Wrangell is one of Southeast Alaska's oldest towns and one of its least touristy - a working fishing community near the mouth of the Stikine River. It's a quieter port call than most, but the rewards are big: bears at Anan, jet-boat trips up the Stikine to the glaciers, and ancient petroglyphs on a beach just outside town.
Wrangell is small enough to walk, but the real draws are out on the water and in the wilderness around it.
Get in TouchOne of the few places where black and brown bears fish the same salmon stream. A boardwalk trail leads to a viewing platform above the falls; access is by boat or floatplane, and permits are limited in peak season.
Dozens of ancient rock carvings, some thought to be thousands of years old, scattered along a beach a short walk from downtown. Go at low tide for the best view.
A restored Tlingit clan house on Shakes Island in the harbor, surrounded by totem poles and reached by a short footbridge.
One of the fastest free-flowing navigable rivers in North America, flowing out of Canada through a wide delta of glaciers, sloughs and wildlife. Jet boats are the way to see it.
Wrangell's best excursions go by jet boat - up the Stikine River, out to LeConte Glacier, or down the Eastern Passage to the bears at Anan - with Tlingit history and rainforest hikes closer to town.
Travel by heated jet boat to Anan, then hike a rainforest trail to a creekside platform where black and brown bears fish for salmon. Wrangell's signature excursion.
Race up the Stikine River by jet boat, past rugged mountains, old-growth forest and waterfalls, watching for wildlife at every bend.
Cross the Stikine delta to LeConte Glacier, one of the southernmost tidewater glaciers in North America, where icebergs calve into the water and harbor seals are often seen.
A Tlingit-led tour that goes inside a traditional cedar tribal house, past totem poles, and down to a beach carved with ancient petroglyphs.
A relaxed guided bus tour of town with local and Native guides: the harbors, the petroglyphs, cultural landmarks and the Wrangell Museum.
A small, nimble boat explores hidden coves and reefs around Wrangell, looking for whales, sea lions and eagles.
A short but steep 1.2-mile round-trip climb through the Tongass rainforest, gaining 800 feet to reach Rainbow Falls.
Head 16 miles "out the road" into the Tongass National Forest with a small group, watching for wildlife, with an easy walk to Three Sisters Overlook.
A small-group hike through forest and muskeg down to a secluded beach overlooking Turn Island. Watch for wildlife and whales; a light meal is included.
Excursions shown are as offered on Princess Cruises sailings. Other cruise lines calling at Wrangell run similar tours, but names, durations and availability vary by line, ship and sailing date - ask us what's on your itinerary.
Wrangell's dining is small-town and seasonal, but there are some real local favorites.
The restaurant at the Stikine Inn has the best water views in town and a full menu from burgers to dinner entrees.
A local favorite for seafood with a Thai twist - try the halibut cheeks or white king salmon when they're on.
Chinese and Filipino dishes, plus breakfast, cooked by owner Michelle herself.
Thick-crust pizza, burgers and wraps - an easy, casual lunch.
“We had several unique requests to accommodate everyone in our party. Andrew offered advice and several options — I was very impressed with his responsiveness and honesty. He takes the stress out of traveling.”
Jamie S. · All-inclusive resort
