HASSELBORG HOMESTEAD
Admiralty Island, Alaska
$995,000
3.44± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Set within one of the most pristine and protected landscapes in North America, Hasselborg Homestead represents an extraordinarily rare opportunity to own patented, deeded land within Admiralty Island National Monument. Surrounded entirely by U.S. Forest Service holdings inside the vast Tongass National Forest—the world’s only remaining temperate rainforest—this inholding offers a level of privacy and natural immersion that is increasingly difficult to find.
Despite its remarkable seclusion, Hasselborg Homestead remains highly accessible. Located approximately 70 air miles from Juneau, the property can be reached in about 35 minutes by floatplane or helicopter, offering a rare balance between wilderness living and modern convenience. Juneau itself serves as a vibrant hub for Southeast Alaska, providing cultural experiences, transportation, and yearround services. This unique proximity allows owners to enjoy complete independence while maintaining access to essential amenities and travel connections.
The property’s natural setting is nothing short of extraordinary. Positioned at the confluence of river and ocean, it boasts 100 yards of uninterrupted frontage and lies within one of the world’s highestdensity brown bear habitats. Wildlife viewing, fishing, and outdoor recreation begin just steps from the cabin, where salmon runs, tidal changes, and abundant ecosystems create a dynamic and immersive environment. From observing bears and eagles to harvesting fish or simply enjoying the landscape, the experience is both immediate and profound.
Whether envisioned as a private retreat, conservation haven, or remote cabin, Hasselborg Homestead offers a legacy property steeped in history and possibility. It is a place where self-sufficiency, adventure, and solitude coexist—just a short journey from the modern world.
The on-site cabin, built around 1960, reflects its age and long exposure to Southeast Alaska’s coastal climate, with visible settling and wear. While it retains its historic character, it will require maintenance and likely foundation repairs or reinforcement to improve long-term stability, safety, and usability.
1 Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
QUICK FACTS
• Private inholding within Admiralty Island National Monument, surrounded by protected Tongass National Forest
• Patented/deeded ownership
• Historic Hasselborg Homestead with a 122year connection to Allen Hasselborg
• Accessible in approximately 35 minutes from Juneau by floatplane or helicopter
• Additional access by boat
• No road access; nearest community is Angoon, approximately 30 miles away via overland portage/hike from Hasselborg Homestead
• Exceptional wildlife habitat with brown bear, salmon, deer, whales, eagles, and seals
• Located in one of the highest density brown bear regions on earth
• Approximately 100 yards of river and ocean frontage
• Immediate access to fishing, wildlife viewing, and recreation
• Strong hunting and fishing opportunities, including salmon runs and Seymour Canal access
• Flexible use potential for a private retreat or lodge
• Off-grid, self-sufficient setting with fresh water, timber, and native berries 2
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
SCENIC VISTAS
Hasselborg Homestead offers breathtaking scenic vistas shaped by the raw beauty of Southeast Alaska. Located within Admiralty Island and surrounded by the vast Tongass National Forest, the landscape is a dramatic blend of old-growth rainforest, winding channels, and expansive tidal flats. From the property, views stretch across the confluence of river and ocean, where shifting tides create ever-changing patterns of light and reflection. Snow-capped peaks rise in the distance, while mist drifts through towering spruce and hemlock. Wildlife moves through the foreground, adding life to a setting that feels both untouched and endlessly captivating.
5 Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
BUILDINGS
The property features a rustic cabin and several auxiliary structures, offering a foundation for restoration, redevelopment, or continued off-grid use.
Cabin
The existing 900± square foot cabin (30’ x 30’) is constructed from 6” x 6” squared timbers in a traditional log cabin style, resting on heavy wood rounds and a limited number of concrete piers. The structure includes five rooms: one bedroom, one bunk room, a kitchen, a living room, and two storage rooms, along with a small 12’ x 12’ porch. A wood-burning stove provides heat, and power is supplied by a portable generator.
Additional Structures
Several small, functional outbuildings, including an outhouse, generator shed, and two storage sheds.
Disclaimer
The on-site cabin, built about 1960, shows its age and requires maintenance. The foundation is in disrepair, with signs of settling, and will need repair or reinforcement to ensure stability.
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
INFRASTRUCTURE
Power Source
• 900-watt Honda portable generator
• New 2200ie Honda portable generator
• A larger older generator that can handle heavy power equipment
The cabin is wired inside to power lights and electronics such as sat phone, laptops, kindles and cell phones, inreach etc. Solar panels mounted on the south-facing side of the house were successfully used many years ago.
