6 Storybook Towns In Alaska
Alaska’s rugged, breathtaking wilderness is legendary. Within that landscape are peaks, valleys, and even fjords to explore. Along its remote coastline and within evergreen valleys are the small towns that complete the gorgeous picture. From the colorful wooden storefronts to cabins where the northern lights put up a dazzling display overhead, the following six towns are something straight out of a storybook. Whether you are after adventure, good food, or just want to be a world away from the rat race, these towns invite you to explore the complete heart and soul of The Last Frontier.
Whittier
There are only 272 permanent residents in Whittier, and most of them live in one 14-story building called Begich Towers. Whittier is an isolated town that is accessible via a one-way tunnel, railway, air, or sea. The town is also considered the wettest in the US, receiving an average of 16 feet of rainfall per year and 20 feet of snow.
To visit by road, you must wait for the one-way tunnel (Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel) to open your way. The tunnel operates in the opposite direction every half hour, and a fee is payable. Once you get into the town limits, several adventures await. From Whittier, you can access Alaska’s Marine Highway, which allows access to remote areas. For example, you can take the route that leads to the highway and drive to Valdez.
Whittier also lies on the shores of Prince William Sound, where otters and seals often make an appearance. You can book a cruise that takes you around the sound towards dozens of massive glaciers. There is also the opportunity for sea kayaking for an up-close encounter with the water. For those who love hiking, part of the Emerald Cove Trail runs along the coast, while the Portage Pass Trail provides panoramic views of Portage Glacier in the Chugach National Forest. The Horsetail Falls trail is ideal for families looking to visit Horsetail Falls. For food, there is halibut at Varly’s Swiftwater Seafood Café on Harbor Road and smoked pork sliders at the Whittier Oceanfront Café.
Haines
Sightseeing is big in the small town of Haines. It is a massive draw for photographers seeking the perfect shot of bears or eagles. Visitors can also bike around the town on a guided tour or on their own. The water here is ideal for rafting or kayaking, and it is easy to access nearby Skagway via the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry. For those who prefer the mountains, there are several hiking trails to try, which lead to beaches and overlooks. One of the best overlooks is Mount Ripinski, which offers expansive views of the town below.
Haines is also the place where thousands of bald eagles gather at the Chilkat River every fall to enjoy a salmon run. This coincides with the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, where visitors can enjoy art shows and participate in bird-watching activities. For a heart-pounding adventure, there is the option to take an off-road ATV tour up the Takshanuk Mountain Trail, where unspoiled wilderness awaits. From the very top, there are incredible views of Chilkoot Lake, which lies in the Chilkoot Valley. Those who want to learn more about the Tlingit culture can find great information at the Klukwan Traditional Knowledge Camp. It is a nice way to spend an afternoon before getting a home-brewed coffee from Mountain Market.
Seward
It doesn’t get any more story-bookish than Seward. This tiny town lies in a spectacular fjord surrounded by mountains, at the head of Resurrection Bay. Cruise ship passengers disembark here every day during the summer, but even then, the numbers stay low enough to really take in the tranquil atmosphere. If you are traveling from Anchorage, you have the option of taking a road trip or traveling with the Alaska Railroad. There are more opportunities to take in the amazing sights during a train trip.
In Seward, there is wildlife almost everywhere. Out on the water, it is not uncommon to spot orcas, seals, and whales. On land, there are moose, bears, and mountain goats to look out for. There is more wildlife watching to do in Kenai Fjords National Park and several hiking trails in the area’s rainforests. Some of the most popular trails include the Mt. Marathon Trail and the Exit Glacier Trail. The Exit Glacier trail provides a close-up view of dynamic ice masses. At the Seward Waterfront Park, families can have a picnic or pick up shells along the shore. The park offers a stunning view of Resurrection Bay, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk. Seward also doesn’t lack in culinary experiences. The Cookery offers locally sourced meat and fresh oysters, while Lone Chicharron Taqueria is well known for its excellent street tacos and rockfish.
Cooper Landing
Cooper Landing is situated between Seward and Soldotna, along the Kenai River, adjacent to Kenai Lake. It is very small, with fewer than 250 permanent residents, but it offers nonstop outdoor fun.
The Kenai River is one of the best spots for fishing in Alaska, whether from the shore or through on fishing charters. Those who don’t fish can take to the water for river rafting on half- or full-day excursions. You can watch wildlife from the water, or drive the 18-mile loop gravel Skilak Lake Road in search of bears. The road also provides stunning views of the glaciers in the area. Hikers who visit Russian River Falls often see salmon leaping out of the water. There are also Dall sheep on the mountains around Kenai Lake.
If you want to stay a while, the Russian River Campground and Cooper Creek Campground offer incredible views of the natural surroundings, including the river. Cooper Landing is also known for its restaurants serving delicious food and drinks. At Rod & Reel, you will find fine dining at its best, while Rafter’s Lounge has a reputation for fantastic beverages.
Cordova
Cordova is a sleepy fishing town on the east coast of Prince William Sound. Visitors love visiting during summer, when they can rent kayaks to explore Orca Inlet or go white-water rafting on the Copper River. If you prefer visiting during winter, you will find the mountain slopes ready for skiing or snowboarding. Mount Eyak offers one chairlift and thirty different trails. You can even take a helicopter flight to go heli-skiing or snowboarding on top of the mountain.
The US Forest Service offers cabins that can be accessed via the Power Creek, Pipeline Lakes, and McKinley Lake Trails, providing an opportunity for overnight camping. There is also the Childs Glacier and Million Dollar Bridge to explore, although they are only accessible via boat. The Saddlebag Glacier can be reached by hiking a three-mile trail that starts at mile 25 of the Copper River Highway.
For something a little different, visit Cordova in February to catch the Iceworm Festival, or in May for the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival. During May, more than 5 million shorebirds fly to the Arctic, passing through the Copper River Delta on their way. Finally, at Jen’s Pizzaria on Harbor Loop Road, you will find mouthwatering pizzas and burgers for lunch. Additionally, the Powder House Bar & Grill offers a variety of snack foods, including sweet potato waffle fries.
North Pole
The aptly named North Pole is a tiny town where Christmas is celebrated every day. Like something out of a children’s book, the roads and houses here are always decorated for the holidays, and the streets have names like Mistletoe Lane and Kris Kringle Drive.
The most popular attraction here is the Santa Claus House, where a live Santa Claus welcomes visitors to Santa’s Workshop. The walls are covered with Dear Santa letters that continue to arrive from around the world. And, there are several types of cookies and fudge to experience the spirit of Christmas.
However, North Pole is not only about Christmas. The town offers several outdoor activities, including camping in the Chena Lake Recreation Area, which features a swimming beach. Forests surround the area, providing serene views of the water. The Christmas spirit and good food come together at Pagoda Restaurant, where you can enjoy shrimp and chicken, steak, and soup. More delicious food awaits at Country Café, where you can indulge in a turkey dinner and glazed ham.
Every small town in Alaska has its own allure, whether it is nature, outdoor activities, festivals, or good food. So, the next time you are in search of adventure, let the rivers, glaciers, and alpine trails guide you and discover a side of Alaska that will always be timeless.
