I've always found it a little ironic that so many visitors worry when they see rain in the forecast.

To me, rain is part of what makes Sitka...well, Sitka.

Without it, we wouldn't have the towering spruce forests, the lush moss-covered trees, the waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides, or the vibrant shades of green that surround our town. The rainforest that makes Southeast Alaska so spectacular exists because of the rain.

Some of my favorite moments happen on misty days.

Low clouds drift through the mountains, wrapping themselves around Mount Edgecumbe like a blanket. Eagles perch quietly in the treetops, their white heads standing out against the gray sky. The harbor becomes calm and reflective, with fishing boats gently rocking on the water while raindrops create tiny circles across the surface.

The air even smells different.

Take a deep breath as you walk beneath the spruce trees, and you'll notice the fresh scent of cedar, evergreens, saltwater, and rain. It's one of those little details that visitors often remember long after they've returned home.

Rain also changes the pace of the town.

People slow down.

Coffee shops become a little cozier.

Historic streets glisten with reflections.

Museums invite you to linger just a bit longer.

And somehow, the stories of old Sitka seem even more fitting when they're told beneath gray skies.

One of my favorite things to hear at the end of a tour is:

"I was disappointed when it started raining this morning...but honestly, I can't imagine Sitka any other way now."

That's usually the moment people realize they didn't experience despite the rain.

They experienced Sitka because of it.