Whittier

Gateway to

Prince William Sound

2 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Visit Whittier designed and produced by Wagner Design.

For more information, comments, correctionsor to advertise contact us at:

Wagner Design PO Box 467 Seward, AK 99664

623-703-8890www.WhittierAlaska.info

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ContentsHow to get here 4-5Seward Highway 6-7Tunnel History 8Tunnel Details 9Whittier History 10-11Events 12Things to do 13Kayaking 14Paddle Safely 15Local Artist 16-17Glacier Tours 18Wildlife 19Lodging 20Mileages & Parking 21Weather 22Fire & Ice 23Fishing & Hunting 24-25Alaska Railroad 26-27Map of Whittier 28-29Websites & Phone 30-31

Visit Whittier designed and produced by Wagner Design.

For more information, comments, correctionsor to advertise contact us at:

Wagner Design PO Box 467 Seward, AK 99664

623-703-8890www.WhittierAlaska.info

Contents

4 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Planes-Trains-Cars-Buses-Boats

Planes: There is no commercial air service to Whittier, however there is a small airstrip available for private pilots. Although the State had considered closing the airstrip they have left it available for emergency use. It is an unmaintained gravel strip of about 1500’ that has the ocean at one end and a highway on the other, so it would be well to familiarize yourself with it prior to flying in. There is a wind sock but no tower or local contact. There are several good websites listed in the back of this guide. To file a flight plan you may call the Kenai Flight Service 24/7 at 866-864-1737Float planes must check in with the Harbor Master 907- 472-2327

Trains:The Alaska Railroad operates passenger service to Whittier

during the summer months from Anchorage or Girdwood. There is one departure daily from Anchorage at 9:45 a.m. arriving in Whittier at 12:45 in time for some of the day cruises. That train then leaves for the Spencer Glacier/Grandview day tour and returns to Whittier at 6:45 to pick up guests that have spent the day exploring the town, hiking, kayaking or glacier cruising. There is a canvas canopy, but no building, so long waits in poor weather can be a challenge.

Cars:Whittier is approximately 60 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. Although you maybe able to drive that in 1 hour we highly recommend you allow extra time for unexpected delays. Once you leave Anchorage heading south, there are 2 chances to purchase fuel before you arrive in Whittier, (mile

Getting Here is Half the Fun

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 5

79), one in Indian (mile 101) and Girdwood (mile 90). Keep in mind the tunnel opening times. Going into Whittier the tunnel is open at the bottom of the hour for 15 minutes. If you miss that opening, you will need to wait for the next one, 45 minutes later. The fare for passenger carsis $12. There is no foot or bicycle traffic allowed in the tunnel. Those travelers must ride in with a vehicle so allow some extra time to coordinate that. Motorcycles are left until the last portion of the opening for safety. More information on the tunnel can be found in the reference portion of this guide in the back.

Buses:Although there are several bus companies that offer service to Whittier in the Summer, it is not necessarily a regular schedule. Contact a provider or a travel agent to arrange bus transportation in advance. There is one taxi in Whittier, but he is part time and not always available.

Boats:The Alaska Marine Highway

operates regular ferry service between Alaska towns and the lower 48, check the schedules and make reservations. During the busy summer months, vessels can fill up. If you plan to put your vehicle on the ferry, advance planning is a must. The ferry terminal is only a couple of blocks from the train stop but keep that in mind if you have a lot of luggage or the weather is cold or wet. There is only one part time taxi. The ferry schedule does not always connect well with the train schedule so overnights are sometimes required. You may want to get a room a day in advance to avoid sitting long hours at the ferry terminal or dragging luggage around town. There is no luggage storage and unattended luggage is not permitted.Many visitors come by large cruise ship. They dock early in the morning and leave later in the evening. There are activities available, but it is highly recommended that you do some advance planning. Check with local tour operators before arrival for options & reservations.

