Explore Yakutat
Explore Yakutat’s wilderness and beauty.
Leonard's Landing is the ideal home base for your Alaskan adventure!
This is Yakutat
The name “Yakutat” is believed to be derived from the Eyak word Yak-tat, meaning the lagoon behind the breakers or “where the canoes rest.” The safe harbor of Yakutat is a tranquil setting and ideally located for boats seeking refuge while traveling through Southeast Alaska. It is also ideally located for those looking for rest from the hectic pace of their everyday life.
The magnitude of the geography around Yakutat can be captured in a small way in pictures, but the feeling of life “where it is still wild” can never be captured. You must come to visit for yourself.
Dominating the western horizon are the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. They are part of the highest coastal mountain range in the world, with 7 of the highest 10 peaks in North America. Mt. St. Elias dominates the range with its classic pyramid shape at 18,008 feet. This may make it only the second highest peak in the U.S., but it has the highest vertical rise, as it soars from sea level to the clouds. Also, part of the complimentary view from your cabin door, is Mt. Logan which has the most massive summit in the world. It’s ridge-top extends for more than 10 miles.
Yakutat is surrounded by grandeur and beauty that superlatives fail to capture. The following are some of the “greatest” and “highest” in the area…
Yakutat is located within the Tongass National Forest, the nation’s largest national forest. The mild, wet coastal climate is perfect for the largest old-growth temperate rainforest. True to form, rainfall is also exceptional. The region receives some of the heaviest precipitation in the state, averaging 150 inches of rain, which includes 219 inches of snowfall.
Glaciers of epic proportions also surround Yakutat. The Hubbard Glacier, a favorite stop for cruise ships, is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Malaspina Glacier is the largest piedmont glacier on the continent.
Fish run richly through Yakutat’s saltwater and up the many local rivers, including the Situk, Lost, and Ahrnklin rivers, along with Tawah Creek.
Mile after mile of unspoiled beaches surround the Yakutat area. They offer beachcombing, spectacular photo opportunities, and bird watching. They also offer an extreme surfing experience on the “Far North Shore.”
The only thing about Yakutat that isn’t extreme is its temperature. By Alaskan standards, this coastal community has mild winters averaging only 20-degree lows. On average, the visitor-season temperatures are in the 50 – 60 degree range, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Come immerse yourself in what can still be described as “raw,” “wild,” and “untouched.” Break away from everyday life to experience and live Yakutat!
Beaches
Yakutat's location is near the southern border of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Yakutat has 155 miles of shoreline met with mountains and rainforest.
Cannon Beach is characterized by dark sand that sprawls for miles and is strewn with driftwood – making it the perfect place for gathering around a bonfire.
Ocean Cape Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the raw, natural beauty of southeast Alaska. Cliffs plummet down to the ocean, and waves crash against rock formations by the shore. There are great trails to explore by foot or by vehicle. There are several more beaches in the area, so stop by the office, and we can help tailor your adventures.
Surfing: The waves of the Far North Shore are sought after by Yakutat locals and enthusiasts from around the world. Because Yakutat is so isolated, you'll likely have the swell to yourself with salmon swimming below you, surrounded by magnificent views. Stop into Icy Waves Surf Shop for more information about the local surf spots.
Kayaking
June, July, and August are the best months for kayaking. Yakutat's lakes, and bays are best explored up close and personal. Kayak rentals available through the lodge makes this possible! Kayaking through these bodies of water is a great way to witness Yakutat's wildlife from a safe distance. Eagles soar overhead, sea otters swim gracefully by, and porpoises blow in the distance. If you’re lucky you will witness bears scavenging on the shoreline.
The views of lush rainforest and towering mountains are unmatched. If you would like assistance with transportation or want advice on where to go, ask one of our knowledgeable staff members. We're happy to help!
Hiking
June & July are the best times to hike in Yakutat.
Visit this link for more information on our beautiful local hiking trails. Three trailheads are accessible within a half-mile walk from your cabin door.
Glacier Viewing
Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It stands 400 feet tall and is around 80 miles long. It is one of the very few glaciers in the world that is still growing.
You can book a charter boat to take you up close (within a half-mile) to the glacier, where you will be surrounded by harbor seals basking on icebergs in Disenchantment Bay. *Please visit our Charters page to learn about what charters offer glacier tours.
You will hear the ice crackling and moving and the thunderous sound of icebergs calving off into the water. It is truly a magnificent sight to behold. Your charter captain is knowledgeable about Hubbard Glacier and the surrounding area, so feel free to ask any questions!
Wildlife Viewing
Yakutat's mild, wet climate and diverse landscape consisting of marshes, shrublands, rivers, and deep-water fjords is surrounded by coastal mountains, ice fields, and thick rainforest providing an excellent environment for booming populations of wildlife both on land and in the water. This region boasts the world's largest population of bald eagles, housed in the nation's largest forest – the Tongass National Forest.
Pacific Flyway is a major north-south flyway for migratory birds in the Americas. Migratory birds travel some or all of this distance in the spring and fall. They are following food sources, heading to breeding grounds, or traveling to their over-wintering sites.
One of the largest nesting sites for arctic and Aleutian Terns is also found here. The Yakutat Nature Society celebrates these impressive aerialists and Yakutat's other natural and cultural resources during the annual Yakutat Tern Festival. You can see more about this festival and how it may fit into your trip at www.yakutatternfestival.org.
Coastal brown bears and black bears are commonly seen throughout the Yakutat area. They are often found near their food sources - fishing along rivers and shorelines, and roaming trails for fresh berries. Remember that they are wild animals. Keep your distance, especially around females with cubs. We are happy to loan you some bear spray if you are going on a hike to ensure your safety.
Moose also frequent the Yakutat area. They tend to like meadows and boggy areas and can often be seen from the road. Please drive carefully if you come across a moose; they are much bigger than you might think! Cow moose with calves can be even more aggressive than bears, so never get too close.
Whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, seabirds, and porpoises, are common sights just a short boat ride from the lodge. These animals live in and migrate through Southeast Alaskan waters.