There are many things to do and see in Wrangell, Alaska. You can also see the Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site, LeConte Glacier, Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, and the Stikine River. No matter what you do, you will want to spend a little time in this beautiful borough.

Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site

This beach is known for its high concentration of petroglyphs, which are ancient carvings on rock. In 2000, it was designated as a State Historic Site. The site has a boardwalk that leads to a viewing deck that overlooks the beach. Visitors can see replicas of petroglyph designs and take rubbings of them. They can also explore the beach itself. There are about 40 petroglyphs concentrated in a small area. Most of them are oriented toward a large rock tidal outcropping.

The petroglyphs are approximately eight thousand years old and were created by the people of Wrangell Island. Recently, some of these rock carvings have lost their original color, which is thought to be caused by wear and weather. In response, the state Department of Natural Resources approached the Wrangell tribe to help fund the project.

Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site is one of Wrangell’s most popular attractions. Visitors can walk along the sand and view petroglyphs that were created in prehistoric times. The carvings are over 8,000 years old and are protected by federal antiquity laws.

While there is little concrete evidence of the petroglyphs’ creation, researchers are still uncertain of their exact origin. Scientists from the University of Alaska Southeast have proposed several theories for the coloring of the rocks. Some suggest that it’s caused by iron oxide, while others say it’s the result of microorganisms. One possibility is bacteria, according to biochemist Konrad Meister of UAS. If the petroglyphs contain bacteria, it would be possible to test a culture plate against the petroglyph to confirm whether it’s caused by a biological agent.

If you’re looking for lodging in Wrangell, you should look at the Wrangell Extended Stay, which is just across from the ferry terminal. Its rooms start at $155 per night, and you can get great deals by staying for a week. If you’re looking for accommodations outside of the tourist season, you can check out VRBO and Airbnb.

Another option for sightseeing in Wrangell is the Anan Wildlife Observatory. The observatory is located just south of Wrangell Island. From the observation deck, you can spot brown and black bears. The town also has the Mt. Dewey, which offers beautiful views of the Zimovia Straits.

LeConte Glacier

LeConte Glacier is one of Alaska’s most amazing sights. It flows out of the same massive ice field as Shakes Glacier and eventually ends up in LeConte Bay. A short boat ride from Wrangell takes you to this spectacular glacier.

LeConte Bay is an ideal place to enjoy a meal and view the glacier. In the spring, the bay is filled with seal pups that rest on the ice while their parents search for food. During the summer months, it is possible to see whales frolicking in the ice.

If you are looking for an adventure in Wrangell, you can take a guided boat tour. There are many different tour operators to choose from. For example, Alaska Waters offers small, personalized tours to LeConte Glacier. You can also opt for a bear-watching tour or a wildlife observation tour. You’ll likely spot bears, otters, seals, and a variety of birds during your boat tour.

Located about three-quarters of a mile from downtown Wrangell, Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site is another place to see. The site contains over 40 rock carvings. These are best viewed during low tide. The petroglyphs are an educational experience for visitors who want to understand the history of the region.

Wrangell is an island located in the Aleutian Islands. It has a population of 2,500 people. It offers an authentic small-town Alaska experience with many attractions. While you are in Wrangell, don’t miss the LeConte Glacier and the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory. This region is filled with history, culture, and nature.

The Stikine River is a great place to go bird watching. There are over 120 different species of birds that migrate through the area every spring. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and seals. There are also jet boat tours and kayak and canoe tours available here.

Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory

If you are interested in wildlife, visit the US Forest Service-managed Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory. You can take a half-mile hike from the parking area, and a viewing platform overlooks Anan Creek. From here, you can watch the bears that come out of the woods and rocks to catch salmon. They often retreat to the side of the creek after eating, leaving behind their remains, which provide food for other wildlife.

Located 30 miles southeast of Wrangell, Anan Creek is one of the best places to see bears in the area. The stream is home to one of the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska, and the seasonal abundance of salmon attracts many fish-eating animals. In addition to black bears, visitors may also see sea lions, bald eagles, and several species of gulls. The observatory also has a photo blind and outhouses.

The Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory is located south of Wrangell, where you can get up close to bears and other wildlife. This US Forest Service-managed site offers a great opportunity to see bears up close and take photos. The facility is also accessible to vehicles, and guided charter trips are available.

The Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory is home to many bears. Visitors may observe black bears and brown bears from an observation platform. Guests must obtain a permit before visiting the site, which is limited to 60 people per day.

Another must-see attraction is the Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site. Petroglyphs are rock carvings, and these can be found on the beach above or below average high tide. A guide can point out the petroglyphs for you. A Whale petroglyph can be seen near the visitor house, and it’s unique to the area.

Photography at Anan Creek is easy. The observatory offers two views: the main observation deck, which overlooks the creek and waterfall, and a hide on the creek at water level, where you can view bears feeding from the water. It’s important to capture wider shots, as you’ll be able to see the surroundings clearly. A zoom lens is recommended for the observatory deck, while a 70-200mm lens works better in the hide.

Stikine River

The Stikine River, which means “great river” in Tlingit, is one of the best places to visit in the city of Wrangell, Alaska. This river is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Its clear waters are filled with tundra swans and up to 120 different species of migrating birds. Visitors can also see and hear the bellowing of sea lions on Petroglyph Beach.

The Stikine River originates in British Columbia and flows for nearly 400 miles to the Pacific Ocean near Wrangell. In the 1800s, it served as a vital waterway, providing access to prospectors and fur traders. It continued to be a major waterway until the 1970s, but most of its basin remains a wilderness. Today, there are only two bridges that span the river, which adds to the pristine environment.

Whether you’re in Wrangell for business or pleasure, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. There are a wide variety of restaurants and bars, including the seasonal Stikine Restaurant, dubbed “The Stik.” You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Stikine Inn. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, especially during peak tourist season.

While you’re in the area, consider taking a tour of the Stikine River. There are plane and helicopter tours that allow you to experience the scenic river from above. You can also rent a jet boat or kayak to take a closer look.

The Stikine River is a sheltered fjord, making it ideal for kayaking. There are a number of outfitters that rent kayaks and offer guided tours. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll want to make sure you have the right safety equipment and take along a local guide to ensure your safety.

Birding is another great reason to visit the Stikine River. In the spring, the river is home to up to 120 different species of migrating birds. In fact, the Stikine River Birding Festival is held here annually, celebrating the arrival of spring.