Mosquito Cove Trail
Conquer hundreds of stairs through a lush Alaskan rainforest, with stunning coastal views and a challenging, rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Mosquito Cove Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer hundreds of stairs through a lush Alaskan rainforest, with stunning coastal views and a challenging, rewarding hike.
"It's a must hike trail. Highly recommend."
Bug Protection is Key! 🦟
Bring a ThermaCell or strong bug spray. Some find suits essential for comfort.
Wear Sturdy Footwear 👟
Expect wet, slippery, and muddy conditions. Good grip is a must for navigating stairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stairmaster Challenge
Throughout the trail
Conquer hundreds of stairs that wind through the lush rainforest, offering a great workout and unique terrain.
Tongass Rainforest Immersion
The trail itself
Experience the vibrant ecosystem of the Tongass National Forest, a true Alaskan rainforest adventure.
Coastal Views & Salmon Berries
Near the coast and along the trail
Enjoy scenic coastal vistas and, if in season, the delicious reward of picking fresh salmon berries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bugs (or Fight Them!)
Trail Conditions & Fitness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bug Protection is Key! 🦟
Bring a ThermaCell or strong bug spray. Some find suits essential for comfort. +1
Wear Sturdy Footwear 👟
Expect wet, slippery, and muddy conditions. Good grip is a must for navigating stairs.
Check Tide Charts 🌊
Hiking at low tide offers better trail conditions and more scenic views.
Bike to the Trailhead 🚴
Consider biking part of the way to save time, especially if arriving by cruise ship.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Protection is Key! 🦟
Bring a ThermaCell or strong bug spray. Some find suits essential for comfort. +1
Wear Sturdy Footwear 👟
Expect wet, slippery, and muddy conditions. Good grip is a must for navigating stairs.
Check Tide Charts 🌊
Hiking at low tide offers better trail conditions and more scenic views.
Bike to the Trailhead 🚴
Consider biking part of the way to save time, especially if arriving by cruise ship.
GPS is Your Friend 🗺️
Parts of the trail may be unmaintained; a GPS can help you stay on track.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mosquito Cove Trail, calling it a 'must hike' and one of the best trails in Tongass National Forest. The challenging stair sections and immersive rainforest experience are highlights, though the abundant mosquitoes and slippery conditions are noted drawbacks. It's highly recommended for those with moderate fitness.
"Loved it. I got there on a cruise ship. What's recommended is that you may use a bike to get to the hiking point of the trail and continue on foot from there, this would save a lot of time.
It's a must hike trail. Highly recommend."
Salim Nawaz
"This is part of the trail you will be on if you have booked the Tongass Rain Forest Nature Hike.
The trail has probably 800 steps, so be prepared to practically stair-master for several portions of trail.
It’s a rain forest, so it will be wet, slippery, and a bit muddy in some spots.
Highly recommend if you’re moderately fit."
VDms_
"It's best at low tide, and it's even better when the salmon berries are ready to pick."
Delene Jaques
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the Sitka Sound terminal, you can take the public bus one stop and then walk to the trailhead. Taxis are also available for the short ride. Some visitors recommend biking part of the way to save time.
Yes, the trail is accessible by car, and parking is available. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
While possible, it's a significant walk. Biking or taking a taxi/bus is generally more practical to reach the trailhead efficiently.
Cruise ship passengers can utilize the public bus system or arrange for a taxi. Biking is also a popular option to cover the distance quickly.
While not a dedicated shuttle, the local public bus system can get you close to the trailhead. Taxis are readily available in Sitka.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mosquito Cove Trail is generally free to access as it's part of the Tongass National Forest.
The trail is open year-round, but it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for Mosquito Cove Trail. It's a public access trail within the national forest.
Yes, some guided tours, like the Tongass Rain Forest Nature Hike, include this trail.
Generally, no permits are required for day hiking on Mosquito Cove Trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to the numerous stairs and potentially slippery terrain. It's a good workout!
The hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothing, and bring rain gear. Layers are recommended.
Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal. It's best to use facilities before you start your hike.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the stairs and slippery conditions. Older children who are moderately fit will likely enjoy it.
🎫 🦟 Mosquitoes & Wildlife
Yes, especially in the summer months, mosquitoes can be quite prevalent. Bringing effective bug spray or a ThermaCell is highly recommended. +1
You might see various forest birds, and if you're lucky, perhaps some smaller mammals. Keep an eye out for salmon berries in season!
While bear sightings are not common on this specific trail, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings in Alaskan wilderness. Carrying bear spray is a personal safety choice.
Early mornings or later in the evening might see slightly fewer mosquitoes, but they are generally present throughout the warmer months.
Make noise as you hike to alert wildlife of your presence. Never feed animals and maintain a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, ensure everyone has sturdy, non-slip footwear, and pack effective insect repellent to combat the mosquitoes.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Be aware of the trail's conditions: expect many stairs and potentially slippery, muddy sections.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
Recommendations for fitness buffs: Push your pace on the stairs, but be mindful of the slippery surfaces. Consider incorporating this hike into a broader fitness routine while in Sitka. The stunning rainforest environment and coastal views are a fantastic reward for your efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Stairs and Slippery Paths
Given its rainforest location, the trail is frequently wet, slippery, and muddy, especially after rain. Proper footwear with good traction is absolutely essential to prevent slips and falls. Many visitors recommend waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the hike.
The combination of stairs and slick surfaces means this trail is best suited for those with moderate fitness levels. It's a rewarding hike, but preparation is key to enjoying the stunning scenery without undue difficulty.
The Mosquito Menace: Strategies for a Comfortable Hike
Several solutions are popular among hikers. ThermaCell devices are frequently mentioned as effective for creating a mosquito-free zone around you.
While the mosquitoes can be intense, most visitors agree that the breathtaking Alaskan views and the unique rainforest environment make enduring them worthwhile. Planning ahead with the right gear ensures a more pleasant adventure.
Accessing the Trail: From Cruise Ships to Trailheads
One popular method is to utilize the public bus system, which can take you part of the way, followed by a walk to the trailhead.
The trail itself is part of the Tongass National Forest and is generally well-marked, though some sections might be less maintained, making a GPS device useful.
The accessibility makes it a feasible excursion for day-trippers looking to experience the Alaskan wilderness. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit