Don’t Worry About Big Airports, Fly to 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, elevation 24′ on 11 and 26′ 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′ 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. Ramp area is limited here so congestion can also be a problem.

Commercial flights are provided by Alaska Airlines year around and seasonally by Delta operated by SkyWest Airlines. Alaska Airlines has operated here for over 50 years and the flights through Sitka are a number of round trip flights with numerous stops before returning. These flights are known historically to Alaskan residents as Milk Runs.

The Sitka Seaplane Base is located in 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 construction of this airport. The section of the airport where they were buried is still called The Mausoleum. (Unofficially) Just 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 offers taxi service to and from the airport as does Sitka Shuttle Service. While there are taxis they are somewhat limited. To make sure you have a ride with an early morning arrival it’s best to call the night before to arrange transport.

Also available are Avis, Sitka Car Rentals, and shuttles from some of the hotels. The alternative when weather allows is the Yellow Jersey Cycles where you can rent a bike to travel all 14 miles of road. Places to Stay

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

There is also a Super 8, Aspen Suites, Longliner Lodge & Suites, and the Baranof Lodge. 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.

Sitka 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 just 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….yep, 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

Natures handiwork is the best reason to go to Alaska but artwork and totem poles of the Tlingit culture is also really something to the 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 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 are great don’t limit yourself. There are numerous places nearby for boaters and anglers. Starrigavan Bay, Sitkoh Lake, Indian River, and Shiloh Creek just 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 just watch from inside a boat you should try a whale watching tour.

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As always, safe flight and smooth landings,

jo@jettreks.com