St. James Bay State Marine Park

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available through ReserveAmerica. Accessible only by boat or float plane.

About

St. James Bay State Marine Park is a remote marine park located approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines on the west side of Lynn Canal near the Chilkat Peninsula. Accessible only by boat or float plane, the park encompasses St. James Bay, Boat Harbor, and the valley draining the area. The bay offers abundant protected anchorages, beach landing areas, and concentrations of fish and wildlife. Small boats can reach the park from Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau, while float plane access is also available. The park is undeveloped and offers primitive camping opportunities along with the Bob Hinman Memorial public use cabin, which can be reserved through ReserveAmerica. The area experiences high recreational use and is popular for wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, and kayaking. Summer temperatures average in the 60s with rare highs reaching 80 degrees, though high humidity and 60-90 inches of annual rainfall create a wet environment. Snow can begin accumulating as early as October. Visitors should bring warm clothing and quality rain gear, as weather can change quickly and storms can last for days.

Directions

Accessible only by boat or float plane. Small boats can launch from Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau. Located on the west side of Lynn Canal, approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines.

Nearby Campgrounds