Water Source
Fresh rainwater is abundant, and the property also has access to river water. In addition, a freshwater spring is located on the opposite side of the property.
Septic
Outhouse is in disrepair and needs to be rebuilt/replaced
Fuel Storage
Jerry cans are in storage shed.
Access
Floatplane, boat, or helicopter. A two-placer (can hold 2 people) helicopter landed frequently on the property in the past. There is definitely room for a larger helicopter.
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
FISHING
Fishing around Admiralty Island, particularly in Mole Harbor and along the Mole River, is a prime destination for anglers seeking both freshwater and saltwater species. The pristine waters support robust salmon runs, abundant trout, and diverse marine life. Anglers commonly target sockeye, coho, and pink salmon, while the river and its tributaries host healthy populations of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. The surrounding ecosystem also produces excellent opportunities for halibut in Mole Harbor and in Seymour Canal, along with lingcod and various rockfish in nearby coastal areas. Sockeye and Chinook (king) salmon are also readily available in the surrounding waters. The combination of stunning scenery and rich fisheries draws both local and visiting fishermen to this exceptional region.
• Sockeye salmon
• Coho salmon
• Pink salmon
• Chum salmon
• Chinook (King) salmon
• Rainbow trout
• Dolly Varden
• Halibut
• Lingcod
• Rockfish
• Dungeness crab
HUNTING
Admiralty Island is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations in the world for hunting brown bears, offering an unmatched combination of high bear density, remote wilderness, and ideal habitat. The island holds the highest concentration of brown bears, with animals reaching exceptional size due to the abundance of nutrient-rich salmon, particularly in systems like the Mole River, a major spawning tributary.
The seasonal behavior of these bears creates well-defined hunting opportunities. In the spring, bears emerge from their dens and concentrate along riverbanks, estuaries, and coastal meadows, where they feed on early vegetation and begin mating. In late summer and fall, bears return in large numbers to salmon streams such as the Mole River, where predictable feeding patterns develop as they gorge on spawning fish in preparation for winter. This period is known for producing some of the largest bears due to the rich food supply.
The island’s dense temperate rainforest, rugged coastline, and limited access contribute to a true wilderness hunting experience. While other species, such as black-tailed deer, are present, Admiralty Island is best known for offering serious hunters a rare opportunity to pursue trophy-class brown bear in one of the most productive and untamed ecosystems in North America.
WILDLIFE
Admiralty Island is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife and pristine ecosystems. Dense temperate rainforests, winding rivers, and rugged coastal terrain create an ideal habitat for a wide variety of species, including black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game. The island is especially famous for its high concentration of brown bears. These bears grow exceptionally large due to the abundance of salmon, particularly in rivers such as the Mole River, a major salmon spawning tributary.
Each spring, bears emerge and gather along riverbanks and coastal meadows to feed on early vegetation and begin the mating season. By late summer and fall, they return in large numbers to feast on spawning salmon, building the fat reserves needed for winter. In addition to bears and deer, the island supports bald eagles, and a variety of marine mammals along its shoreline. This rich biodiversity and predictable wildlife activity make Admiralty Island a world-class destination for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Brown bears (very large populations)
• Sitka black-tailed deer
• Bald eagle
• Peregrine falcon and other hawks
• Various waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans)
• Sea otters
• Beaver
• Mink
• Weasel
• Humpback whales (in surrounding waters)
AREA HISTORY
Admiralty Island, located in Southeast Alaska near Juneau, has a rich cultural and natural history spanning thousands of years. Known to the Tlingit people as Kootznoowoo, meaning “Fortress of the Bears,” the island has long been central to Indigenous life. Its abundant salmon streams, dense temperate rainforests, and diverse wildlife supported hunting, fishing, and seasonal settlements, while shaping deep cultural traditions that remain strong among Tlingit clans today.
European exploration began in the late 18th century, when British naval officer George Vancouver named the island during his 1794 expedition. In the 19th century, Russian traders and later American settlers passed through nearby waters following the Alaska Purchase, though the island itself remained largely undeveloped due to its rugged terrain and isolation.
