Wrangell, Alaska

Le Conte Glacier, near Wrangell

Wrangell is one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska beginning when the Russians built a stockade named Redoubt Saint Dionysius in 1834.

Visitors to Wrangell can enjoy many activities such as sightseeing around town, flightseeing by floatplane, cruise tours, as well as wildlife viewing, bird viewing, bear viewing, hiking, fishing, boating, and many other outdoor activities. Wrangell also has the only regulation USGA rated golf course in Southeast Alaska–Muskeg Meadows is a 9-hole course with spectacular mountain, forest, and ocean views.

 Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park

Wrangell is one of the most accessible sites in the world where visitors can view ancient rock art carvings (Petroglyphs). Petroglyph Beach is easily accessible from town (approximately 1 mile from the ferry terminal) and allows direct access to this unique cultural collection. Visitors enjoy searching for the more than 40 petroglyphs located on the beach.

Chief Shakes Island

Chief Shakes Island is one of Wrangell’s most interesting attractions. Located on an island in the town’s Inner Boat Harbor and accessed by a bridge, it features an impressive collection of totem poles and the Shakes Community House. The community house is an excellent example of a tribal house and contains tools, blankets and other cultural items.

Le Conte Glacier

LeConte Glacier is at the head of LeConte Bay, just north of the Stikine River delta. It is the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America. Day cruises are available to view the glacier as well as the surrounding area.

Stikine River

Wrangell is the Gateway to the Stikine River, or Stik-Heen, which means ‘Great River’ in Tlingit. The Stikine River certainly lives up to its name. Traveling 640km from headwaters in British Columbia to its mouth near Wrangell, it continues to carve its channel through glacial valleys and delta flats. Many visitors take boat tours to explore the river and view wildlife.

This area is truly a photographer’s dream. The delta is a haven for over 120 species of migrating birds in the spring and fall, including tundra (whistling) swans, Canadian geese, sandhill cranes, mergansers, waterfowl and over 150,000 shorebirds. There are other wildlife such as sealions, otter, bear and moose.

Bird Viewing

The Stikine River plays host to stunning numbers of birds each spring with the second highest concentration of bald eagles in the world during the annual spring fish runs as over 2,000 birds come to feed. The Stikine Delta is a critical refueling stop for thousands of shorebirds each year including up to 10,000 snow geese. The annual Garnet Festival, celebrated the third week in April, marks the arrival of spring and the annual bald eagle migration on the Stikine River.

Bear Viewing at Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory

This wonderful wildlife observatory is located a 48 km boat or plane ride away from Wrangell. This area has some of the best bear viewing opportunities in Alaska.

Access: Daily scheduled jet service to other Inside Passage communities with through service to Seattle and Anchorage, charter air service, Alaska Marine Highway ferry, small to mid-sized cruise ships.

Location: The City of Wrangell is located on the northwest tip of Wrangell Island, 155 miles south of Juneau and 89 lies northwest of Ketchikan. It is near the mouth of the Stikine River.

Population: 1,974.

Accommodations: Four hotels/motels, one lodge, seven bed and breakfasts (90 rooms total); four restaurants. All conveniences, food and most supplies.

External Link: Wrangell Convention & Visitors Bureauofficial website.