Unalaska & Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Russian Church, Unalaska

The town of Unalaska on Unalaska Island and its sister town Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island are located between the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea in one of the richest fisheries in the world. The two towns lie deep in Unalaska Bay and are connected to each other by a 500-foot bridge. These two towns are rich in the history and culture of Alaska Natives, Russian America, and the brave fishermen of Alaska.

These islands are beautiful and unique, and offer access to the great outdoors of Alaska and many activities. Hiking trails, some established thousands of years ago by Alaska Natives, invite exploration of volcanic peaks and hidden valleys. Beachcombing, berry picking, wildlife photography, biking, and fishing are a few of the many activities available.

Russian Heritage

Unalaska was the first headquarters for the Russian-American Company and a key trading post in the lucrative fur trade in the 1700s.

Church of the Holy Ascension

The Church of the Holy Ascension in Unalaska is the oldest Russian-built church still standing in America. It was first built in 1825 and then enlarged in 1894. Overlooking the bay, the church with its onion domes is a photographer’s delight. Outside is a small graveyard with the largest marker belonging to Baron Nicholas Zass. Born in 1825 in Russia, he eventually became bishop of the Aleutian Islands and all of Alaska before dying in 1882. Next-door is the Bishop’s House. The church is the repository of more than 700 Russian Orthodox icons, books and paintings.

Bird Viewing

The Aleutian Islands offer unique experiences for bird watchers. More than 100 bird species can be found in this area, and some are unique to the Aleutian Chain.

Fishing

Unalaska boasts some of the best fishing found anywhere. Located in the world’s richest fishing grounds, Unalaska’s charter boats regularly land world-class halibut and salmon. The word record Halibut weighing 208 kg was caught in Unalaska Bay by Mr. Jack Tragis in 1995.

Commercial Fishing

Dutch Harbor is the only natural deep-water port in the Aleutians and more than 400 vessels call here each year from as many as 14 countries. An estimated 800 million pounds of seafood is processed annually valued at more than $161 million. Dutch Harbor has also been the largest fisheries port in the United States, in terms of volume of seafood caught, for nearly every year since 1981.

Access: Scheduled daily air service from Anchorage. Ferry service is provided by the Alaska Marine Highway System, once a month, from April through October.

Location: The city of Unalaska is on the northern end of Unalaska Island, the second largest island in the Aleutian Chain, and Dutch Harbor totally encompasses Amaknak Island. A 500-foot bridge connects the two islands. Unalaska is approximately 800 air miles southwest of Anchorage.

Population: 4,297.

Accommodations: Two hotels/motels, one bunkhouses, seven restaurants. Convention facilities are available at the largest hotel.