How To Get Here

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On your way to Whittier, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. There is a lot to see along the Seward Highway as you drive south from Anchorage. Although it is only about 60 miles, we recommend you allow at least 2 hours for the drive to Whittier to allow for stops, construction or other delays

The Seward Highway has been designated a Scenic Byway. It could be a day trip in itself. The highway is marked with green & white mile marker signs some also include the half mile. Most locals will reference location by “Mile” or “Mile Marker” and the number.

Seward Scenic Highway

Points of Interest along the Highway

Mile 125 Anchorage

Mile 117 Potter Marsh wetlands,ducks, geese, swans & salmon

Mile 110 Beluga Point, view Beluga whales & bore tides

Mile 106 Windy Point, Dahl sheep frequently seen along the cliff side

Mile 90 Turn off to Girdwood & Alyeska

Mile 80 Visitor center, port a-potties, train stop and remains of old Portage town site destroyed by ‘64 quake

Mile 79 Turn off to Whittier, Prince William Sound and Portage Glacier

Mile 37 Tern Lake & Sterling Highway junc-tion to Homer,Soldotna & Kenai

Mile 0 Seward

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 7

Mud-Flats Safety

The mud flats around Turnagain Arm are deceptively inviting but can be a deadly snare to the unsuspecting wayfarer As the tide goes out the fine glacier silt mud can harden like concrete around a foot and the unfortunate victim could be stuck there until the tide comes in and engulfs them.

Stay Off The Mud Flats

The Seward Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, but don’t let that fool you. Tragedy & death are an all to common occurrence along this spectacular road.

• Drive defensively• Drive courteously

• Headlights are required at all times • Slow vehicles pull over

• Pull out to view the sceneryAt times you may see Hooligan fishermen along the road, so slow down. Hooligan are a small fish that are dipped with long handled nets often near 20 Mile Creek at mile 80.

Often the brightly colored sails of windsurfers can be seen riding the turbulent currents in Turnagain Arm. Use caution as you pass them parked along the highway.

Eagles are frequently seen at low tide on the flats of Turnagain Arm and the occasional bear has been seen.

The remains of the town of Portage can be seen about mile 80. It was completely destroyed during the 1964 Good Friday earthquake.

For more information go to WWW.dot.state.ak.us click on “Highways” for 511 info, Iways & Scenic Byways

From Anchorage

Hooligan Fishing

8 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Tunnel History

T ravel between Portage Valley & Prince William Sound has evolved over the last 200 years. T he Chugach Eskimos hunted and gathered in this area for thousands of years. They trekked over Portage Pass and Portage Glacier to trade and fight with the Athabaskan’s of Cook InletM iners & Prospectors also used Portage Pass to reach the gold fields around Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula. Whittier offers an ice free port that allowed travel to and from the States. Blackstone Glacier was named after Charles Blackstone who was lost up there during a storm in 1897. This route was extremely

difficult and dangerous.I n 1914, the Alaska Railroad con-sidered ways to construct a rail spur to what is now the town of Whittier and the deep water port. This didn’t become a reality until WWII. This port was strategic in that it reduced exposure to Japanese submarines and reduced the risk of Japan bomb-ing the port facilities due to heavy cloud cover and frequent bad weather.I n 1941, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began the 1 mile tunnel through Begich Peak and a 2.5 mile tunnel through Maynard Mountain. On April 23 1943 the spur was com-pleted and Whittier began to grow.

