Christmas Island is about 200 feet (61 m) across, located between Beecher Pass and Duncan Canal, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Petersburg, Alaska. The local name was reported by fishermen in 1947 to the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Beecher Pass is a navigable passage extending west for 3 miles (4.8 km) from Wrangell Narrows to Duncan Canal. The pass was first named “Duncan Passage” in 1869 by Commander R.W. Meade and was changed to “Beecher Pass” in 1887 by Lieutenant Commander C.M. Thomas, of the U.S. Navy, in honor of Ensign Albert Morrison Beecher.

The Alaska State Parks system includes 35 marine parks that represent some of the state’s most pristine coastal areas. These are mostly undeveloped and can be found in protected coves, outer coastlines, hidden bays, and along vast open stretches of shoreline. The state marine parks in Southeast Alaska are located within the Tongass National Forest which covers most of the region and surrounds the famous Inside Passage. The parks offer access for viewing eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and breath-taking vistas of “wild” Alaska.

Beecher Pass State Marine Park consists of a series of small islands and coves used extensively by the local population for fishing and hunting. The undeveloped park has 660 acres (267 ha) with no road access and includes Christmas, Fair, Pearl, Big Saltery, Little Saltery, Blowdown, and Jewell Islands. Read more here and here. Explore more of Christmas Island here: