6 Underrated Coastal Hamlets In Alaska
Alaska is at least twice the size of Texas. Across 663,268 square miles, brown bears roam, bald eagles soar, and moose stroll along highways. Known as The Last Frontier and The Land of the Midnight Sun, Alaska is both enigmatic and absolutely breathtaking.
Most people travel to Alaska to see the northern lights, fjords, mountains, glaciers, and rainforests. Not to mention whales and other wildlife. But what many don’t realize is that the coastal communities throughout the state are just as spectacular.
There is nothing muted about the hamlets that dot the rugged seashores. They offer natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic Alaskan experiences. If you are after a truly unforgettable adventure, the following places are where to start.
Skagway
Skagway is one of several cruise ship stops in Alaska, which leads some to believe it is purely a commercial town. But, if you look past some of the mainly superficial tourist attractions, you will find a town rich in history and culture.
For one, it is the location of the stunning Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. There are four units inside the park, as well as a visitor center, the White Pass Trail, and the Chilkoot Trail. The White Pass Trail is a historic path that runs all the way to the Canadian border and reaches nearly 3,000 feet in elevation. The Chilkoot Trail follows the path crossed by Chilkoot Tlingit traders and trampled by Klondike Gold Rushers. Chilkoot is the start of the route to the Yukon Goldfields and is known as the ‘world’s longest outdoor museum.’
At the beginning of the trail lies Dyea, a former boomtown. Dyea was once a summer camp for the Tlingit people and is now pretty much a ghost town. However, you can still see the remnants of what used to be a bustling settlement.
You can also see the Harding Glacier from town, and if you want to get up close to it, you can take a helicopter tour. These tours provide the opportunity for an exciting glacier trek.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is both beautiful and quirky. Not only does the town have a cat mayor, but it is also a gateway to the enigmatic Denali National Park. Talkeetna lies 15 miles away from the Parks Highway and has a population of around 1,000.
Walking down Main Street, you will find Nagley’s Store and the Talkeetna Roadhouse. Nagleys’ was established in 1921 and is a wonderful little general store that offers internet access. The roadhouse, built in 1917, was once a frontier stop for miners, fur trappers, and prospectors. It is important to note that several of the businesses on Main Street close or operate on fewer hours during the late fall and winter season.
If you are after a heart-pounding adventure, you can book a flightseeing tour that runs from Talkeetna to Denali. Some of these tours include landing on a glacier, while others include flying over the summit of Denali (Mount McKinley).
You can also take a ride on the Hurricane Turn Train, which takes you through the Indian River Valley. On a clear day, you will be able to see Denali along this route. The train also includes a flagstop service, which means you essentially get a ride to backcountry areas where you will find cabins to stay in if you want to explore.
Petersburg
Petersburg is a non-cruise ship destination, but one of the best places to experience pure Norwegian culture. This charming town even has a Little Norway festival that runs for a few days in the middle of May. During the festival, visitors can celebrate Norwegian Independence Day with the locals and participate in dances, games, and a parade.
Petersburg sits on the northern side of Mitkof Island in the Inside Passage and is a traditional fishing community. If you are a fishing fanatic, you can cast a line and wait for silver salmon or halibut to bite in Frederick Sound. Or you can try your luck at Blind River Rapids Boardwalk, where you might just catch a king salmon.
Should you want to get up close to the water, you can take a boat to LeConte Glacier. Petersburg also offers flightseeing tours and kayaking trips that bring visitors right up to the glacier. You can also whale watch in Frederick Sound.
For more water adventures, you can drive the two miles from downtown Petersburg to Sandy Beach. When the tide is low, rock carvings, petroglyphs, and ancient Tlingit fish traps can be seen.
Unalakleet
Unalakleet is located along Norton Sound and offers multiple opportunities for fishing. The Unalakleet River is considered a premier fishing destination, with Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and all five Pacific salmon species. This means you can fly fish or spin fish for days on end.
Unalakleet is the first checkpoint for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Every year during winter, the first musher to reach Unalakleet is presented with the Gold Coast Award.
When visiting this tiny town of 750, you can indulge in the stunning views over the Bering Sea. The panorama also includes tundra and the Nulato Hills. You can take the Iditarod National Historic Trail, which snakes along the river, and overnight in one of the BLM public use cabins.
Unalakleet is also the place where you will find Peace on Earth, a local restaurant that receives pizza orders from around the world. The pizza is then delivered to volunteers and mushers during the dog race when they reach the town.
Seldovia
Seldovia, like many Alaskan coastal hamlets, is not very easy to reach. You will have to start in Home before taking a water taxi or ferry to travel across Kachemak Bay to the Seldovia Harbor. But the payoff is well worth the journey.
Since you will be dropped off just half a mile from the Historic Boardwalk, you can explore the gift shops here first. With your shopping done, you can rent a kayak and immediately get out on the waters of Seldovia Bay.
If you prefer beach sand to water, you can opt for a picnic at Outside Beach while keeping an eye out for eagles and sea otters. At the Seldovia Harbor, you can watch the fishing boats travel up and down or try your own hand at catching something.
You can also hike the Otterbahn Trail to explore some of Seldovia’s forests and catch memorable views of the bay.
Haines
Haines is another coastal hamlet that offers unlimited outdoor adventures. Here, you can simply take in the glacial waters and mountain scenery. Or, you can hike, fish, hunt, and kayak before camping under the stars.
Haines is also where you might spot eagles, colorful birds, and even bears. There is no traffic or large chain stores that draw crowds. This means more time to hike Mount Ripinski or take part in a trail race on the Fourth of July. The Battery Point Trail is a short, easy walk, while the Seduction Point Trail at Chilkat State Park is good for running or jogging.
If you want to get out on the open road, the Haines Highway provides the road trip of a lifetime. You will see glaciers, mountains, and animals all the way to the Canadian border. Remember to make some time to tour the Lynn Canal, which is the deepest and longest fjord in the U.S. You might even spot a whale or two while out on the water.
Where Alaska’s Soul Meets the Sea
Travel to these gorgeous places and you will experience first-hand the quiet beauty and wild landscapes that these small towns offer. Sometimes you need to look past the cruise ports and tourist hubs to experience the real Alaska. A place where fjords tell ancient tales and glaciers meet the horizon. These hidden corners along the coastline are where the real magic of Alaska lies.
