Sitka Ranger District Summer Updates

SITKA, Alaska, May 21 2025 - The Sitka Ranger District has several updates regarding summer recreation opportunities, which support the mental, physical, cultural, spiritual, and economic well-being of visitors and the community. 

• The Harbor Mountain and Blue Lake Roads are open.
• The summer spigots at the Starrigavan Well are turned on and the winter spigots are closed.
• The Sawmill Creek Campground, Picnic Shelter and Group Camp Site are available for reservation at www.recreation.gov, for a fee.
  • Both sites, as well as non-group campsites at the campground remain free for walk-up use if not reserved. Upcoming reservations will be posted at the campground. 

Facilities will receive minimal maintenance this year, including reduced firewood stock. Please help keep public cabins, trails and recreation sites clean and enjoyable for all. Here are some best practices: 

At cabins with wood stoves -

• Bring firewood and a maul, don’t burn green wood and don’t cut green trees.
• Use provided firewood (if available) for the cabin stoves and not for outdoor fires. 

At cabins with oil stoves: 

• Use clean #1 diesel or kerosene fuel. Don’t try to burn wood in an oil stove. 

At all recreation sites: 

• Pack out all trash, leave conditions better than you found them, and don’t burn pallets.  

Report conditions or maintenance needs to the Sitka Ranger District by phone at (907) 747-6671 or email SM.FS.r10_sitka_rd@usda.gov.  

For interviews and information to be used for publication, contact the Tongass Public Affairs Officer at 907-617-2063 or paul.robbins@usda.gov.

 ###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.