Ever looked at a map of Alaska and felt like you were staring at a jigsaw puzzle someone dropped on the floor? Honestly, that’s basically what the coastline looks like. If you’re trying to figure out how many islands are in Alaska, you’re going to get a different answer depending on who you ask—and how they define "island."
Official records like those from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Wikipedia lists usually point to about 2,670 named islands. But here is the thing: "named" is the keyword there.
There are thousands of other landmasses—rocks, islets, and unnamed patches of tundra—that don't have a spot on the official roster. Some estimates suggest that if you count every piece of land surrounded by water, the number could easily soar past 1,800 or even much higher depending on the tide. It's a logistical nightmare for mapmakers but a dream for anyone who loves raw, untouched wilderness.
The Big Players: Alaska’s Archipelagos
Alaska isn't just one big block of ice. It’s a messy, beautiful collection of archipelagos. Most of the action happens in two main spots: the Alexander Archipelago in the Southeast and the Aleutian Islands stretching out toward Russia.
The Alexander Archipelago
This is the "Inside Passage" area. If you’ve ever taken an Alaskan cruise, you’ve sailed through here. It’s home to about 1,100 islands all on its own. These aren't just little rocks; we're talking about massive, mountain-topped islands covered in dense temperate rainforests.
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Some of the heavy hitters here include:
- Prince of Wales Island: The fourth largest in the U.S.
- Chichagof Island: Famous for having more bears than people (literally).
- Admiralty Island: Known as "Kootznoowoo" by the Tlingit people, which translates to "Fortress of the Bear."
The Aleutian Islands
Then you have the Aleutians. This chain of over 300 islands acts like a giant stepping-stone path across the North Pacific. Most of these are volcanic. In fact, they sit right on the "Ring of Fire," which means they’re basically the tops of underwater volcanoes. It’s windy, foggy, and incredibly remote.
How Many Islands Are in Alaska? Let's Talk Size
Size in Alaska is relative. Kodiak Island is the undisputed king. At about 3,588 square miles, it’s the second-largest island in the United States, topped only by the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s bigger than Puerto Rico.
You’ve also got:
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- St. Lawrence Island: Sitting in the Bering Sea, closer to Siberia than the Alaska mainland.
- Nunivak Island: A place where muskox and reindeer roam free.
- Unimak Island: Home to the stunning Shishaldin Volcano.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild how much land is out there that most people never see. Most of these islands are completely uninhabited by humans. Instead, they’re ruled by sea lions, puffins, and eagles.
Why the Number Is Always Changing
So, why can’t we get a straight answer on the total count?
Tides. In parts of Alaska, the difference between high and low tide is massive—sometimes over 30 feet. When the tide goes out, two islands might suddenly become one. When it comes back in, a single peninsula might turn into three separate islets.
Then there’s the issue of names. To be "official," an island usually needs a name recognized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. Thousands of tiny spots simply haven't been bothered with. If you found a rock in the middle of a fjord and named it after your dog, it wouldn't change the official count of 2,670 named islands, but it’s still land, right?
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Practical Realities for Travelers
If you’re planning to visit any of these places, don’t expect to just drive there. Most of Alaska's islands are accessible only by boat or "bush plane."
The Alaska Marine Highway System is the lifeline here. It’s a ferry system that connects many of these island communities like Sitka, Ketchikan, and Kodiak. It’s not a luxury cruise; it’s how people get their groceries and mail. But for a traveler, it’s one of the cheapest ways to see the islands.
You should also be ready for the weather. It rains. A lot. The Southeast islands are part of a rainforest, after all. Pack layers and expect the "Alaskan Liquid Sunshine."
Actionable Next Steps for Your Island Adventure
If you're serious about exploring the islands of the Last Frontier, don't just wing it.
- Check the Ferry Schedules Early: The Alaska Marine Highway fills up months in advance, especially if you’re bringing a vehicle.
- Focus on One Region: Don't try to see the Aleutians and the Alexander Archipelago in the same trip. They are thousands of miles apart.
- Research the Wildlife Rules: If you’re heading to places like Admiralty or Kodiak, you are in bear country. Learn how to store food and carry bear spray.
- Hire a Local Pilot: If you really want to see the unnamed thousands, a flightseeing tour out of Juneau or Ketchikan is the only way to grasp the scale.
Alaska's islands are a chaotic, beautiful mess of geography. Whether you're looking for the official count or just want to get lost in the fog, there’s plenty of room to explore.