T h e S t o r y o f C h a r l e s & S p o t by Marie Wagner

The wind still howlsAround Blackstone Bay

Forlorn and forsakenStill sometimes today

Like Spot’s lonely criesA dog of much heart

Caught up in a blizzardToward home he did start

An adventurous dogWas lashed to the sledOf 3 men from Seattle

Now frozen & dead

The plan seemed a good oneThey’d follow the trail

From muddy Cook InletIn deep water they’d sail

Heading back to the States,To the families behind

Their dreams had long fadedOf the gold they would find

The sled was well packedFood, blankets & ladders

Spot pulled and men pushedto the Sound was what mattered

The mail they did carryLetters home from the men

Last chance for monthsCorrespondence to send

Heading out in MarchWinter still had it’s grip

But the strong lure of homeOn board a deep water ship

Others had warned themThose had done this before

They warned of thick fogCracks & dangers galore

There was a rope trailThey should have held tightBut the wind and the snowBlew all through the night

The storm drove them onOff course and awayOvertaking the menOn that April Day

Charles was foundBy his friend Mr. HallNo sled and no dog,Just a note that’s all

That told of his friendsAnd their sad demise

Along Prince William SoundAfter leaving Sunrise

Charles Blackstone is goneBut his spirit remains

Of courage and adventureIn this glorious terrain

His spirit now soarsWith the eagles above

Reunited at lastWith the ones that he loved.

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 9

Prior to June 7, 2000, the only ways to access Whittier were by rail, sea or air.

Now the train and road traffic take turns using this state of the art tunnel. Generally speaking the schedule allows for traffic going into Whittier for 15 minutes on the bottom of the hour and out going traffic for 15 minutes at the top of the hour. The train, both freight & passenger, uses it in between.

If you miss the opening, you will need to wait for the next one in 45 minuets. Occasionally there will be some delay in the opening due to accidents, technical difficulties, train schedule or earthquakes. Always allow extra time in your plans for unforeseen factors.

The fee is $12 per passenger car, check website for addition fee schedule & restrictions, www.dot.Alaska.gov/creg/whittiertunnel

Motorcycles are held back for the end of the opening for safety.No bicycle or foot traffic is permitted. It will be necessary to catch a ride with someone through the tunnel if you have a bike or are on foot. This can usually be accomplished, but allow extra time

Landmark Accomplishments:

•Longest highway tunnel in North America, 2.5 miles.

•Longest combined rail and highway use tunnel in

North America.•First U.S. tunnel with jet turbine

and portal fan ventilation.

•First computerized regulation of both rail and highway traffic.

•First tunnel designed for -40° F. and 150 mph winds.

•Portal buildings designed to withstand avalanches

Tunnel Details

Beautiful Learnard Glacier , just north of the tunnel entrance at the head of Passage Canal

photo courtesy of David Wagnerwww.DavidWagner.Smugmug.com

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History

Thousands of people visit Whittier Alaska each year, a town that has been called “the strangest town in Alaska”.

Although the area was inhabited by Native populations for thousands of years, and gold seekers, fur trad-ers and explorers for many decades, Whittier didn’t really develop until WWII. Nearby Whittier Glacier was named for American poet John Greenleaf Whittier and was first pub-lished on a map in 1915.

A port and a railroad terminus were constructed by the U.S. Army for transporting fuel and other supplies into Alaska during World War II. The railroad spur and two tunnels were completed in 1943, and the Whittier Port became the entrance for troops and dependents of the Alaska Com-mand. The huge buildings that domi-nate Whittier began construction in 1948. The 14-story Hodge Building (now Begich Towers or BTI) was built with 198 apartments for army bach-elor quarters and family housing. The Buckner Building (abandoned), com-pleted in 1953, had 1,000 apartments and was once the largest building in Alaska. It was called the “city under one roof,” with a hospital, bowling al-ley, theater, gym, swimming pool, and shops for Army personnel. Whittier Manor was built in the early 1950s by private developers as rental units for civilian employees.

The 1950s brought change to Whittier once again. As the military pulled out, Whittier transformed into a federally run commercial port. This turn of events also provided the opportunity for the private ownership and development potential that exists today.

The port remained an active army facility until 1960; at that time, the population was 1,200. Whittier Manor was converted to condominiums in 1964; Begich Towers, also condo-miniums, now houses the majority of residents, nightly rentals, the police station, the post office, small store & municipal offices. The city was incorporated in 1969.

