Welcome to Wrangell, a hidden gem in the Alaskan wilderness, offering natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventure. This small town, reachable by air and water, is rarely visited by cruise ships, but it’s well worth a stop.
We first explored Wrangell aboard the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam. Even though few ships dock there, we were surprised by the diversity of tours and activities available to travelers. In fact, we can’t wait to return.
From watching bears at Anan Creek to exploring ancient carvings at Petroglyph Beach, Wrangell offers a deep connection to nature and history.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock?
The Wrangell cruise port often only sees a few weekly vessels, usually smaller ships owned by Seabourn, Lindblad, Viking, and Silversea. The City Dock, located at the north end of downtown Wrangell, can accommodate one vessel. With multiple ships in port, the others anchor.
From the City Dock, we found exploring many of Wrangell’s attractions on foot easy. Several points of interest are within comfortable walking distance of the cruise ship docking area.
On a port day in Wrangell, we could choose from cultural experiences and outdoor activities or visit natural attractions. We could cover many popular attractions since we were docked for 11 hours.
Wrangell’s Natural Attractions
While the city of Wrangell is relatively compact, the area’s natural beauty provides visitors with diverse opportunities. Choose from exploring ancient rock art, walking a trail, or witnessing the stunning Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park on a tour.
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park
Just under a mile from downtown Wrangell, Petroglyph Beach houses one of the highest concentrations of mysterious rock carvings in Southeast Alaska. We walked to this park along the waterfront, which took us 20 minutes.
Over three dozen petroglyphs are scattered among the rocks and are best viewed at low tide. Knowing that we headed there first, as low tide was at 9 am.
These ancient petroglyphs, estimated to be 8,000 years old, depict faces, spirals, and animal figures. The park also displays replicas for rubbings, preserving the originals from wear. We suggest bringing paper and wax crayons to create a souvenir rubbing if traveling with children.
An interpretive area provides context about these archaeological treasures, though their exact meaning remains debated. The site offers beautiful views of the Eastern Passage. It is a peaceful spot for beachcombing, where visitors occasionally find garnets in the sand.
While we didn’t find garnets, the beach was mostly made of broken shells and sea glass.
Le Conte Glacier
Many coastal Alaskan ports have glaciers nearby, which are often worth exploring. Wrangell has two, Le Conte and Shakes Glaciers, although both offer different experiences.
Le Conte Glacier is North America’s southernmost tidewater glacier between Wrangell and Petersburg. Jet boat tours depart regularly from Wrangell Harbor between May and September. Tours last four hours or longer if you stop in Petersburg.
This tidewater glacier is known for its spectacular calving. The journey to its face travels through 12 miles of stunning fjords surrounded by towering mountains.
The fjord sometimes has too much ice in the water to prevent a close approach to the glacier’s terminus. However, you won’t be disappointed, surrounded by house-sized icebergs, gorgeous waterfalls, and scenery from a National Geographic special.
Wildlife sightings are common during the journey, including harbor seals that use the bay for pupping. Bring warm layers regardless of season and binoculars to aid in wildlife spotting.
Stikine River And Shakes Glacier
Visiting Shakes Glacier offers a different experience as the ice mass terminates in a lake. The mighty Stikine River, known as “the Great River” by the Tlingit people, flows 400 miles through British Columbia.
It ends its journey in Wrangell, often called the “Gateway to the Stikine River.” Our cruise line sold different excursions to explore the Stikine River, and judging by the boat booked next to our ship, they used Muddy Waters Adventures.
These excursions are not so much about glacier visits as Shakes Glacier is less active than Le Conte Glacier. It’s the journey that counts, and the river delta contains over 100 islands with diverse wildlife.
Along the journey, travelers might spot moose, bears, eagles, and mountain goats against towering mountains. Some tours include stops at the natural Chief Shakes Hot Springs, where visitors can soak in rustic tubs surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Outdoor Activities
Wrangell offers abundant natural splendor with opportunities to connect with Alaska’s pristine wilderness.
Anan Wildlife Observatory
Located 30 miles southeast of Wrangell, Anan Wildlife Observatory offers one of the most accessible bear viewing opportunities in Southeast Alaska. We visited Wrangell in early May and knew it wasn’t the ideal time to observe bears.
From July through August, black and brown bears gather here to feast on one of the largest pink salmon runs in the region.
The site features a half-mile trail to a viewing platform where visitors can safely observe bears catching salmon in the rapids below. This bear viewing site is much more affordable than the popular Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park.
A Forest Service ranger is typically on-site during peak season to answer questions and ensure visitors’ safety. Permits are required and limited to 60 visitors per day. Multiple local tour operators provide guided excursions to the observatory, but we recommend Breakaway Adventures.
Volunteer Trail
The Volunteer Trail is a moderately challenging hike right near downtown Wrangell. The 1.5-mile trail winds through lush coastal forest, gaining about 650 feet in elevation before rewarding you with sweeping views of the surrounding islands and waterways—well worth the effort.
We hiked the trail on a crisp spring morning, and the path was emerging from winter. Bright wild geraniums and delicate chocolate lilies lined the trail, which were later replaced with wild salmonberries and blueberries.
At the summit, we recommend enjoying the spectacular views of Zimovia Strait and surrounding islands. On clear days, you can see Petersburg in the distance.
