Wrangell, Alaska Employment and City Information

With its blend of history and breathtaking wilderness, travelers everywhere are discovering the charm of the Alaskan frontier town of Wrangell.

The township on the northern tip of Wrangell Island is known as the Gateway to the Stikine River, so it’s no wonder that it boasts first-class water activities. The salmon fishing is superb, and human anglers and the native brown and black bears love to get in on the act. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory is a great spot for observing these magnificent creatures feasting.

Wrangell’s protected waterways make it a true wildlife lovers’ paradise. Take a sea kayak or wildlife tour out to see harbor seals, sea lions, whales, eagles, and more creatures that call Wrangell home. Rent a canoe or kayak to see these creatures up close as you explore the river, or up the adrenalin with a jet ski charter.

The Stikine River is also the site of a historic garnet mine which still holds some treasures today. Visit Garnet Ledge at the mouth of the river and see whether you can find your own semi-precious gemstone, just as the miners did all those years ago.

With more than 100 miles of roads winding around the impressive Tongass National Forest, Wrangell is made for exploring. Set off on foot or in a rented RV to see the Alaskan town’s most scenic spots. Remote rivers and scenic overlooks are great places for a picnic lunch or a night camping out under the stars.

Wrangell is just as beautiful from the air as it is on the ground. Take flight to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Wrangell’s picturesque glaciers and fjords.

But Wrangell isn’t all about the great outdoors. The township is enjoying tremendous growth in its key industries of seafood processing, wood manufacturing, and tourism, and in new business sectors. As the city grows more tourists will enjoy all the modern comforts of home without the impersonal feel of a big city.

Golfers can get their fix at Muskeg Meadows, the only regulation USGA rated golf course in Southeastern Alaska. Tournaments with lucrative cash prizes run most weekends, or you can play for the love of the game through the week.

Wrangell’s historic sites of Chief Shakes Island, Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park, and the Tribal House Monument should satisfy culture buffs.

These sites tell the story of the native Tlingit people, who’ve lived in Wrangell and its surrounds for thousands of years. These Tlingit tribes began to trade fur with Russians in 1811, but Europeans didn’t start to settle in this coastal region until Americans built a military post in 1868. The settlement grew with the gold rushes of the late 1800s, and it’s been flourishing ever since.

As with all towns in Southeast Alaska, expect to see some rain while you’re visiting Wrangell. However its annual drop of around 80 inches is less than most of its Alaskan neighbors. The summer months are the best time to visit, as the conditions are usually dry and mild with temperatures in the 60s. Prepare for wet weather and strong winds if you stay in Wrangell during fall, and remember to rug up during winter. With regular temps in the 20s and 30s, it often snows in Wrangell around Christmas. No matter what time of year you visit, it’s smart to dress in layers to prepare yourself for falling evening temperatures. Coats, hats, and gloves are essential suitcase items for combating Wrangell’s variable weather conditions.

Wrangell’s location on Wrangell Island sees it set apart from much of Alaska. The township is only accessible by the air and sea. Ferries regularly stop in Wrangell as they make their way through the Inside Passage. Wrangell Airport is also part of Alaska Airlines’ regular schedule.