Sitka National Historical Park

09/14/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Totem Trail Open for Day Use

News Release Date:
September 14, 2021

Contact:Shauna Cotrell, 907-747-0110

Sitka National Historical Park (September 14, 2021) - The Totem Trail is open for day use only. After evaluating bear activity this morning, yesterday's trail closure has ended. It is still possible to encounter a bear. Daytime trail users are encouraged to be alert, make noise in areas of limited visibility, and avoid areas that have recent signs of bear activity (tracks, scat, or active fishing).

All park trails are closed 7 pm to 7 am until further notice in the vicinity of Indian River and Totem Trail based on bear activity. The Riverview Trail, and the Russian Memorial Loop Trail remain closed at all times. Additional select daytime trail closures will also be in effect when needed, depending on bear activity.

Trail status signs are posted at trail heads and trail junctions. Red indicates trails are closed due to consistent bear activity. Yellow indicates one should use caution as a bear encounter is possible, and some trails may be closed. Green indicates all trails are open and encountering a bear is less likely. Please help keep yourself and the bears safe by respecting the trail status and temporary closures.

For additional information on bear safety visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm or call the Visitor Center at (907) 747-0110.

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, we are increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units of the National Park System. Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status. Updates about the overall NPS response to COVID-19 including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov/sitk or visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SitkaNationalHistoricalPark.