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 11

Facts & Figures

• 2010 recorded 210 residents

• 2010 had 3 graduating seniors

• School K-12• 286 Ferry dockings

• (May-Sept)• 29 Cruise ship dockings 2011

• Railroad moves more than 8 million tons a

freight a year• Alaska is nine hours by air to 95 percent of the world’s industrial population, strategic

location will only grow in importance.”

• 20 million pounds of commercial fish

processed

Then & Now

What we don’t have:No stop lightsNo barber or beauty salonNo bankNo FedEx or UPS deliveryNo fast foodNo mall

March 27, 1964 was the historic 9.2 quake centered in Prince William Sound. This is the 2nd largest recorded quake in the world and it caused extensive damage around South Central Alaska. The first day there were 11 aftershocks with mag-nitudes greater than 6.0; over the next three weeks there were 9 more. Small-er aftershocks continued for more than a year. 113 people lost their lives in Alaska and another 16 in Oregon & California. Many of the deaths & much of the destruction of Anchorage, Seward, Whittier & Valdez was due to tsunamis.

2011 saw the installation of street signs in Whittier. Over the years signs were destroyed by snow plows & the elements.

There is a great museum in Whittier, located next to the Anchor Inn Hotel . It is well worth the $3 adult admission. Allow enough time to take in the wide variety of

exhibits.

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Events

June 17, 2012 Walk to Whittier

The tunnel will be closed from 1:30-3:00 for people to walk from the Portage side to Whittier for more information contact the Alaska March of Dimes or Whittier Chamber of Commerce11:00 check in at Portage side, best to register in advance

www.marchofdimes.com/alaska At 11 am and 12 noon, The History of the Whittier Tunnel, a slide pre-sentation will be given by Lezlie Murray, Visitor Services Director, and Gordon Burton, Facility Manager for the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, in the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center’s classroom prior to the start of the walk through the Whittier Tunnel.

July 4 th Celebrations

Spectacular fireworks, parade, picnic and fun for the whole family

Fishing DerbiesHalibut Derby May 1st - September 15

Salmon Derby June 1st - September 15th

Tickets will be available from many of the charter fishing operators or other merchants, including the Inn at Whittier.

Captain Cooks BooksIn the “Harbor Triangle”

Books, Identification Guides, Maps, Unique Gifts, T-Shirts, Hats, Gloves

and Sunglasses907-472-2636

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 13

See & Do

Log Cabin Gifts

In the “Harbor Triangle”

Brenda Tolman“The Reindeer Lady”

Local ArtistLongtime Resident

Handmade orna-ments, leather goods, ceramics and more

907-472-2501

14 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Kyaking

Experience of a Lifetime.

Unparalleled beauty, wa-terfalls, hidden coves, bird rookeries, glacial views, calm protected water are part of the kayaking experience in majes-tic Prince William Sound.

Be Prepared. . . .

Although Passage Canal & Prince William Sound are some of the most protected waters in Alaska, it is still the ocean and the natural environment must be taken into account. Wind creates waves. At times the wind can really howl through here. Oth-er times it is like a big pond.

Contact an experienced guide or company for maps and local knowledge. It is recom-mended to use a local guide the first time out of Whittier, even if you are an experi-enced ocean kayaker in other areas. Knowing the local winds, currents & other haz-ards can be a valuable asset.Be prepared for rain and you will have an enjoyable trip. Hope for the best but prepare

for the worst. It has been said that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Local guides will provide some gear. For clothing there are several options in Anchorage. Don’t expect to find what you need or want in Whittier, unless you have checked ahead.

PWS has very high tides. We do not have the strong rip tides and currents in our area. Get a tide charts to help you decide where your campsite will be. Make sure it’s above the high tide line, which usu-ally creeps up in the middle of the night. Campsites are lim-ited because of the mountain-ous terrain, so refer to map for possible camping sites before you head out.

