Things to do / Travel Guide
The Alaska Panhandle, almost by definition, is “off-the-beaten-track.” Thus, visitors have a myriad of options if they want to see the road less traveled. Wide-open spaces and coastline make the region a spectacular place to see nature at its best. Here are a few suggestions for your enjoyment:
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is certainly one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Over a dozen enormous, sparkling glaciers call it home. The park is also the site of hundreds of both giant and smaller ice masses. Glacier Bay National Park is a pure study of the force of ice shaping and contouring landmasses. Visitors can clearly see where glaciers have carved deep, steep fjords and mountain valleys. Located about 60 miles west of Juneau, the park can be accessed by cruise ship, boat, or light aircraft. Visits to the island typically range from day trips from Juneau to camping excursions of a week or longer.
Prince of Wales Island
Prince of Wales Island offers visitors a part of Alaska that speaks to a sense of adventure. It's the third-largest island in the United States, with 140 miles by 45 miles of area to explore. Great mountains crease the length of the island with icy streams running in all directions. If you fish, there's plenty of salmon and steelhead when they're in season. There is a convenient network of roads that link the terrific communities and hiking trails which run through untouched wilderness. If you are into spelunking, Prince of Wales Island offers one of the largest cave systems in the Western hemisphere. Also, the ancient native tribes left their artistic mark here, with great totems carved in cedar. There is also plenty of wildlife here such as whales, black-tail deer, black and brown bears, herons, sea lions, and eagles.
Pelican
Pelican is a great little picture-perfect fishing town located on the northwest shore of Chichagof Island at the Lisianski Inlet, about halfway between Sitka and Juneau. The town is relatively new, only having been established in 1938. Since it is the closest harbor to the famed Fairweather salmon run, fishing is Pelican's primary source of commerce. Most of the town was built on pilings, and the main street of Salmon Way is a boardwalk that runs for a mile. Try mingling with the very colorful and friendly locals at on of Pelican's bars, where you can get a feel for the local flavor. As for natural surroundings, picturesque Pelican is nestled among verdant green forests and beautiful fjords. It's also a fantastic place to get in some great kayaking and salmon or halibut fishing. After a long day of reeling in the big ones or paddling around the fjords, stop by the nearby natural White Sulphur hot springs for a relaxing soak!
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