St. James Bay State Marine Park

Overview

Brochure InfoSt. James State Marine Park is located approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines. The park encompasses St. James Bay, Boat harbor, and continues north up the valley which drains the area. The area has abundant protected anchorages, concentrations of fish and wildlife, and beach landing areas. The average temperatures in the summer are in the 60's, rare highs hitting 80. High humidity and a high average rainfall make for a wet environment. The average rainfall is from 60-90 inches annually. Have warm clothing and quality rain gear, as inclement weather can set in quickly and last for days. Snow can begin to accumulate as early as October. The recreational use of St. James Bay is extremely high. The bay, easily accessed by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau, is a popular area for wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping. Access by float plane is also readily available.Brochure Info - RecreationCamping, Hiking, photograpy, wildlife/ nature viewingBrochure Info - Nearby AttractionsNumerous wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic views.Key InfoAlways be ready for rain and soft wet ground/be prepared to stay dry and warm. 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. 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). 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 (465-4563) where you are going and when you expect to return.Motorized vehicles prohibited. Fires in authorized structures or on sand or gravel bars only. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited. Discharge of firearms prohibited within 1/2 mile of cabins, trails, and road. Disturbing or damaging natural objects prohibited. Permit required for more than 20 persons. This cabin is not road accessible. The most common access is by boat. Strong tide rips and big seas are not uncommon.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionAccess to St. James is by boat or float plane. The easiest and fastest access by boat is from the boat launch at Amalga Harbor(mile 24).St. James Bay lies approximately 11 miles to the northwest of Amalga. Follow Favorite Channel north and west. Caution should be used crossing Lynn Canal. This body of water can get wild and windy with little warning. Watch for strong tide rips and choppy seas.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescCancellations: Cancellations must be made at least 3 calendar days prior to arrival date for a full 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 must be made 2 calendar days prior to your scheduled arrival date and 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.