West Chichagof–Yakobi Wilderness

On the northwestern shore of Chichagof Island [1] is the wildly rugged 264,747-acre West Chichagof–Yakobi Wilderness. Brown bears, marten, and deer are common, with sea otters and Steller sea lions in the waters. The coast is deeply indented with many small bays, lagoons, and inlets. It also supports areas of distinctive open spruce forest with grassy glades.

Except for White Sulfur Springs, this wilderness gets little recreational use because of its remoteness and the storms that frequently make it a dangerous place for small boats and kayaks.

One of the most popular (make reservations well in advance) Forest Service cabins in Southeast Alaska [2] is at White Sulfur Springs, accessible by boat, sea kayak, helicopter, or floatplane. The springs are a 20-mile kayak trip from Pelican [3]. Much of the trip is through the protected waters of Lisianski Inlet and Strait, but the last five miles are exposed to the open ocean and require great caution.