Petersburg Wildlife Viewing
Blind River Rapids Trail

photo of Blind River Rapids Trail area wildlife 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

Additional Information

Living with Bears