fishing or camping. No ferry dock exists on the island itself.

Best Time to Visit

Late May through early September brings the mildest temperatures and longest daylight for paddling and hiking. Salmon runs peak in July and August, drawing bears and eagles to the streams. Winter visits are possible for experienced boaters but require preparation for short days, frequent storms, and limited daylight.

Activities on the Island

Kayakers can circumnavigate the 20-mile shoreline in two to three days, camping on gravel beaches and exploring tide pools. Anglers target king and silver salmon in the tidal streams or halibut in deeper channels. Short hikes lead to small lakes and muskeg meadows where Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears are often seen. Birders watch for marbled murrelets and bald eagles nesting in the old-growth canopy.

Camping and Permits

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Tongass National Forest land. Choose established sites above the high-tide line and use bear-proof food storage. No reservations or fees are required, but visitors should file a float plan with the Wrangell Ranger District and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Nearby Destinations

Combine a Zarembo trip with stops at Etolin Island to the south for additional hiking trails or with the Stikine River delta for world-class bear viewing. Wrangell offers resupply, showers, and the Chief Shakes Historic Site for cultural context before or after your island stay.