Angoon, Alaska

Angoon is a town of around 500 people on Admiralty Island in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska.

Admiralty Island is the seventh-largest island in the United States and the 132nd-largest in the world.

The Tlingit term for the island, which is also used to refer to the local Tlingit themselves, is Kootznoowoo, which translates as “Fortress of the Bears.”

The main industry in Angoon is fishing, which includes commercial, charter, fish processing, and subsistence, as many of the island’s residents adhere to their people’s traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing, and berry gathering.

General Background

Admiralty Island is famous for its natural wildlife and old-growth forests, including the largest population of brown bears (also known as grizzlies) anywhere in the world.

There are estimated to be 1,600 bears living on the island, which means bears outnumber humans three-to-one!

That number also means that there are more bears on Admiralty Island than in the entire continental United States combined.

The city of Angoon itself is most well-known to national audiences as the subject of a viral music video from 2009.

Three of the town’s then-residents, Swerv Merv, TNT, and Lil’ J formed a group called “Eagles N’ Ravens,” a reference to the two clans (or moieties) of the Tlingit people.

The song was derided for its perceived overuse of autotune and its lyrics, but the video was praised by some commentators for the images of the town that appear during the verses.

Angoon is the only remaining settlement on Admiralty Island. There was a logging camp on the other side of the island called Cube Cove that shut down in 2002.

11 Things To Do In Angoon

If you’re coming to Alaska and have an interest in the great outdoors, Tlingit culture, fishing, or seeing bears, a few days in Angoon will be a perfect addition to your adventure!

1. Charter A Fishing Trip

Charter fishing tours are the backbone of Southeast Alaska and one that can be found in most places in the area.

However, the type of fish that are available to catch is highly dependent on which city, town, or village you’re fishing near. Of course, you can catch halibut and most types of salmon just about anywhere.

Angoon offers both saltwater and freshwater fishing, which will give you the opportunity to catch way more fish than a place that only offers saltwater.

2. See Some Bears

If there were ever a place where you were almost guaranteed to see some brown bears, it’s on Admiralty Island. There are over 1,600 brown bears on the island, which means they outnumber the humans three to one!

The best place to go and see some bears safely and from a distance is the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area, which is administered by the US Forest Service.

It will require advance booking and a permit but if you book online as part of a tour group, they’ll handle the permitting and scheduling for you.

Of course, it’s important to remember that even with the number of bears on the island, it’s possible you might come at a time when they are simply not hungry or are sleeping.

However, there are many other types of wildlife that visit the area, including deer, mink, river otters, and a lot more. Even if you don’t see a bear on your visit, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some wildlife you’ve never seen before!

3. Go For A Hike

If you’re interested in a leisurely stroll, take Aanya Street until it turns into the Cemetery Trail, which, as you may have guessed, goes through and past the local cemetery.

If you’d like an easy hike, a little ways past the gravestones, you’ll find the Danger Point Trail. For the record, the “Point” itself is not dangerous, it’s more about the bears you might encounter on the way.

As long as you remember the basic bear safety tips, you should be fine. In a situation like this, don’t walk towards it, and make sure you’re never standing between a mother and her cubs.

I’ve seen dozens of bears in my life and I’ve never been attacked because I was taught these rules as a kid and I’ve followed them strictly ever since. Half the time, the bears don’t even look at me. I just turn around and walk away slowly.

If you think the bear is about to charge, make yourself look bigger and make as much noise as possible. The bear will back down and leave. If you have a cell phone that can play music, that works wonders, too.

4. Discover Totem Poles and Clan Houses

Angoon’s rich cultural history is evident in the many totem poles and clan houses that adorn the town. These intricate and fascinating pieces of art tell the stories of the Tlingit people who have called this region home for centuries. As you explore the town, be sure to visit these historical landmarks to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s past and its connection to the present.

There are no museums in Angoon (and no restaurants or grocery stores, either), but that doesn’t mean you won’t have the chance to get a look into some traditional Tlingit culture.

The Tlingit people are divided into two main moieties, the Eagle and the Raven. Both of these are further divided into Clans, which were represented by the clan houses just outside of Angoon.

They were built over 100 years ago, each one representing one of the dozens of Tlingit clans but now only 14 remain at the site. They are no longer used, but the faded artwork on the outside is still visible.

5. Visit the Angoon Trading Co.

The Angoon Trading Co. is the only store in town. Since most of the village’s residents adhere to the traditional subsistence lifestyle of the Tlingit, their diet consists mostly of fish, animals, and berries.

All of those things are available locally and a lot fresher than the packaged varieties, so they’d have little use for a grocery store.

The store sells many souvenirs, t-shirts, sweatpants, Billiken, Tlingit art by local artists, and many other wonderful items to bring home and remember your amazing Alaskan adventure.

6. Go Hunting

Admiralty Island is one of the best hunting grounds in the entire state, with many people from all over Southeast Alaska coming during the season to get big game, small game, and waterfowl.

