Mosquito Cove and Ben Grussendorf Trails Loop

The full loop, combining both trails, generally takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The komoot tour data estimates it at approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Yes, this loop is generally considered easy and suitable for beginners and families. The Ben Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg Trail is particularly gentle with boardwalk sections. While the Mosquito Cove Loop has numerous stairs, which can be a good workout, it's still manageable for most. Both trails also feature ADA accessible sections, making parts of the experience very family-friendly.

The loop offers diverse terrain. The Mosquito Cove Trail features gravel-paved paths, wooden stairs, and can be slippery or muddy in sections. The Ben Grussendorf Trail starts with gravel and transitions to a boardwalk through a muskeg, which can also be slippery when wet. You'll experience coastal fringe, dense rainforest, and unique muskeg environments.

This loop is excellent for wildlife viewing. Along the Ben Grussendorf Trail, you might spot spawning salmon in Starrigavan Creek during late summer/early fall, and various birds from the bird viewing platform. Brown bears are commonly seen in the estuary, especially during salmon season. The muskeg areas are also known for a wide variety of wildflowers from late spring through summer. The Mosquito Cove Trail offers tide-pooling opportunities and views of large trees in the Tongass National Forest.

Late spring through early fall (May to September) is generally the best time to hike this loop. During this period, you'll find wildflowers in bloom, especially in the muskeg areas, and opportunities to see spawning salmon. Be prepared for mosquitoes, particularly in summer. While accessible year-round, winter conditions can make boardwalks and stairs slippery.

Parking is available at the trailheads within the Starrigavan Recreation Area. Since the loop connects two distinct trails, you can choose to start from either the Mosquito Cove Trail or the Ben Grussendorf Trail parking areas. These are typically well-marked within the recreation area.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails within the Starrigavan Recreation Area. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially given the presence of wildlife like brown bears, particularly during salmon spawning season. Please remember to pack out any waste.

The Starrigavan Recreation Area, where these trails are located, is managed jointly by the USDA Forest Service and Alaska State Parks. While there are typically no specific hiking permits required for these trails, there might be day-use fees for parking or camping within the broader recreation area. It's advisable to check the official USDA Forest Service or Alaska State Parks websites for the most current information regarding any fees or regulations before your visit.

The Mosquito Cove Trail and the Ben Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg Trail are not a single, continuous loop. To connect them into a longer outing, hikers utilize a separated multi-use path that runs along the ocean and through Old Sitka State Historical Park, linking their respective trailheads.

The most notable feature of the Mosquito Cove Trail is its numerous wooden stairs. While providing a good cardiovascular workout and scenic views through the rainforest, these can be challenging for some and may be slippery when wet. The boardwalk sections on the Ben Grussendorf Trail can also be slippery.

Yes, this loop incorporates sections of several trails. Beyond the primary Mosquito Cove Trail and Ben Grussendorf Forest and Muskeg Trail, the route also passes through sections of the Starrigavan Estuary Trail and the Starrigavan Forest and Muskeg Trail.