PWS is rain forest, being prepared is the key to stay dry. Clothing is important. Use polypro for inner layer, fleece or pile for middle layer, and a wind & water resistant shell for outer layer. Temperatures in the summer range from 45 to 70 degrees F and is usually cooler around the glaciers

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What NOT TO DO . .

In his 20+ years as a boat captain in Resurrection Bay, Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska, Captain Dave Wagner has had several experiences rescuing kayakers or recovering their gear that got away.

One common mistake is to underes-timate an incoming tide. The tides in South Central Alaska are some of the highest in the world. Kayakers have been known to pull up on a remote beach, camp or hike only to find their kayaks & gear have been swept away by the incoming tide. They are then left to the elements usually without a radio or any other survival gear.

Another mistake was made by 3 inexperienced men in Blackstone Bay by underestimating the swell from

a calving tidewater glacier. It was a relatively warm sunny day and they pulled their kayak up on the rocks near the face of an active glacier for a break and a bite of lunch. Sud-denly the glacier broke loose and they scrambled up the cliff to escape being swept away by the 42 degree water. But the violent wave ripped the kayak out of their hands and they were left with just the clothes on their backs. One man was barefoot. It was raining and cold, about 45 F and they had no way to call for help. They huddled together under an overhang for the night. The next afternoon, they were spotted by a tour boat who called the Coast Guard Auxiliary and eventually were rescued from their precarious plight.

Kayak accidents are a substantial part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary search & rescue work load each summer.

Prince William Sound Tours

We know WhittierLet us help you

select the tour that best suits your needs

Call Marie 623-703-8890www.PrinceWilliamSoundTours.com

Glacier & Wildlife Tours

Paddle Safely

16 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

www.DavidWagner.Smugmug.com

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 17

18 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Glacier ToursA variety of choices are avail-able for wildlife and glacier tours into Prince William Sound. It is an expansive area with 11,000 square miles, 3500 mile of coast-line and 150 glaciers. The Sound is ringed by steep, glaciated mountains. The rugged coastline has many islands & fjords, many containing tidewater glaciers.

There is so much to see that it is best explored with an experi-enced Captain & guide. Many of the day cruises include a National Forest ranger on board to answer any question about the birds and

sea mammals nearby. Captains, familiar with the pristine waters and the treasures it hold make every effort to ensure passengers don’t miss breaching whales, frolicking sea otters, diving sea birds and calving glaciers.

The sound was named by George Vancouver for King George III of Great Briton’s son William IV. Most of the land surround-ing Prince William Sound is part of the Chugach (choo-gach) National Forest, the 2nd largest national forest in the U.S.

BLACKSTONE GLACIER CRUISE • SURPRISE GLACIER CRUISE

Experience Prince William Sound

• Breathtaking scenery full of magnificent glaciers and abundant wildlife.

• Chugach Forest Ranger onboard.

• Dine on Alaska salmon and prime rib.

• Daily departures from Whittier, Alaska.

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 19

www.SidekickTours.com

Wildlife Viewing in and around Whittier

Eagles nest in a tree across from the Major Marine Tour office. You can see the pair perched atop the antennas around the harbor and along the creek.. Watch for the white “snowball” of the head in the green trees. The juveniles do not grow the white head feathers until they are about 5 years old.

Mountain goats can sometimes be seen on the hills surrounding Whittier. They are frequently seen from the boat tours in the spring before the trees fill out.

Bears, both black & brown, are prevalent but sometimes hard to see

Sea lions can be seen on the rocky coastline on some of the glacier tours. Occasionally one is seen from town in the creek or just off shore

Whales can be seen any where at anytime. There are Orcas that can be seen anytime. Hump-backs are most often seen during the summer months as well as the occasional Minke whale

Sea Otters are usually plentiful throughout the Sound

Harbor seals are often seen resting on ice floes in front of the tidewater glaciers

Humming birds, Rufous, are frequent visitors traveling 3,000 miles from Mexico. Look for the feeders around town & at the BTI

Wildlife

Psalm 104 24 O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom

have you made them all; the earth is full

of your creatures. 25 Here is the sea, great

and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living

things both small and great. 26 There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to

play in it.

