Unga Island

A petrified stump on the west shore of Unga Island. NPS Photo/Judy Alderson.

Quick Facts

Location:

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge

Significance:

Exposures of petrified logs and stumps along the shores of Unga Island are remnants of a sequoia or metasequoia forest buried as a result of volcanic activity in the Tertiary Period.

Designation:

National Natural Landmark

MANAGED BY:

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Exposures of petrified logs and stumps along the shores of Unga Island are remnants of a sequoia or metasequoia forest buried as a result of volcanic activity in the Tertiary Period. The petrified forest remains hold scientific significance for the passage of species between Asia and America and help portray the climate and environment of the Aleutian Arc before humans inhabited Alaska. The site is part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. It was designated in 1968 and is 6,464 acres large.