In the early 20th century, limited mining and small canneries emerged, but large-scale development never took hold. Recognizing its ecological importance, the U.S. Forest Service designated most of the island as the Admiralty Island National Monument in 1978, protecting one of the highest brown bear densities in the world and preserving vast tracts of intact wilderness.
In recent years, the story of Romeo, a lone black-and-gray wolf near Juneau, has added a modern chapter to the region’s lore, symbolizing the rare and meaningful connection between people and the wild landscapes of Southeast Alaska.
Hasselborg Cabin
In 1904, Allen Hasselborg homesteaded the property at Mole Harbor on Admiralty Island. A rugged outdoorsman and writer, he became known as the “Bear Man of Admiralty Island” for his solitary life among the island’s dense brown bear population. Through his journals and observations, Hasselborg documented the region’s wildlife and wilderness in remarkable detail. His homestead was ultimately patented through the federal homestead process. Today, his legacy endures through the biography Bear Man of Admiralty Island and his lasting association with one of Alaska’s most remote landscapes.
Tlingit Village
17 Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls
Mendenhall Glacier is a magnificent 13± mile-long river of ice. Visitors can explore the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn about the glacier’s formation, history, and the surrounding ecosystem. A short, accessible hike from the visitor center leads to Nugget Falls, a stunning waterfall offering excellent photo opportunities. Extremely popular helicopter and flightseeing tours onto the Glacier and over the Juneau Ice Field.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord is a 30± mile-long fjord known for its towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The area is also rich in wildlife, including bald eagles, brown bears, and humpback whales. In addition, it is home to an extensive harbor seal rookery.
Mount Roberts Tramway
For panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel, take a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. This six-minute journey ascends 1,800± feet, offering access to hiking trails, a nature center, and cultural exhibits at the summit
Native Celebration
The “Native Celebration Parade” in Southeast Alaska is part of a larger cultural festival, Celebration, held every two years in Juneau. It’s one of the most important Indigenous cultural events in Alaska and the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples in the world.
Red Dog Saloon
The Red Dog Saloon is a historic bar known for its lively atmosphere, ragtime piano, sawdust floors, and gold rush-era charm, offering visitors a glimpse into Alaska’s colorful past.
Marine Park Dance
White Pass Railroad
The White Pass and Yukon Route is a historic narrow-gauge railroad climbing steep mountain terrain, offering scenic views of glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged wilderness in Southeast Alaska. Potential buyers who are attracted to the property’s history will likely appreciate that this railroad traces the historic 1890s Klondike Gold Rush.
Shrine of St. Therese
Shrine of St. Therese is a peaceful seaside chapel set among forest and tidal flats, known for its stone architecture, quiet reflection, scenic views, and spiritual significance near Juneau.
Mount Roberts Tramway
White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Red Dog Saloon
Nugget Falls at Mendenhall Glacier
19
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
Admiralty Island, Alaska, experiences a temperate rainforest climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, damp summers. Frequent rain, high humidity, persistent fog, and abundant precipitation create lush, green forests and vibrant, thriving ecosystems year-round.
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
LOCATION
Hasselborg Homestead, on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, lies about 70 air miles south of Juneau, accessible by boat or floatplane.
GETTING THERE
A floatplane ride from Juneau to Hasselborg Homestead takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the departure point in Juneau. The boat ride from Juneau typically takes 2+ hours, depending on weather conditions, the type of boat, and the departure point in Juneau.
Fly to Juneau International Airport (JNU); from Juneau, charter a floatplane or boat to the Hasselborg Homestead.
23 Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
SUMMARY
Set within Admiralty Island National Monument in the Tongass National Forest, Hasselborg Homestead is a rare patented inholding offering exceptional privacy and immersion in one of North America’s most pristine environments. Located about 70 air miles from Juneau, it is accessible by floatplane in roughly 35 minutes, balancing seclusion with convenience.
Positioned at the confluence of river and ocean, the property features 100± yards of frontage within a premier brown bear habitat, offering immediate access to world-class wildlife viewing, fishing, and recreation in an extraordinary natural setting.
Hasselborg Homestead | Admiralty Island, Alaska
$995,000
This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay Ranches and Top Shelf Realty, LLC. Please contact Troy Dana at (360) 402-5500 | tdana@fayranches.com or Yvan Corbin at (907) 301-0875 | Yvan@alaskatopshelfrealty.com to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay Ranches or Top Shelf Realty, LLC must be present at all showings unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
Scan the QR code to learn more.