Lewis Park | Wheatland

Information

Landmark: Lewis Park
City: Wheatland
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Lewis Park, Wheatland, USA Wyoming, North America

Admiralty Island National Monument is a protected wilderness area located on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The island is characterized by dense temperate rainforest, primarily composed of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar. The terrain features steep mountains, glacially carved valleys, and numerous freshwater lakes and streams. Coastlines are rugged, with rocky shores and fjords. Average annual precipitation exceeds 150 inches, contributing to lush vegetation and moss-covered surfaces.

Location & Access Logistics

Admiralty Island National Monument is situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Juneau, Alaska. Access is primarily via floatplane or boat. There are no roads or developed trails leading to the island from Juneau. Chartered floatplanes operate from Juneau's seaplane base, with flight times averaging 30-45 minutes. Boat access requires navigating the waters of Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound; private vessels or chartered tours are options. There is no public ferry service. Limited mooring buoys are available at specific locations for boaters.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Admiralty Island is geologically composed of metamorphic and igneous rocks, with evidence of past glaciation shaping its current topography. Ecologically, it is a vital habitat for brown bears, bald eagles, and various marine mammals. The island's isolation has fostered a unique ecosystem. It was designated a National Monument in 1978 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) to protect its wilderness values and significant wildlife populations.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include backcountry hiking on designated routes, wildlife viewing (particularly brown bears at Pack Creek), fishing in freshwater lakes and streams, and sea kayaking along the coastline. Bear viewing at Pack Creek requires a permit and adherence to specific viewing protocols. Backcountry camping is permitted but requires self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no developed facilities within the monument, including restrooms, visitor centers, or food vendors. Cell phone signal is generally absent. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all necessary food, water, and shelter. Designated primitive campsites may exist in some areas, but amenities are non-existent.

Best Time to Visit

The primary visitor season is from June through September, coinciding with more favorable weather conditions. For bear viewing at Pack Creek, the peak season is typically July and August. Daylight hours are longest in June and July. Weather can be unpredictable year-round, with rain common even in summer. Snowfall can persist at higher elevations into July.

Facts & Legends

Admiralty Island is home to one of the highest densities of brown bears in North America. A local Tlingit legend speaks of the "Kootznahoo," a race of bear-like people who inhabited the island, suggesting a deep historical connection between the indigenous people and the island's dominant wildlife.