Baranof Island is located in southeastern Alaska along the Pacific coast, within the Alexander Archipelago. It lies near Chichagof Island and Admiralty Island and is situated at approximately 57.0000° N latitude and 135.0000° W longitude.
Baranof Island Location Map
Google Map of Baranof Island, Alaska, United States
About Baranof Island
Baranof Island is located in southeastern Alaska, United States, and is part of the Alexander Archipelago. The island lies along Alaska’s Pacific coast, west of the Alaska mainland, and is surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and Inside Passage.
Geographically, Baranof Island is situated at approximately 57.0000° North latitude and 135.0000° West longitude. It is separated from the mainland by Chatham Strait and Peril Strait. Nearby locations include Chichagof Island to the northwest, Admiralty Island to the east, and the city of Sitka, which is located on the island’s western coast.
According to recent U.S. Census data, Baranof Island has a population of around 8,500 residents, most of whom live in Sitka and smaller communities. The island covers a total land area of about 1,607 square miles (4,162 square kilometers).
Baranof Island is best known for its mountainous terrain, dense forests, and rich wildlife. The island features glaciers, hot springs, fishing communities, and extensive wilderness areas, making it a key part of Alaska’s coastal landscape.
Baranof Island Facts
| Island Name | Baranof Island |
| Native Names | Sheetʼká Xʼáatʼi (Tlingit) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Continent | North America |
| State | Alaska |
| County / Borough | Sitka City and Borough |
| Location | Pacific Ocean, Alexander Archipelago, southeastern Alaska |
| Coordinates | Approx. 56.60° N, 135.00° W |
| Area | Approximately 1,607 sq mi (4,162 Sq Km) |
| Length | About 105 miles (169 km) |
| Width | Up to 30 miles (48 km) |
| Highest Point | Mount Edgecumbe - 3,200 ft (976 m) |
| Population | Approx. 8,500 residents (mostly in Sitka) |
| Administrative Status | Island within the State of Alaska |
| Ownership | State of Alaska, federal lands, Native corporations, private ownership |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Calling / Area Code | 907 |
| ZIP Code | 99835 (Sitka) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone - UTC -9 (AKST), UTC -8 (AKDT) |
| Climate | Temperate maritime climate with high precipitation |
| Geography | Volcanic mountains, fjords, hot springs, dense rainforest |
| Famous Landmark | Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka National Historical Park |
| Flora & Fauna | Temperate rainforest, brown bears, whales, seabirds |
| Tourist Activities | Hiking, hot springs, wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking |
| Access | Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, Alaska Marine Highway ferries |
| Famous For | Sitka, Mount Edgecumbe volcano, hot springs, rich history |
Attractions in Baranof Island, Alaska
- Sitka National Historical Park - Scenic coastal park featuring totem poles, rainforest trails, and Tlingit history.
- Mount Edgecumbe - Dormant volcanic mountain offering striking views and popular hiking opportunities.
- Baranof Castle State Historic Site - Historic hilltop location overlooking Sitka Sound with cultural significance.
- Redoubt Hot Springs - Natural hot springs accessible by boat or trail, surrounded by wilderness.
- Tongass National Forest - Vast temperate rainforest with hiking, wildlife viewing, and remote backcountry scenery.
- Sitka Sound - Beautiful coastal waters ideal for kayaking, boating, fishing, and marine wildlife spotting.
- Silver Bay - Deep fjord-like bay known for waterfalls, salmon runs, and scenic boat tours.
- Fortress of the Bear - Wildlife rescue center providing close-up views of rescued Alaskan brown bears.
- St. Michael’s Cathedral - Iconic Russian Orthodox cathedral reflecting Baranof Island’s Russian heritage.
- Whale Watching Areas - Prime locations for observing humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.
Distance from Baranof Island to Alaska Cities
- Sitka, Baranof Island - 0 km (0 miles)
- Angoon, Alaska - 135 km (84 miles)
- Petersburg, Alaska - 165 km (103 miles)
- Wrangell, Alaska - 215 km (134 miles)
- Ketchikan, Alaska - 300 km (186 miles)
- Juneau, Alaska - 150 km (93 miles)
- Haines, Alaska - 260 km (162 miles)
- Skagway, Alaska - 300 km (186 miles)
- Yakutat, Alaska - 370 km (230 miles)
- Anchorage, Alaska - 960 km (597 miles)
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