In addition to the bears, there are also geese, grouse, mallards, beaver, mink, river otters, and many other species of all sizes for you to bag.

You’ll need a permit from the Department of Fish and Game website, your own supplies, and you’ll also want to make sure that you avoid hunting in the protected parts of the island, but if you like hunting, Admiralty is the perfect place.

7. Stay in a Forest Service Cabin

There are 13 USFS rental cabins available on Admiralty Island, each with its own unique charm and individual attributes. There are also several campgrounds available on the island if you’d prefer to pitch a tent.

Davidson Lake Cabin is only accessible by float plane or canoe but gives you a wonderful opportunity to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Starting in mid-to-late summer, the lake will even be warm enough for a swim.

The Lake Alexander Shelter is another good option if you’re looking to stay toward the center of the island. You can also walk the 2.4-mile trail to Mole Harbor for more incredible views.

8. Rent a Canoe or Kayak

If you’re an experienced kayaker or are comfortable with a canoe, there are many excellent places to go from the island. Rentals for both are available in downtown Angoon.

If you’re going through the island, you may have to portage (or carry) your canoe in some places, but overall, it’ll be faster than walking and give your legs a bit of a rest.

9. Visit a Beach and Look for Glassbuoys

As you might expect from a large island with a lot of lakes, there are plenty of beaches all over Admiralty Island.

You never know what the tide will bring in but if happen to be at the beach as it’s going out, you may be able to find some pretty cool things.

The most coveted item is the Japanese glass float, which is a glass ball that was used to keep fishing nets afloat. They’re no longer used, but they’ve become a fun collector’s item that sometimes wash up on many beaches near the Pacific Ocean.

From fishing charters to wildlife viewing, this quaint town has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Angoon, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best things to do so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

10. Wildlife Viewing in the Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area

The Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area on Admiralty Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With the island’s high concentration of brown bears, Sitka Black-tailed Deer, and bald eagles, visitors are in for a memorable experience. The US Forest Service operates several wildlife viewing locations that can be easily accessed from Angoon, providing a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

11. The Future Angoon Visitor’s Center

Thanks to a $2 million grant from the United States Government in 2021, Angoon is set to enhance its visitor experience with the construction of a new visitor’s center. This facility will offer a wealth of information about the town, its history, and its attractions. Additionally, the center will house a cozy coffee shop, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy delicious snacks, as well as public restrooms and other amenities.

How To Get To Angoon

There is no road access to or from Angoon, as it resides on the western side of Admiralty Island.

There are also no cruise ships that come to Angoon at this time, although the town does receive a fair number of visitors during the summer.

Most travelers come to Angoon by private charter boats in nearby Juneau, or as part of excursions by tour companies in nearby towns.

Alaska Seaplanes offers daily service to Angoon Seaplane Base, just outside of town. The twice-daily service allows visitors to take day trips to Admiralty Island.

Visitors can leave Juneau on the 8:00 AM flight, which arrives in Angoon at 8:45. The return flight leaves at 3:50 and lands in Juneau at 4:30.

Where to Stay, Eat, and Shop in Angoon

The only accommodations in town are fishing lodges, most notably the Kootznoohoo Inlet Lodge in the town’s center.

There are a few rental cabins offered by the United States Forest Service outside of town in other parts of Admiralty Island.

The only restaurants in town are the dining halls used by guests of those fishing lodges, so independent visitors are encouraged to stock up on food before coming to town.

The Angoon Trading Company operates the only store in town, which sells souvenirs, clothing, and a selection of convenience store-style food and drink selections.

History of Angoon

Angoon has been the traditional home of the Kootznoowoo Clan of the Tlingit Tribe for thousands of years, which it remains to this day.

In 1878, the North West Trading Company established a herring processing plant on nearby Killisnoo Island, with resulted in many residents leaving for the new employment opportunity.

In 1926, Killisnoo was destroyed by a fire, which prompted the survivors to return to Angoon.

In October of 1882, a Tlingit shaman named Til’tlein was accidentally killed while working on a whaling ship.

The residents of Angoon demanded that 200 blankets be paid as compensation. The Navy claims that the Tlingit took two European traders as hostages, although the city of Angoon denies the allegation to this day.

The US Navy took two ships to Angoon to recover the alleged hostages and the property the Tlingit had seized. Commander Merriman arrived and demanded 400 blankets from the Kootznoowoo as an apology for their actions.

When only 81 blankets were delivered at the deadline, the two military ships opened fire, destroying the town.

Several children died of smoke inhalation and an unknown number of residents died that winter as their winter food supplies had been destroyed.

The US Navy has never formally apologized for the destruction of the village, despite numerous requests from the Kootznoowoo Tlingit over the years.

The event was responsible, however, for the passage of The Organic Act of 1884, which ended the military rule of the then-District of Alaska and turned it over to civilian control.

Angoon can’t wait to welcome you on your next bear-watching, fishing, or hunting expedition!

Related Articles