Mount Dewey Trail
This accessible hiking trail begins just blocks from downtown Wrangell. It is perfect for cruise guests seeking a quick nature escape. The 0.6-mile path climbs moderately through a peaceful Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest.
We appreciated the well-constructed trail with wooden planks and many stairs. The trail has sharp drop-offs and no handrails, so it’s unsuitable for families with small children. Near the peak, there’s a fork with an option to continue onto Mt. Dewey Spur.
The stairs have metal grating and netting material, providing extra grip. At Mt. Dewey, 400 feet above Wrangell, we savored sweeping views of Wrangell Island, Zimovia Strait, and Woronkofski Island.
Fishing Excursions
Wrangell provides exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year. The waters around the island are teeming with salmon, halibut, and steelhead. Multiple charter companies operate from May through September, offering half-day and full-day excursions.
King salmon season peaks in May and June, while silver salmon are abundant from July through September. We recommend heading to deeper waters from June to August when catches are most consistent for halibut fishing.
Local guides provide all the necessary equipment, and many offer processing services so you can ship your catch home. The Stikine River also offers excellent freshwater fishing opportunities for trout and salmon, with guided jet boat trips available to access remote fishing holes.
Wildlife Viewing On Zimovia Highway
Zimovia Highway stretches 14 miles south of Wrangell and offers excellent roadside wildlife viewing. Black bears are often seen during salmon runs (July–September), especially early morning or evening.
Bald eagles are common year-round, while mountain goats often appear on high slopes in spring. Wetlands, along the way, attract migratory birds like sandhill cranes. At mile 4, Rainbow Falls features short trails and wildlife interpretive signs.
Kayaking And Canoeing
Paddling around Wrangell offers intimate wildlife viewing and access to secluded beaches and coves. Breakaway Adventures offers inexpensive canoe rentals by the day, including all the safety equipment.
Eastern Passage and Zimovia Strait provide calm water that is perfect for beginners. These protected waterways allow you to paddle alongside seal colonies and watch for porpoises and eagles.
More advanced paddlers can explore the Stikine River Delta, a sprawling wetland ecosystem. The intricate channels through the delta create a fascinating maze to navigate.
Ocean Wildlife Tour
Ocean wildlife tours from Wrangell explore the island’s rich marine life on half or full-day trips led by expert captains. From May to September, humpback whales are common, often breaching or tail slapping. Orcas are frequently seen near salmon-filled channels.
We’ve heard the noisy barks of Steller sea lions roar on rocky haul-outs and seen Dall’s porpoises speed alongside our boat. However, the latter are too quick to capture a photo.
Tours often stop at seabird colonies, home to puffins, murres, and cormorants. Binoculars are usually provided, but a camera with zoom is recommended.
Cultural Experiences
Many of Alaska’s towns have a deep history rooted in Tlingit heritage and Russian culture. Wrangell is no different. Within a 30-minute walk of the cruise port, visitors can explore Native Alaskan traditions, examine historical artifacts, and learn about the town’s development.
Chief Shakes Tribal House
The Chief Shakes Tribal House, a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, sits on Shakes Island, linked to Wrangell by a causeway. Rebuilt in 2013 using traditional Tlingit methods, it honors the region’s Indigenous heritage.
We saw beautifully carved totem poles and house posts telling clan stories inside. Guided tours are recommended and often include Native crafts and storytelling by local Tlingit ambassadors.
Be sure to walk around the back of the tribal house for a special surprise. Old totem poles in need of repair are viewable.
Wrangell Museum
The Wrangell Museum houses over 3,000 artifacts that tell the story of the area’s Tlingit, Russian, and gold mining past. Located downtown, this compact but information-rich museum displays ancient petroglyphs, traditional Tlingit crafts, and items from the Gold Rush artifacts.
The museum has an impressive collection of spruce root baskets and other Native handiwork. I particularly like the clan hats and embroidered pieces.
One of the most interesting facts I learned about Wrangell was its abundance of natural garnets at Garnet Ledge. An area near the Stikine River, rich in garnets, was given to the children of Wrangell. Only kids from Wrangell can harvest these semi-precious stones.
We found a family selling these garnets at the cruise port. The Ritchie Family made jewelry and candles. We bought a candle that came with a card explaining the story – it made the perfect souvenir of Alaska!
Kik-setti Totem Park Kiks. ádi Totem Park
Kiks.ádi Totem Park, located in downtown Wrangell, celebrates the heritage of the Tlingit people. It was created in 1987 on the original site of the Kiks.ádi clan’s Sun House.
The park showcases a hand-carved replica of the 1895 Kahlteen Totem. In 2018, ownership returned to the Wrangell Cooperative Association.
The park was undergoing restoration during our visit, and only four poles were standing.
The Carving Shed
Near the Wrangell Museum, the Wrangell Cooperative Association Cultural Center has a carving shed. Inside, the center features a clan house entrance with an oval doorway. Outside, the carving team was working on a few new poles.
Wrapping Up A Day In Wrangell
While we didn’t know much about Wrangell before our visit, this quaint coastal town surprised us with its charm and history. While some consider it a once and done visit, I can’t wait to return, to explore more of the natural surroundings. Plus, I’d want to purchase more of those real gems, the natural garnets!
