Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness

Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness is a protected area on Kupreanof Island containing around 46,849 acres of untouched land. The terrain includes dense rainforests, salt marshes, and mountains shaped by ancient glaciers within Tongass National Forest.

This area was officially designated as wilderness in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to protect its natural state. This action was part of a broader effort to preserve important landscapes across Alaska from development.

The Tlingit and other indigenous peoples used these lands for hunting and fishing for generations, shaping how people interact with the environment. Visitors can still observe signs of these traditional practices and deep ties to the region.

This area is only accessible by boat or floatplane since there are no roads. The Salt Chuck East Cabin provides basic shelter for visitors who want to stay overnight.

Two distinct watershed systems are separated by Portage Mountain, creating different ecosystems and habitats throughout the land. Petersburg Creek itself flows through a glacier-carved valley with steep canyon walls that reveal the power of ice-age erosion.

GPS coordinates: 56.85530,-133.16100

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00