“It felt like the edge of the world—and I wanted to keep going.” That thought came to me while drifting in a kayak near the mouth of the Stikine River, the water as smooth as glass beneath a low, misty sky. I had come to Wrangell, Alaska not quite knowing what to expect. But this small island town doesn’t try to impress with flash. Instead, it hands you stillness, history, and wildness—and waits quietly while it works its way under your skin.
Best Things to Do in Wrangell, AK
Downtown Wrangell
I began in downtown Wrangell, where weathered storefronts and harbor views stretch along Front Street like a storybook with salt in the margins. Locals sipped coffee outside small cafes, fishing boats clinked gently at the dock, and everything moved with the rhythm of the tides. I browsed a bookstore with creaky floors and lingered near a totem pole that felt older than time. "This is a place that doesn’t just live—it remembers," I thought.
Wrangell Museum
Later, I stepped into the Wrangell Museum, which blends stories of Tlingit tradition, Russian traders, and gold rush settlers. The exhibits are small but lovingly curated: woven baskets, carved tools, and worn maps with inked corners. One wall showed a timeline of Wrangell’s layers—every wave of people who left their mark on this rugged island. I found myself lingering longer than expected, drawn into the quiet dignity of the artifacts.
Kayaking on the Stikine River
That afternoon, I rented a kayak and paddled near the Stikine River delta. The river stretched wide and silvery, glacier-fed and powerful, but eerily calm at the surface. Eagles soared above the spruce, seals popped up now and then with curious eyes, and the mountains loomed like sleeping giants in the background. There was no sound but paddle, breath, and wind. “This is what untouched feels like,” I thought, floating in the stillness.
Anan Wildlife Observatory
The highlight of my trip came at the Anan Wildlife Observatory, one of the few places in the world where both black and brown bears fish from the same river. The hike in was lush and alive—moss-draped trees, salmon leaping upstream, and ravens echoing in the canopy. From the viewing platform, I watched a mother bear teach her cub how to catch fish. The spray of the falls, the sound of claws on stone—it was raw and humbling. I didn’t take many photos. I just watched.
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site
I finally I made my way to Petroglyph Beach, just a short walk from town. Carved into the dark rocks along the shore were spirals, salmon, and faces—some over 8,000 years old. The tide had pulled back to reveal more than a dozen of them, slick with seawater and almost glowing in the cloudy light. I stood quietly, letting my fingers trace the grooves while waves whispered up the stones. It felt sacred—not in ceremony, but in presence.
Wrangell At a Glance
- How to Get There: By ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) or small plane from Juneau or Ketchikan
- Vibe: Remote, storied, intimately wild
- Highlights: Bear viewing, ancient petroglyphs, rich indigenous history, glacier-fed kayaking
- Best Time to Visit: July–August for bear activity and mild weather
- Cost: Moderate to high; kayak rentals and bear observatory access require advance bookings
- Hours: Petroglyph Beach and downtown accessible anytime; Anan tours by permit only
- Address Base: Begin at Wrangell Visitor Center (296 Campbell Dr) and explore outward
Travel Tips: How to Get to Wrangell, AK
- By Air: I usually fly Alaska Airlines, which offers daily service to Wrangell (WRG) through Juneau or Ketchikan. The views from the plane are stunning—definitely grab a window seat.
- By Ferry: I’ve also traveled here via the Alaska Marine Highway System. The ride is scenic and relaxing, especially if you’re coming from Bellingham or one of the other Southeast ports. You’ll want your camera handy.
- By Cruise: If you’re taking a small-ship cruise through the Inside Passage, you’ll likely stop in Wrangell. I always encourage travelers to step off and explore—this port is more than just a scenic backdrop.
Where to Stay in Wrangell, AK
- Stikine Inn – I’ve stayed here more than once. You’ll love the river views and how close it is to the ferry terminal and downtown. The attached restaurant is a bonus after a long day outdoors.
- Wrangell Seawatch Cabin – If you’re looking for a private getaway, this cabin is my top pick. Waking up to panoramic views of Zimovia Strait—and the chance to spot eagles from your window—makes it unforgettable.
- Rooney’s Roost Bed & Breakfast – I stayed here on my first trip to Wrangell, and it felt like home. The breakfast was amazing, and the host shared tons of helpful local tips. If you want warm hospitality, this is it.
Final Thoughts
Wrangell doesn’t shout for your attention—it waits for you to quiet down and notice. Every part of it—each bear print in the mud, each carving on the rock, each ripple in the river—feels intentional, held. I left feeling both smaller and more rooted. And even now, I find myself thinking about that kayak, that silence, and the gentle power of a place that still remembers how to be wild.
