Petersburg Wildlife Viewing
Blind River Rapids Trail
The Blind River Rapids Trail is a flat, ¼-mile boardwalk to the Blind River rapids. This is a good spot to view salmon runs. Chinooks spawn in June and July, pinks in July and August, and coho between August and October. Look for Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, moose and black bears during the summer, with evening the best time to look. Birds found in the area include red-breasted sapsuckers, Steller’s jays, chickadees, Pacific-slope flycatchers, belted kingfishers and winter wren.
Habitat
The Blind River Rapids Trail passes through muskeg, which is characterized by mosses, sedges, low-lying shrubs like Labrador tea, and a few trees, usually lodgepole pines.
Species
- Black Bear
- Chickadees
- Chinook (King) Salmon
- Coho (Silver) Salmon
- Eagles
- Moose
- Pink (Humpy) Salmon
- Sitka black-tailed deer
- Woodpeckers
Hints
In the winter, a few migrating trumpeter swans rest at the rapids, although sightings are much more common at the Trumpeter Swan Observatory.
Facilities
- Hiking Trails
- Interpretive Signs
- Picnic Facilities
- Restrooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Notes
The Blind River Rapids Trail is wheelchair accessible right down to the water. This is a popular fishing spot for many locals; be aware and respectful of anglers at all times.
Plan to spend at least: 1 - 4 hours
Best Months
█ Best Month
- Best Month January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- Best Month June
- Best Month July
- Best Month August
- Best Month September
- Best Month October
- November
- December
Directions
The Blind River Rapids Trail is at mile 14 of the Mitkof Highway.
Contact
Peterburg Visitor Information Center - (907) 772-4636 or http://www.petersburg.org USDA Forest Service, Petersburg Ranger District - (907) 772-3871 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/petersburg/index.shtml