Revillagigedo Island wilderness guide
Island · AK

Revillagigedo Island

Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska is known for its stunning coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant indigenous culture.

Island1,400,0004+ Trails
DesignationIsland
Total Wilderness Area1,400,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Revillagigedo Island

Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska is known for its stunning coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant indigenous culture.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Revillagigedo Island, located in the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska, spans approximately 2,754 square miles. The island's terrain is characterized by rugged mountains, dense coniferous rainforest, and an indented coastline with numerous inlets and bays. The island is part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. This diverse ecological region supports a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and many bird species. The Tlingit people are indigenous to this area, and their cultural heritage is an integral part of the island's identity, with several totem parks and cultural centers available for visitors to explore. Recreational opportunities abound, from hiking the island's trails through lush rainforests and up to panoramic vistas, to exploring the vibrant marine life in the surrounding waters through kayaking or fishing. Visitors are drawn to the island for its natural beauty, opportunities for adventure, and the chance to experience the intersection of rich natural and cultural histories.

Field Guide · Island
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Revillagigedo Island

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Misty Fjords National Monument✦ Totem Bight State Historical Park✦ Naha River Canoe Route✦ Ward Lake Recreation Area
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Revillagigedo Island

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Revillagigedo Island
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Revillagigedo Island
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Revillagigedo Island
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Revillagigedo Island
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Revillagigedo Island
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Revillagigedo Island
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Revillagigedo Island.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees required to visit; some areas may require permits for camping or guided tours.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Revillagigedo Island

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Signal Creek Campground

Located near Ketchikan, this campground offers easy access to trails and a picturesque lake.

Zimovia Root Campground

Situated in a remote area, offering solitude and pristine natural surroundings.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Revillagigedo Island

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Saxman, Alaska
⌖ 20.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Saxman, Alaska

Saxman is a small Alaskan town renowned for its rich Tlingit culture and lush coastal rainforest. Outdoor lovers can hike, kayak, fish, and explore fascinating totem poles while enjoying abundant wildlife in a quiet, authentic setting.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Ward Cove, Alaska
⌖ 21.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ward Cove, Alaska

Ward Cove offers peaceful coastal adventures like kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing amid Southeast Alaska’s lush forests and protected waters. Ideal from late spring to fall, it’s a quiet gateway for outdoor lovers seeking nature and solitude.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Metlakatla, Alaska
⌖ 29.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Metlakatla, Alaska

Metlakatla is a peaceful Alaskan town on Annette Island, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking kayaking, hiking, and fishing in a remote, forested coastal setting rich with native culture.

Late spring to early fall
Explore Town
Thorne Bay, Alaska
⌖ 53.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Thorne Bay, Alaska

Thorne Bay, Alaska, is an outdoor lover’s gateway to the wild Tongass National Forest. With hiking, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, it offers a remote, rugged experience amid coastal rainforests and pristine waters.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Hyder, Alaska
⌖ 54.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hyder, Alaska

Hyder, Alaska offers a true wilderness experience with abundant wildlife, scenic glacier hikes, and quiet paddling routes. This remote town is a unique mix of Alaskan wild and Canadian charm, perfect for dedicated outdoor adventurers.

Summer to early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Revillagigedo Island

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Small Boat Up-Close Wildlife Viewing
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
Boat TourADV Bookable

Small Boat Up-Close Wildlife Viewing

Leave the crowds behind and board a private small-boat cruise from Knudson Cove Marina to see orcas, humpbacks, seals, eagles, and off-grid shoreline life. Ideal for families and photographers wanting an intimate half-day of true Alaskan coast.

Boat TourUp to 6 guests • 4-Hour Private Scenic Cruise • Real Alaska, Real Local!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
6 Hour Salmon Charter
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
FishingADV Bookable

6 Hour Salmon Charter

Spend six efficient hours fishing the productive nearshore waters of Ketchikan from Knudson Cove Marina. Expert captains provide gear, local knowledge, and on-site processing so you can focus on the bite and bring home fillets.

FishingUp to 4 People Covered • Our Most Popular Trip!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Single Kayak Rental
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
KayakADV Bookable

Single Kayak Rental

Launch from Knudson Cove Marina for a relaxed two-hour single kayak rental through the sheltered channels of Tongass Narrows. Stable boats, close wildlife encounters, and dramatic coastal rainforest make this an ideal half-day outing for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Kayak2 Hours • Includes Paddle & PFDCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Discover Totems
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
Guided TourADV Bookable

Discover Totems

A 2.5-hour, expert-led van tour that pairs Ketchikan’s dramatic totem poles with rainforest and waterfront views. Perfect for cruise visitors and short-stay travelers who want cultural context and wildlife sightings in one compact outing.

Guided TourAll Ages • 2.5 Hours • Saxman Native Village & City Tour!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nature Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
Guided TourADV Bookable

Nature Tour

Spend 2.5 hours exploring Ketchikan’s temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and salmon streams with a local guide. Perfect for families and cruise visitors wanting high-probability wildlife viewing without long hikes.

Guided TourAll Ages • 2.5 Hours • Ketchikan Rainforest Adventure!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Misty Fjords Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
Guided TourADV Bookable

Misty Fjords Tour

Take to the sky from Ketchikan for a 2.5-hour floatplane tour into Misty Fjords National Monument, complete with a rare lake landing on a remote shoreline. Small groups and experienced bush pilots make this a true wilderness shortcut for visitors who want up-close glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife.

Guided TourAll Ages • 2.5 Hours • Explore the untouched beauty of Misty Fjords!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
All Ages • Tour of Downtown Ketchikan in Your Pocket!
ADVEXPEDITION
Ketchikan, Alaska
Guided TourADV Bookable

All Ages • Tour of Downtown Ketchikan in Your Pocket!

A digital goods package from Discover Ketchikan that bundles a customized map, locally‑owned business listings, and a Ketchikan guide texting service for a richer downtown experience.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip