Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, Sitka, AK!

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Sitka, Alaska (IATA: SIT, ICAO: PASI, FAA LID: SIT) Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport is a public, state-owned airport, elevations 24 ft. on 11 and 26 ft. on 29. located just west of the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska. This single-runway, non-towered airport is actually located on a causeway that juts off Japonski Island. Runway 11/29 is asphalt and measures 6500 x 150 ft. Both AvGas and JetA are available, but you must call for fuel after hours, 907-742-7222. They offer both Airframe and Power Plant Repair.

This runway can have standing water after rain. There is a slight depression approximately 25′ in diameter, 1770 ft. from the approach end of runway 11, and there are often large flocks of birds both on and near this airport. High SW winds can deposit rock and debris on the first 2500 ft. of runway 29, so visual inspection before landing is recommended. The ramp area is limited here, so congestion can also be a problem.

Commercial flights are provided by Alaska Airlines year-round and seasonally by Delta, operated by SkyWest Airlines. Alaska Airlines has operated here for over 50 years, and the flights through Sitka include several round-trip flights with numerous stops before returning. These flights are known historically to Alaskan residents as Milk Runs. There is also Ravn Alaska Airlines. They provide regional flight service to Kake, Angoon, and Petersburg.

The Sitka Seaplane Base is located between Japonski Island and Baranof Island on the Sitka Channel.

The Halloween Story!

I have no proof, but it is said that the bodies of deceased tuberculosis patients from nearby SEARCH/Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital were relocated during the construction of this airport. The section of the airport where they were buried is still called The Mausoleum. (Unofficially) To make things a little spookier, this airport has no Wi-Fi, and winter here can make communication a bit trickier than normal. If I could insert a Vincent Price laugh, you know I would.

Transport

Baranof Taxi & Tours has taxi service to and from the airport, as does Sitka Shuttle Service. While there are taxis, they’re somewhat limited. Make sure you have a ride if you have an early morning arrival. Call the night before to arrange transport.

Also available are Avis, Sitka Car Rentals, and shuttles from some of the nearby hotels. The alternative, weather allowing, is Yellow Jersey Cycles, where you can rent a bike to travel the entire 14 miles of road. Airport Rental Cars can usually get you a pretty good deal.

Places to Stay

Enjoy a view of the harbor at the Westmark Sitka Hotel, relax at Eagle Bay Inn with its kitchenettes, or choose the budget-friendly Sitka Hotel with clean and comfy rooms. There are also numerous VRBOs downtown.

There is also a Super 8, Aspen Suites, Longliner Lodge & Suites, and the Baranof Lodge. Orbitz.com or Expedia.com will compare prices and amenities for you.

For something unusual, check to see if the Sitka Lighthouse is available during your visit. Not everyone can say they spent the night in a lighthouse. You can book through VRBO.com.

Dining and Pubs

Sample a few of the beers at the Baranof Island Brewing Company. It’s a cozy, casual place where you can tour the brewery and relax.

For great salmon and seafood, there is the Beak Restaurant. For Mediterranean, seafood, and their famous calamari, try Ludvig’s Bistro.

Halibut Point Crab & Chowder is the place to go for any crab or chowder dish.

For a laid-back, casual atmosphere, try Fisherman’s Alley for seafood or Mean Queen for pizza.

Things To Do Around Sitka

Float plane trip from Sitka to Douglas Island.

Nature’s handiwork is the best reason to go to Alaska, but the artwork and totem poles of the Tlingit culture are also really something to see. The Sitka National Park/Totem Park is the best of both worlds. Stroll past majestic bald eagles in their natural habitat while viewing numerous totem poles throughout the park.

Observe rescued wild bear cubs and learn about their rehabilitation process at the Fortress of the Bear. From a safe distance, of course. Take a tour of the Alaska Raptor Center to learn about rehabbing Alaska’s birds of prey. Tour all three! You can also book a tour of Sitka Sound for wildlife and whale watching.

Experience the beauty of the Tongass National Forest on your own or with a guided tour. Tours offered are 1/2 day, full day, or epic, starting at $129.00.

If you’re interested in architecture, St. Michael’s Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox cathedral built in 1848. It’s one of the oldest standing churches in Alaska and is quite beautiful with intricate artwork.

Fishing

Fishing has been an important part of life in Sitka for generations. With increased tourism, the fishing industry continues to be a driving force in the economic picture of the area, with the best fishing between May and September.

The area includes habitats for many species of fish, including king, coho, and pink salmon, halibut, rock fish, lingcod, and Dolly Varden.

While fishing in the Sitka Sound or the breakwaters next to the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery is great, don’t limit yourself. There are numerous places nearby for boaters and anglers. Starrigavan Bay, Sitkoh Lake, Indian River, and Shiloh Creek, to name a few. Blue Lake contains rainbow trout, and Beaver Lake has Arctic grayling.

If you want something a little more remote, there’s freshwater angling for the intrepid at Salmon, Green, and Redoubt Lakes. Find a local guide with a boat and take your hiking boots. You’re gonna need them. If you’d rather watch from inside a boat, you should try a whale watching tour.

As always, safe flight and smooth landings,

jo@jettreks.com