Shuyak Island State Park

Overview

Brochure InfoShuyak Island State Park comprises most of the island's 48,000 acres, with a few small privately owned parcels scattered about. The park is part of the unique Kodiak Archipelago coastal forest system, 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. 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. There is a state park contact station on Big Bay for possible assistance if necessary. 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. Several air charters provide float plane service to the park and the four public use cabins located on the remote island. Once you arrive on the island, no visitor services are available. Weather at Shuyak Island is generally cool and moist. Average annual precipitation is about 75 inches and summertime temperatures range from the low 40's to the mid 60's. Poor weather can delay flights to and from the park so all visitors are encouraged to pack extra food and supplies in case they get weathered in.Brochure Info - OrientationShuyak Island is located 54 air miles north of Kodiak, Alaska, with access to the island via boat or float plane only. Shuyak Island's compact dimensions measure approximately 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 a large variety of seabirds, and otters share the sea with whales, harbor seals, sea lions, and Dall porpoise. Kodiak brown bear and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the island's forests along with many other fur bearing crittersBrochure Info - RecreationHunting, fishing, kayaking, hiking, remote backcountry camping, beachcombing, wildlife and marine mammal viewing, bird watching, and photographyBrochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsThe four public use cabins in Shuyak Island State Park are located just up from the water's edge in a dense old growth Sitka spruce forest. All cabins are also located inside protected saltwater bays. The cabins are identically built from cedar 'Pan Abode' kits and each measure 12' x 20'. Each cabin site includes an outhouse and a wood shed usually outfitted with wood and splitting tools. All cabins have a All cabins include four "double sized" sleeping platforms, wood stove, a basic supply of cooking pots, pans, and utensils for four to six people. Visitors should plan to bring any additional gear including a cookstove, lantern or LED lighting, sleeping pad and any gear or supplies they rely upon. They are generally located in areas that offer great opportunities for hunting, fishing, kayaking and hiking, and some cabin users may also find excellent beach combing near-by. There is a sink in each cabin, a fresh water creek is located near the cabin, but water must be hauled to the cabin, visitors are advised to purify the water before using it. The Island has an approximately 14 mile established trail system that connects some of the cabins to points on the outer coast and the state park contact station.Key Info Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival WILL NOT be refunded. Cancellations made at least 15 days prior to arrival can receive a refund (does not include transaction/cancellation fees). 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, with temperatures ranging from the low 40's to the mid-60's (Fahrenheit). Always be ready for rain and soft wet ground/be prepared to stay dry and warm. Bears - Kodiak brown bear (Ursus arctos) are found on Shuyak Island. Be prepared for bear encounters. Respect the bears, give them the right of way and make a lot of noise (some hikers put bells on their packs and carry whistles to alert bears to their presence). Use caution, avoid surprise encounters, and follow all bear safety ettiquette. Do not leave any food items outside of cabins or otherwise accessible to bears. Discard fish and animal entrails in ocean or deep fast moving water. Carry signaling devise in case of an emergency (orange cloth/flares/etc.). Carry first aid items, flashlight (particularly in winter), snack and a fire starter. Surface water should be boiled or treated before drinking. Please help protect shorebirds by keeping dogs under control at all times; do not allow dogs to disturb or chase birds or other wildlife. Always tell a friend, relative, or park ranger (486-6339) where you are going and when you expect to return. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited. Disturbing or damaging natural objects prohibited. Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionRemote Island - float plane or boat access only - A number of air charters provide float plane service to the park and the four public use cabins located on the remote island.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescCancellations: Cancellations cannot be made within 14 calendar days prior to arrival date. Cancellations made at least 15 days prior to arrival can receive a refund (does not include transaction/cancellation fees). Cancellations must be made through www.reserveamerica.com . You must cancel your reservations online, from your account. If you fail to cancel in a timely manner, or fail to use the facility for reasons other than the exceptions listed below, a refund is not available. Changes/Transfers: Changes/Transfers cannot be made within 14 calendar days prior to your scheduled arrival date. All changes that occur at least 15 days prior to the arrival date will incur a $3 change/transfer fee. Changes where the reservation is extended will not have an additional change fee. Refunds: Park Staff are not authorized to give cash refunds. Refunds for canceled reservations online will be made by issuing a credit to the card used for payment. Exceptions: If you were unable to use the facility due to events beyond your control, such as extreme weather/hazardous conditions (as determined by Alaska State Parks), or closure of a road, trail, or facility by the State, you may request a refund. Requests for refunds must be made within three (3) business days of the last date of your reservation to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Public Information Center at 907-269-8400. Please provide your reservation number when you call. Extreme weather in the Northern Region is defined as Minus 30 F for the "Hunt Memorial", "North Fork", and "Chena River" Cabins; Minus 20 F for all other cabins and ice huts. In the event of a natural emergency or sudden campground/site closure, a full refund will be issued. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation reserves the right to make the final determination of whether a refund will be issued.