The Harris River Trail System includes a half-mile Interpretive Trail and a two-mile hiking trail with excellent access to the Harris River for fishing. The Interpretive Trail leads visitors on a scenic loop through a forest research site. Interpretive signs provide information about research projects involving second growth forests and recent habitat restoration efforts. The Hiking Trail offers visitors access to the Harris River for wildlife viewing and fishing. The trail is gravel tread for a majority of the way, with one small creek ford and one deep river ford making the trail way at times impassable after approximately one mile. The other one mile of the trail is accessible from the Hydaburg Highway and features gravel tread and three wooden bridges, with excellent fishing access. Both sides of the trail pass through a second growth spruce and hemlock forest with alder trees immediately in the foreground and glimpses of Harris Ridge in the background. The Harris River supports an abundant run of chum, coho and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. Waterfowl and bald eagles are commonly seen in the area during spawning season.
At a Glance
Usage:
Light
Closest Towns:
Hollis, Klawock
Water:
No
Restroom:
No
Operated By:
Forest Service
General Information
Directions: The trailhead is located on the Hollis-Klawock Highway (paved) approximately two miles east of the Hydaburg Highway junction (milepost 23). The other end of the hiking trail can be accessed off the Hydaburg Highway, approximately one mile south of the junction. USGS Map Craig B-3.
Activities
Bicycling
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Mountain Biking
The 2-mile (one-way) hiking trail is flat and offers an easy mountain bike ride as well as access to the Harris River for wildlife viewing and fishing. The trail is gravel tread for a majority of the way, with one small creek ford and one deep river ford making the trail way at times impassable after approximately one mile. The other one mile of the trail is accessible from the Hydaburg Highway and features gravel tread and three wooden bridges, with excellent fishing access. Both sides of the trail pass through a second growth spruce and hemlock forest with alder trees immediately in the foreground and glimpses of Harris Ridge in the background. The Harris River supports an abundant run of chum, coho and sockeye salmon as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. Waterfowl and bald eagles are commonly seen in the area during spawning season.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate
Fishing
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River and Stream Fishing
Great fishing in the Harris River along Recreation Trail with new stream restoration work benefitting fish habitat.
Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged for steelhead and cutthroat as wild populations are fragile in many waters throughout the area.
Hiking
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Day Hiking
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Nature Viewing
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Viewing Wildlife
Ample wildlife viewing opportunities along the two mile Harris River Trail. The Harris River supports an abundant run of chum, coho and silver salmon as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. Waterfowl and bald eagles are commonly seen in the area during the spawning season. Deer and black bear often seen.
Species
Salmon, trout, waterfowl, bald eagles, deer, black bear
Difficulty Level:
Moderate
Viewing Scenery
On this 2 mile hiking trail, visitors will pass through a young growth forest lined with alders, catching glimpses of the peaks of Harris Ridge above. Multiple access points allow views of the winding Harris River.
Difficulty Level:
Easy to Intermediate
Outdoor Learning
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Interpretive Areas
The Harris River Trail, located about 5 miles east of the Harris River Campground, accesses the Harris River. The site of recent restoration efforts, the Harris River offers habitat for salmon and other fish species, eagles, deer, bears and small mammals. Interpretive signs help explain the river restoration and forest enhancement projects.