Sitka, Alaska is known for its mountains which sprout from the ocean and provide a stunning backdrop to the fishing boats which constantly traverse its water. However, Sitka averages 87 inches (7.25 feet) of rain per year which means it is constantly cloudy. It was pretty lucky that our first visit to this scenic city coincided with 3 days of sunshine! We were blown away by the juxtaposition of mountains and ocean. A series of fortunate events allowed us to explore enjoy the region and my camera was constantly clicking.

Mountains and Sunsets

We stepped off our short, 40-minute, flight from Hoonah to Sitka and received an invite. My pilot was an avid hiker and wanted to bring my wife, Kassie, and I out hiking at Mosquito cove. After an instant “yes” on our part  we were on our way. The coastal drive brought us to the edge of town (Sitka only has about 17 miles of road), and in short order we were on the trail to Mosquito Cove. Tall spruces provided a high canopy and the loamy smell of the undergrowth mixed with the salty-fresh air of the ocean. The rocky coast reminded me of the shores of Maine, except the tall mountains made it distinctly Alaskan. A colorful sunset met us at the end of the hike and graced us as we returned to the trail head. An amazing way to start our time in Sitka!

The next day we ventured to the top of Harbor Mountain. Winding switchbacks made me a bit car-sick, but the big payout was the views from the top. The many islands of the Sitka region lay below us and the blue skies allowed for miles and miles of views.

From oceans to mountains, the amazing scenery of Sitka, Alaska.

From oceans to mountains, the amazing scenery of Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset at Mosquito Cove, Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset at Mosquito Cove, Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset at Mosquito Cove, Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset at Mosquito Cove, Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset through some tall spruces along the trail to Mosquito Cove

The Aurora Borealis and Night Skies

The clear conditions in Sitka happened to align with a level 5 aurora forecast. I knew the only place that I wanted to go was to the dark skies and huge vistas of Harbor Mountain. The Northern Lights began almost as the sun went down and stretched far to the south over Mount Edgecumbe.  By 10:30 PM the aurora was far overhead and dancing in incredible sheets of green and pink. I was blown away by its presence over the oceans and landscape.

The Aurora Borealis arches over Mount Edgecumbe in Sitka, Alaska.

The Aurora Borealis arches over Mount Edgecumbe in Sitka, Alaska.

The Aurora Borealis reflects off a pool in a muskeg on top of Harbor Mountain

The Aurora Borealis appeared as the sunset

The Aurora Borealis appeared as the sunset

Pinks ribbons of the Aurora Borealis reflect from a pool on top of Harbor Mountain.

Pinks ribbons of the Aurora Borealis reflect from a pool on top of Harbor Mountain.

Pinks ribbons of the Aurora Borealis reflect from a pool on top of Harbor Mountain.

Hues of purple reach to the south near Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka, Alaska.

An incredible display of Aurora reflects of the ocean and highlights the islands outside of Sitka, Alaska.

An incredible display of Aurora reflects of the ocean and highlights the islands outside of Sitka, Alaska.

Can you spot the big dipper?

Tall bands of aurora dance over the ocean in Sitka, Alaska.

On the Wing

The flight from Sitka to Hoonah was the capstone to a remarkable trip. The sunny conditions persisted and showcased tall mountains, alpine lakes, colorful bays, and long fjords.

The flight from Sitka to Hoonah was a filled with mountains and bays.

The stretch of water separating Baranof Island from Chichagof Island.

Mountains on Chichagof Island.

The flight from Sitka, Alaska to Hoonah is filled with mountains and incredible views.

Putting how large the scerery is with a wing from our airplane.