My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
July 5, 2025
Wrangell, Alaska
Welcome to Wrangell—one of Alaska’s oldest and most storied towns, where Native culture, gold rush history, and frontier charm meet along the quiet shores of the Inside Passage. Tucked between rainforest, mountains, and the mighty Stikine River, Wrangell is small but rich in heritage and wild beauty.
History:
Wrangell is the only Alaskan community to have existed under four flags: Tlingit, Russian, British, and American. Originally a Tlingit stronghold, it became a Russian fur trading post in the 1830s and later a British fort under the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Americans built Fort Wrangell in the mid-1800s, and by the 1890s it was a key stop for gold prospectors heading up the Stikine River.
Today, Wrangell retains a strong Indigenous presence, especially the Shtax’héen Kwáan Tlingit people, and celebrates its layered history through its cultural sites, totem parks, and storytelling traditions.
Itinerary:
Arrival: Saturday July 5 7:00am
Departure: Saturday July 5 All aboard: 4:00pm Sail away: 5:00pm
Weather
- Average Temps: Highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 50°F (10°C)
- Climate: Expect light rain, cool breezes, and some sun
- What to Wear: Waterproof outerwear, comfortable shoes with traction, and layered clothing for flexibility
Near the Pier:
Cruise Ship Dock: Wrangell Harbor
Address: Front Street, Wrangell Alaska
Distance from ship to port gate: 200 Feet
Nearby Essentials
- Pharmacy: Wrangell Drug, 218 Front St (1 block away)
- ATM: Wells Fargo, just one block from the ship
- Grocery/Snacks: City Market and Bobs’ IGA, both within 2 blocks
- Nearest Church: St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or Island of Faith Lutheran, both walkable
- Nearest Golf: Muskeg Meadows Golf Course – 9 holes, ~2 miles from pier
Getting Around:
- Walking: Wrangell is compact and pedestrian-friendly—downtown shops, museums, and the waterfront are all within a few blocks
- Public Transit: No formal bus system, but some tour companies offer local transfers
- Taxis: Call-ahead local service (often arranged through tours or hotels)
- Bike Rentals: Available through select tour companies or arranged in advance
- Car Rental: The nearest car rental option near Wrangell, Alaska cruise port is Alaska Car & Van Rental. They offer a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks. They also offer discounts for military personnel and seniors. Additionally, they offer a shuttle service to and from the cruise port.
Witnessing:
- Chief Shakes Island & Tribal House: A reconstructed traditional house surrounded by totem poles on a small island just off the waterfront—connected by a short footbridge
- Totem Park & Wrangell Museum: Discover the town’s carved history with guided or self-paced walks
- Petroglyph Beach: View ancient Tlingit rock carvings (some over 8,000 years old) at low tide just a short drive or 20-minute walk from the ship
- For those interested in viewing wildlife on the water, the waters surrounding Wrangell are rich with marine wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and harbor seals. Local tour operators offer whale watching and marine wildlife tours during the summer. Tour operators also lead trips out to LeConte Glacier, North America’s southernmost tidewater glacier.
Learning:
- Wrangell Museum: A compact but rich collection of artifacts covering Wrangell’s Indigenous roots, Russian fur trade, gold rush era, and more
- Local Events & Cultural Demos: Check with the visitor center for times of Indigenous dance demonstrations or craft displays (seasonal)
Discovery:
- Mt. Dewey Trail: An easy 30-minute forest walk with boardwalks and great town views—trailhead just behind downtown
- Volunteer Park Loop: Easy, family-friendly trail with picnic areas and gentle elevation
- Rainbow Falls Trail: Moderate hike through lush forest to a roaring waterfall (~2 miles round trip)
Exploring:
Anan Wildlife Observatory: From late June through August, one of the region’s largest pink salmon runs enters Anan Bay, drawing eagles, harbor seals, black bears, and brown bears to the banks of Anan Creek. Located 30 miles southeast of Wrangell, the Anan Wildlife Observatory features a protected viewing platform and photo blind, offering visitors an extraordinary chance to witness bears feeding on spawning salmon—one of the few places in Alaska where black and brown bears coexistduring the same salmon run.
Access to Anan Creek is by 20-minute floatplane or one-hour boat ride, and several local tour operators offer guided full-day trips. Adventurous travelers can also reserve the Anan Bay Cabin through the U.S. Forest Service and hike one mile to the platform for extended exploration.
Sea Kayaking: For those drawn to the water, Wrangell’s protected coves, channels, and island-studded coastline make it a dream for sea kayaking. Beginners can enjoy scenic paddles around the harbor, to Petroglyph Beach, or nearby Dead Man’s Island, while experienced kayakers may venture into the vast Stikine River delta. Local outfitters provide rentals, safety gear, and guided tours.
Fishing enthusiasts will find Wrangell to be a sportfishing paradise. The season kicks off in late April or May with the arrival of king salmon, followed by silver and pink salmon throughout the summer. Anglers also reel in trophy halibutweighing over 100 pounds, along with lingcod, sea bass, and red snapper. Whether you’re looking for a half-day charter or multi-day fishing adventure, local operators offer excellent gear and expertise to help you land a big one.
Tasting:
- Stikine Inn Restaurant (right next to the ship): Local halibut, reindeer sausage, seafood chowder, and harbor views
- The Hungry Beaver Food Truck – Local favorite for fish tacos, fish and chips, and burgers
- Sweet Tides Bakery & Coffee – For fresh pastries, espresso, and Alaskan charm
- Bob’s IGA Deli – A quick spot for snacks, picnic items, or hot lunch counter options.
Travel Tips:
- Wi-Fi may be limited outside of central cafes or your ship connection—download maps or info in advance
- Wear good walking shoes—many sidewalks are wooden and can be slick in wet weather
- Check tide tables and sunrise/sunset times posted at the port for optimal viewing and photography
- Wrangell is known for its friendly locals—don’t hesitate to ask for directions or tips!
I joined Steven and Michele for a wander around town. Michele had found a pizza place with great reviews on the far end of town, so we ambled in that direction, popping into a few interesting shops along the way. Overall, we found it to be a rather sleepy town. When we reached the pizzeria, we sat with a few other residents. The server gruffly informed us that most of the menu wasn’t available and pizza wouldn’t be available until after 4pm. We decided to find somewhere else. As we headed back toward the ship, every other restaurant listed on google turned out to be closed. Finally we ended up at the Stikine Inn Restaurant – right next to the ship. Our server explained that the Fourth of July festivities had wiped out supplies across town. Luckily, the Stikine’s food was fantastic, and we enjoyed our short stop in this quiet little place.