Outer Point

This trail meanders through several different microclimates in the Tongass Rainforest, ending at picnic tables and a beautiful beach with great low-tide exploring opportunities. The trail is well-developed while also feeling rustic. It includes forest portions, parallels a pond that is actively modified by beavers, a few very small but toddler-exciting “bridges,” and passes through a muskeg before finally winding down a lovely last section to arrive at the beach. At low tide a huge section opens up. At very low tides people can walk out a land bridge to Shaman Island. From the end of the trail, families of young children can turn left to a toddler-friendly beach; or continue on the trial to the right to connect up to the Rainforest Trail; or enjoy a picnic at the picnic benches. Berry picking for blueberries is great in late summer. The trail is excellent when it’s raining as the forest canopy largely shields you from the rain. A short boardwalk over a section of the pond is sometimes exposed, depending on the water level.   Submitted by Erin Harrington