John Muir and Wrangell, Alaska
- Andrea Lule
- Nov 3, 2017
- 3 min read
We pulled into the third port of our stop in Wrangell, Alaska. Again, the town was scattered in clouds and had about a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This town is known for its petroglyphs that are scattered along the beach dating over 8000 years before the Tlingit people and their ancestors dot this beach.
We hopped off the ship and took a look around town. Small and quaint, like the rest.
We only had a small easy hike that day. So we weren't pushed for time on this one.
This town since it’s known for its petroglyphs, we had to check out.
Took the simple walk down the road, following the signs that lead you directly to the beach. It’s’ about a mile walk, but super easy on its paved roads. You’ll walk through the neighborhoods of the visually stunning, quirkiness and moss covered houses.
Me being a photographer, had to take advantage of the opportunity to grab a few shots of some crab traps we found along the way in a fishing yard. :D
We reached the beach, and it was honestly slightly funny how long it took us to actually find the petroglyphs on the beach. Some are buried, and some are obviously visible. Stick to the right side when you come down the stairs. We went directly to the left and walked for about 15 mins and turned around to go back. Took the chance to go to the right of the stairs, and BAM! There were quite a few cool ones to find. They ask you, PLEASE not to rub on these precious artifacts. They do provide replicas on the stairs you pass down, if you wish to rub the designs like the ancients did.
Once we got back to the ship, we grabbed a quick bite of lunch then headed back down for our “John Muir Hike” of Mt. Dewey. This was another free excursion provided by our cruise. If you didn't book it through the cruise, DON'T fret! The entrance is about 4 blocks from the pier, and is very easy to find. No sense spending any money paying for it.
The hike was an easy hike, with stairs leading you the mile or so up the mountainside. It brings you to the top where it overlooks the pier, and has some outstanding views of the scenery. It’s the site where John Muir set off his huge fire , and has become a popular sight to see.
Directions from the pier: The trailhead is about four blocks from Front Street and the cruise ship dock. From Front Street, head north on McKinnon Street, to a staircase up to Mt. Dewey Lane. Head left on Mt. Dewey Lane to where it meets 3rd Street. Head right on 3rd Street to the well-marked trailhead. A big sign covers the history of the trail and Mt. Dewey, including naturalist John Muir's time in Wrangell and on the trail.
After that we headed back down to the ship for dinner, and off we went. Always something fun to see walking through these Alaska towns, and seeing others way of life.
Our last stop is going to be Prince Rupert, BC. A surprisingly warm day, and a seaplane to a waterfall to come!
Stay tuned!
