The Yakutat Tern Festival has traditionally provided opportunity for festival participants to see different areas of Yakutat. Day trips are typically centered around activities such as birdwatching, tidepooling, nature hikes, beach-combing, and more! The Tern Fest schedule will include trips for kids and adults, so be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events.
Annual Yakutat Tern Festival
Field Trips & Workshops
General Information
Day Trips
Explore Yakutat in a Day
Whether you want a peaceful walk, a close-up wildlife experience, or a cultural stop, Yakutat offers day trips for every type of traveler.
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Transportation: Van, foot
Description: Hubbard Glacier has twice closed off Russell Fjord, both times creating the largest glacier-formed lake in the world. The U.S. Forest Service covered the events in their Region 10 Tongass Highlights:
More than 70 miles long, the Hubbard Glacier near Yakutat has been advancing since 1900. In 1986, Hubbard Glacier closed the entrance to Russell Fiord, blocking the flow of the fiord into Disenchantment Bay. The water level in Russell Lake rose to an elevation of 83 feet over sea level to create the world largest glacier-formed lake. A few weeks later, the ice dam abruptly broke, and the lake.
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Transportation: Van, foot
Description: This trip will travel out Forest Highway 10 to the Dangerous River Bridge and Harlequin Lake Trail. A short (3/4 mile) hike from here ends at the southern shore of Harlequin Lake. The scenery alone makes this trip a must-see! Harlequin Lake is the headwaters of the Dangerous River. Massive icebergs, calved from Yakutat Glacier, can be seen floating from shore. Yakutat Glacier is visible across the lake. Those not wishing to hike have the option to stop at the Dangerous River Bridge, which also offers views of the outlet of the lake and icebergs (occasionally floating down the river!). Time permitting, this field trip will also stop at various habitats along the way back to town.
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Transportation: Passenger vehicle and foot.
Description: This trip will start at the Ankau River, including a hike along the river up to the open waters of Monti Bay. For those not wishing to walk far, a short walk to the beach from the parking area will yield spectacular views and bird viewing opportunities in Monti Bay. A variety of waterfowl species are viewable in the Ankau River, with Arctic terns nesting and foraging nearby. Monti bay is a great place for viewing seabirds, such as a variety of gulls, scoters, and cormorants. Common loons are abundant year round, and Pacific loons are common migrants. Watch for rarities such as Kittlits, murrelets, and Yellow-billed loons. On a clear day, the scenery alone makes this trip worthwhile, offering a spectacular view of Monti Bay and the Mt. St. Elias Range. *Aleutian terns may also be present*
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Transportation: Van, kayak
Description: Weather permitting, this trip will depart via kayaks from the mouth of the Situk River. There will be copious birding opportunity in this area. Space is limited due to limited availability of kayaks: advance registration recommended (please see registration form on this website). This trip is contingent on interest and advance registration, and is also weather dependent. This trip is recommended for participants with basic kayaking skills/experience.
THIS TRIP IS NOT AVAILABLE in 2025 – DUE TO TIMING OF TIDES
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Transportation: Passenger vehicle and foot.
Description: The Russell Fiord Wilderness Area is a congressionally designated wilderness that can be accessed via the 0.75-mile Russell Fiord Trail. Birds in this area include murrelets, loons, White-winged Scoter, Pigeon Guillemot, Aleutian and Arctic Tern, gulls, phalaropes, and jaegers. On the shore, be alert for Black Oystercatcher, which nest among the rocky shoreline (Audubon Alaska).
With Gratitude to Our Supporters
We are deeply grateful to the organizations and individuals that make the festival possible.
