Admiralty Island National Monument AK
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Description: Admiralty Island National Monument is a protected area located in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska, United States. It is situated on Admiralty Island, which is known as Kootznoowoo by the Tlingit Native Americans. The national monument encompasses approximately 955,747 acres (387,198 hectares) and was established by President Jimmy Carter on December 1, 1978. Admiralty Island is often referred to as the "Fortress of the Bears" because it has one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. The island is home to an estimated population of over 1,600 brown bears, which thrive in the rich and diverse ecosystems found within the monument. The national monument is characterized by its temperate rainforest, fjords, mountains, and pristine waters. It offers visitors a chance to explore a wild and untouched landscape with abundant wildlife, including not only brown bears but also deer, wolves, eagles, salmon, and various marine species. There are several recreational opportunities available within Admiralty Island National Monument. Visitors can go hiking, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The monument also has designated cabins and shelters for public use. Access to Admiralty Island National Monument is primarily by boat or floatplane, and there are no roads or established trails within the monument. Visitors typically arrive from nearby communities such as Juneau, Angoon, or Sitka, which offer transportation services to the island.