Biorka

Alaska's ghost towns are the most extreme on the continent — total commitment, total abandonment, everything preserved by the cold.

Biorka Island is an island near Sitka, Alaska. The National Weather Service has a radar there. The island is also a popular spot to watch sealions. Thus, a 2005 proposal by the State of Alaska to give a parcel of 438 acres (177 ha) on the island to the University of Alaska stirred up a controversy. The original name in the Tlingit language for the island is Watsíxh ("Caribou").

The on-the-ground condition of Biorka is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Biorka is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.