Wrangell, Alaska

After the hustle and bustle of Ketchikan, and the complexity of car rentals and ferry reservations for Prince of Wales Is., it was a distinct relief to arrive at Wrangell Island. The community, also named Wrangell, is a splash of neatly kept homes on a hillside between a small wooded headland and the main island. There is limited cruise ship visits and the community seems fine with that. The people are primarily involved with commercial fishing and some timber. The homes are for full time residents with one hotel and a handful of B&Bs taking care of town visitors. I especially enjoyed reaching this area since it had once been a possible side trip from my Stikine River exploration during an inland trip through northern BC. I felt like I was completing a link in a long ago journey. Though I saw no whales from land we had seen several during the ferry ride approach and later in the year special bear viewing areas are available. A couple of companions went for a jet boat ride up the Stikine but due to the unusual winter the pack ice prevented them from exploring as much as they would have liked. In town a few pleasant trails are available but the real highlights for me were the cultural sites. For such a quiet little town, Wrangell has an excellent Museum with unique totem displays. Also Chief Shakes and his dynasty are well reflected with totem and lodge displays on little Shakes Island in the harbor, Chief Shakes grave site, and the wonderful petroglyphs found on the beach only about a mile north of town. Wrangell was a real gem for me and I'd be interested in returning for more exploring across the island, up the Stikine, and at the wonderful wildlife viewing sites, cabins, and hotsprings located within easy day trip distances.