Wrangell, Alaska
(Read the LogBlog entries from Wrangell)
The Tlingit people have lived in this area for over 10,000 years. Today, Wrangell is a true Alaskan working town, with most of the 5,000 residents making a living in logging, commercial and sport fishing as well as gold mining.
If you're curious about history and the Tlingit Native culture, visit Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House Historic Monument and Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park. Travel the mighty Stikine River experiencing the same incredible scenery, glaciers, wildlife and adventures as those of the gold miners. For golf enthusiasts, Wrangell, Alaska is proud to be the home of Muskeg Meadows, the only regulation USGA rated golf course in Southeast Alaska, which has tournaments almost every weekend.
A thrilling variety of Alaska wildlife excursions take you up close to glaciers, help you catch the fish of a life time, and find the Alaska wildlife you are searching for. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory is favorite spot to view Alaska brown and black bears up close as they feast on Wrangell's abundant salmon.
Wrangell Island has over 100 miles of forest roads that offer bikers, hikers and other explorers access to remote lakes, rivers, campsites and scenic overlooks. Several maintained trails provide immediate immersion into the surrounding lush temperate rainforest. If you prefer a bird's eye view of the surrounding area, flightseeing to glaciers, fjords, or cabins on remote lakes, or to Telegraph Creek in British Columbia are fun options. Visitors have opportunity to experience it all in Wrangell: glaciers, wildlife, adventure, outdoor activities, and fun.
As we found on the Grand Tour, locals here are very friendly. Don't be surprised if, when asking for directions, you are invited to hop into the car for a lift to your desired location.
Things to See & Do
Stikine River Jet Boat Trip
Cruise by jet boat up the Stikine River. Traveling 400 miles from headwaters in British Columbia to its mouth near Wrangell, it continues to carve its channel through glacial valleys and delta flats. The delta flats are 11,000 hectares (27,200 acres), and 16 miles wide, extending from the river mouth, almost to the town itself, five miles away and are visible from the jet when landing at Wrangell airport.
The river 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. In April, the second largest concentration of eagles in the world occurs when as many as 1,600 arrive to feast on the annual hooligan run. In late April, 8,000 to 10,000 snow geese stop on their migration northward. There are other wildlife such as sea lions, otter, bear and moose.
The jet boat takes you to Andrews Creek, a clear freshwater creek, where you can watch the spawning salmon. Navigate slowly through a maze of topaz blue icebergs to Chief Shakes Glacier and view the solid granite cliffs thousands of feet high. Professional guides share local, native & gold rush history.
There are several tour companies giving river tours, but the folks at Alaska Waters come highly recommend for the two days we spent with them on the Grand Tour. Visit their web site, www.alaskawaters.com
Fishing
Wrangell is a town that loves to fish - and no wonder: the fishing for salmon, halibut and other seafood is outstanding in this area. There are many local charters in the area that will take you out to the "hot spots" with a guide, gear and all the help you'll need. See a directory of fishing guides online at the city tourism info site, www.wrangell.com.
Golf
Wrangell is home to the first regulation course in Southeast Alaska. Muskee Meadows features a 2,950-yard, 9-hole course, along with a covered 8-station, 250-yard practice range as well as a practice putting green. There is a unique clubhouse/pro shop, where the coffee pot is always on and strangers are welcomed by the friendliest people in Southeast. Standard golf supplies are sold and clubs and pull carts are available to rent. Visit their web site, www.wrangellalaskagolf.com
Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory
Anan Creek is an ancient Tlingit native fishing site. The Anan estuary and Observatory is accessible by boat or plane. Anan Creek has the largest pink salmon run in Southeast Alaska, attracting significant numbers of black and brown bears to feast on the bounty.
The U.S. Forest Service has developed an Observatory, a covered deck area that gives you an opportunity to watch the bears up close. The observation platform and photo blind overlook cascading falls where the salmon jump up river and the bears catch their meal. There is a half-mile trail leading to the observation deck. Forest Service staff at the trailhead provide safety information. Guides charted in town will transport you to the site and escort you to the observation area.
Tour Petroglyph Beach
Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell has the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast and has recently been designated a State Historic Park. Visit this stunning area; hear about the art and history from a local Alaskan Native. Walk the beach yourself, or join a guided tour.
Marina Info
Marina Supervisor: Greg Meissner
Phone number: (907) 874-3736 or (907) 874-3051
VHF Number: 16
Facilities:
The Wrangell harbor does not take reservations.
Info about the moorage
Gas: two fuel docks
Power: available at some spots on the dock
Water: available
Waste Disposal: garbage drop off at head of the dock
Groceries: City Market, several blocks from the harbor. Closed on Sunday. We've been told by some that the store closes at 6:00pm, and others say 8:00pm. Shop early if you are in need of supplies. Carries liquor.
Laundry/Shower:
Medical/Pharmacy: Hospital
Connectivity: telephone at head of the dock
Other facilities: fishing license available at Sentry Hardware
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