Trip planning

     Since there are no roads into Yakutat most visitors arrive by air. The village is also served by the Alaska ferry system, but the schedule is not conducive to those with limited travel time (Check with the Alaska Marine Highway online for detailed information). Unlike many rural Alaskan destinations, because of the service offered by Alaska Airlines 737s it is easy to reach Yakutat and to get back home after your stay with your catch.

     Alaska Airlines serves Yakutat with two daily flights on Boeing 737s. Yakutat is the smallest village with this quality jet service.

     Flight #61 leaves from Seattle in the morning and arrives in Yakutat after a stop in Juneau just before lunch.

     Flight#66 routes from Anchorage in mid-afternoon arriving in Yakutat after a stop in Cordova in late afternoon. Routing through Anchorage will often allow travelers coming from further away than Washington State to arrive in Yakutat with only one day of travel.

     Yakutat is a perfect add-on to your Alaskan experience. Fly into Anchorage and rent a motor home to tour the interior or the Kenai Peninsula then stop in Yakutat on the way home. Or take a cruise ship north and route home through Yakutat. Call the lodge and the manager will help you plan your Alaskan adventure.

     Boat mooring is usually available for anyone traveling to Yakutat by boat.  Call for mooring rates.

List of recommended things to bring

     Clothing- You will be most comfortable for your visit to Yakutat if you plan on dressing in layers. Raingear is a must along with either technical fabrics or traditional wool to layer under the raingear.  Bring along footwear appropriate to your planned activities, usually rain boots, possibly hip boots or waders, and hiking boots.

     Fishing tackle- Bring your own rod with reel for fishing on your own or with river guides. Halibut captains supply the heavy duty rods and reels that will be required for charter fishing. Terminal tackle may be purchased at the lodge, as well as two other stores in Yakutat.  Once you arrive, you will be able to find out what is “hot” and buy it locally.

     Food- Plan the meals for your stay and bring along the meats and seasonings you will need (small amounts of spices and coatings can be put into baggies for easy transport). Meat selection in town is limited, pricey, and all is frozen. With the restrictions and costs involved with baggage today, buying much of your other food needs in Yakutat is sensible while being greatly appreciated by the Yakutat population.  Other than beer, alcohol can be another good item to bring along.

Weather  Historically, the best weather in Yakutat is in the time leading up to and just after the Summer Solstice in May and June. Yakutat’s climate can be characterized as relatively mild, often rainy weather – the region receives some of the heaviest precipitation in the state, averaging 150 inches, including 219 inches of snowfall. During the visitor season, normal clothing or fishing gear is appropriate to stay comfortable in the 50 to 60 degree weather.  Northern location causes significant daylight shifts between winter, spring, summer and fall. At the time of the solstice Yakutat has about 19 hours of daylight contrasting with the 6 hours of daylight on the shortest day of the year in December.