Sitka, Alaska

The cruise ended in Sitka, where we spent 2 days before flying back to Seattle. This small, walkable town of 9,000 people is the 4th largest town in Alaska. We stayed at the Westmark, one of the three hotels in town. The town is still heavily influenced by its Russian heritage. This is where the 1804 battle between the Russians and the native Tlingit people took place.

Westmark Hotel

Alaska Raptor Center

The mission of the Center is to rehabilitate and
release injured bald eagles and other birds of prey.

Built in 1842 by the Russian American Company
as a residence for the Russian Orthodox Bishop.

Now a National Historic Landmark Park, it is
the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka.

St. Michael's Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Although Sitka is on the outside edge of the
barrier island, there are many small picturesque
islands just beyond Sitka Harbor.

Totem Square
Pioneer Home in the background is a state home
for elderly Alaskans, built in 1934.

This National Historical Park is the site of the
1804 battle of the Tlingit and Russians.
There are 13 totem poles lining a forested path
and several others preserved within the visitor center.