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Shuyak Island State Park comprises most of the island's 47,000 acres.
The park encompasses part of a coastal forest system, unique to the Kodiak
Archipelago, which contains only one tree species: Sitka spruce. Besides
a virgin Sitka spruce forest, the park includes miles of rugged coastline,
beaches and protected waterways. |
| The island is located 54 air miles north of Kodiak, Alaska. Shuyak Island's
compact dimensions measure 12 miles long and 11 miles wide but contain
more sheltered interior waterways than anywhere in the Kodiak Archipelago.
The land and water of the area host an infinite variety of seabirds. Otters
share the sea with whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and Dall porpoises.
Kodiak brown bear and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the island's forests. |
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If you visit Shuyak, you may either camp or rent one of the four
public
use cabins. Groceries and other supplies must be purchased before you
arrive on Shuyak. A state park ranger or volunteer may contact you during
your visit. Our staff is there to assist you. They may be able to provide
communication to the mainland, but only in an emergency. Visitors should
be as self-sufficient as possible; assistance could be hours or days away.
The Shuyak experience is one of the wilderness. Those who have planned
their trip carefully find the greatest rewards.
Wildlife Viewing/Photography
In addition to the wildlife already mentioned, visitors can view puffins,
black oystercatchers, cormorants, common and red-throated loons, mergansers,
harlequin ducks, and bald eagles. Migrant birds arrive in May and June.
Plant enthusiasts can find alpine botany at sea level on the rugged capes
along the outer coastline. |
Hiking
There are few hiking trails within the park, and thick forests and devils
club make overland travel challenging. Shorelines provide routes of travel
but may be covered with water during high tides. Shuyak is best experienced
combining land and sea travel. For more information, see the
Shuyak Island
Trail Network
page.
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Outdoor Safety
Weather
Shuyak Island is at the tip of the Kodiak Archipelago and is subject to
severe and unpredictable weather. Sea conditions can deteriorate rapidly:
large swells, rough seas, high winds, and heavy surf occur frequently
in open waters. The inner bays are generally protected but in either area
in these waters hypothermia can set in within minutes. Generally, rainfall
averages about 4-6 inches per month in the summertime. Temperatures (Fahrenheit)
range from the low 40's to the low 60's.
Boating
When conditions are poor, be patient and wait for the weather to improve.
Rescue assistance could be hours or days away.
Bears A limited number of Kodiak
brown bear (Ursus arctos) are found on Shuyak Island. Use caution and
avoid surprise encounters; these animals are potentially fierce. Do
not leave any food items outside of cabins or woodsheds. Discard fish
and animal entrails in ocean water. For more bear safety tips,
see our page on Bear Safety.
Weapons
Weapons are allowed in the park for hunting or for personal protection
from wildlife. Shooting within one-fourth mile of any cabin is prohibited.
Target shooting is not allowed in the park.
The Public Use Cabins
Mulcahy View Cabin on Neketa Bay |
Two public use cabins are located on Big Bay.
Carry Inlet and Neketa Bay each have one public use cabin. Each
cabin can accommodate up to eight people. The fee for the cabin
is $75 for peak use and $60 non-peak use per night. This is a
flat fee; it does not change according to party number. Cabins
are rented to only one party at a time. Visitors can stay in the
same cabin for up to seven consecutive nights per month. |
What's provided
 Fresh water is
available at all cabin sites but requires rapid boiling for five minutes
or filtration by devices effective to less than five microns to protect
against natural contaminants.
Bottled propane provides gas for a two-burner stove and propane lights
in each cabin. Use of propane is limited to 25 lbs. per party - bring
extra if you think you will need more.
Each cabin has a woodburning stove adequate to heat the 12' x 20'
structure. Firewood is provided, but must be split. Tools are also provided.
A gravity-fed water system is plumbed into each cabin. Water must
be hand-carried for this system. Water jugs are provided.
A shower building is beside each cabin and provides a warm gravity-fed
shower after water is heated.
Each cabin contains a basic supply of cooking pots, pans, and utensils
for four to six people. Some people prefer to bring additional cookware.
Each cabin has four double bunk beds to sleep eight people. Foam pads
are provided.
What to Bring
Full body raingear
Gloves, hat, waterproof boots, tennis shoes
Extra food/clothing
Sleeping bag/towels (blankets not provided)
First aid kit
Matches in waterproof container
Topo maps: Afognak C-1,2,3, and B-2
Compass and tide book (use Seldovia tables)
Watercraft/motor
Additional Items for Boating
Life jackets
Signal devices
Extra line
Extra fuel (none available in park)
Anchor gear, oars, paddles
Marine VHF or CB
Nautical chart #16604, Shuyak and Afognak
Emergency Locator Transmitter
Portable camp stove and fuel
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Shuyak Island State Park Links
Getting to Shuyak Island
Shuyak Island State Park Public Use Cabin
Location Map
Cabin Availability and More Information
Fishing at Shuyak Island
Hunting on Shuyak Island
Kayaking at Shuyak Island
Boating Safety
Shuyak Island Trail Network
Big Bay Ranger Station
Bear Safety
Shuyak Island Natural History
Shuyak Island Cultural History |
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