Personal blog about states
Sitka, city and borough, southeastern Alaska, historically the most notable Alaskan settlement. U.S. Situated 95 miles (150 km) southwest of Juneau, on the western coast of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, it is the only city in southeastern Alaska that lies on the Pacific Ocean.
In 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska from the Russians, the transfer ceremony was held in Sitka , and Sitka became Alaska’s first capital city. Accessible only by air or sea, Sitka offers incredible scenery, fishing, hiking, abundant wildlife, and Alaska’s most culturally rich history and community.
Sitka is Accessible only by ferry The port is served year-round by Alaska Marine ferries and as there are no roads into or out of Sitka , the city is completely reliant on the state provided ferry service.
593 miles
Sitka averages 44 inches of snow per year.
Sitka doesn’t experience entire days of darkness or entire days of sunlight like the more Northern towns in Alaska , Russia, and Norway. The days in Sitka increase in length during the summer and decrease in length during the winter with significant variation. In Sitka , the sun rises at 4:05 am and sets at 9:59 pm.
It may be a little more expensive but it’s definitely worth it , the camo pattern on the sitka gear is so much more advanced that the KUIU. Plus in my opinion, Sitka is way more durable, comfortable, and warm. Customer service sucks . I always end up back to Sitka when I can afford it or First Lite.
The cost of housing in Sitka is more expensive than the United States average and earns a score of 3 out of 10.
The federal and state agencies in Alaska do not offer free land . The State of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources however does have a Public Land Sale program and some other organizations in Alaska may occasionally offer land for sale to private citizens.
In Sitka , the summers are cool and mostly cloudy; the winters are long, very cold , windy, and overcast; and it is wet year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 33°F to 62°F and is rarely below 22°F or above 68°F.
Sitka is totally lovely. It’s beautiful and I found having those views all the time improved my general happiness. It is a pretty small town, so if you are from a larger town and expect to have things to do regularly maybe this isn’t best for you. But if you like to be outdoorsy then it should work!
You do not need a car to enjoy Sitka , though you might find you want one for a day or so because the drives are so gorgeous. The ferry terminal is about 10 miles outside of town, but there is an inexpensive shuttle that will take you to downtown. There are a number of excellent hotels and Bed and Breakfasts in Sitka .
Although technically you can not drive to Sitka , the Alaska Marine Highway ferries can get you and your vehicle there.
Would consider an overnight in Sitka , but could not spend two nights there, as that would short us on our Juneau time. The dilemma is, that the Ferry is 4 1/2 hours to Sitka , stops only one hour from 1 -2 pm, and then the 4 1/2 hours back to Juneau .
Alaska Ferry System Costs As an example, two people traveling one-way from Bellingham , WA to Ketchikan is approx $500 (in the middle of the summer). Add a vehicle (like the VW Westfalia) and you’ll add another $500. Add a cabin for another approx $250-350.