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Where To Stay

H o t e l s , I n n s , B & B , C a b i n s , C o n d o s , C a m p i n g

There are a number of options available for overnighting in Whittier. Advance reservations are highly recommended be-cause there are several factors that affect the availability.

The beautiful Inn At Whittier was built in 2004. It has an im-pressive architectural presence and offers stunning views of the bay from the dining room.

The Anchor Inn was formerly the Army Communications and Headquarters but is now home to a hotel, restaurant & bar.

Nightly condo rentals are avail-able, in the Begich Tours, with 1,

2, or 3 bedroom options.

There are 3 places in town to buy groceries or snacks to make your stay feel like home.

The campground has no hook-ups but there is a city dump & water available in front of the City Public Works Dept. onWhittier Street

www.SidekickTours.com

At the Gateway toPrince William Sound

www.innatwhittier.com | reservations 907-472-3200 | info@innatwhittier.com

We invite you to make arrangements to visit this deluxe Alaskan Inn located at the mouth of the Whittier Harbor on Prince William Sound. We think you will enjoy the craftsmanship that has gone into construction, the carefully appointed touches throughout, and the tasty offerings of our restaurant by the sea. Please join us!

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Mileages from Whittier to:Anchorage. . . . . . . . . 60Seward . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Homer . . . . . . . . . . . .201Girdwood . . . . . . . . . . 25Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Denali . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Affordable, year-round passenger and vehicle service.

FerryAlaska.com/whit800-642-0066

For information and a FREE DVD

SEE ALASKA thE ALASKA MArinE highwAy

On

THE SOUND STORIES PROJECT gathers compelling stories, using the web to link words and images with scientific understanding of the people who live, work and play here.

Add your own story atwww.soundstories.org

Share stories about- Wildlife- Natural Features- Weather & Tides- Communities- Culture & Arts- History- Making a Living- Recreation- Exxon Valdez Oil Spill- Sound Stewardship

Read, Listen & Watch then Submit Your Own Story to Prince William Sound’s Virtual Visitor Center!

Around the Sound

PARKING is a PAIN!Like so many places these days,

parking can be a hassle. In Whittier it is compounded by the lack of real estate. Much of the area is railroad property. So PLEASE read the signs, ask, park in designated areas. All but short term parking is paid

parking, but it is reasonable.

22 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Weather & Climate

Temperate RainforestsSoutheast Alaska is at the heart of the North American temper-ate rainforest which extends from Northern California along Oregon, Washington, Canada and Southcentral Alaska. Tem-perate rainforests are just as wet as tropical rainforests, averaging 200 inches of rain a year (16’), but they are cooler. The climate is moderated by its proximity to the ocean currents which bring warmer water from Japan in the winter, keeping the water temperature well below freezing, approximately 42 F. Summer ocean temperatures of 55 F create frequent fog that keeps it cooler. Coastal Alaska, is not as warm or as cold as the interior of the state. This climate makes a perfect en-vironment for lush vegetation in the Chugach National Forest, year round ice fields & glaciers, thou-sands of waterfalls & streams and a variety of abundant wildlife.The steep mountains along the sea contribute to the huge amount of precipitation along the coast. Often the mountains act as a bar-rier to the clouds moving through and allow them to drop the ac-cumulated moisture to the valleys below. The maritime climate can

mean frequent and rapid changes from sun to rain to snow and back. Whittier is one of the most difficult locales to predict what the weather will do on any given day. So bring a raincoat, hat & gloves, a warm underlayer and you’ll be cozy & comfortable, rain or shine or wind. We’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.A Windy CityWhittier’s proximity to Portage Pass has a major influence on wind. The Pass is a natural ventu-ri, which accelerates wind, much like pinching off a garden hose accelerates water. The winds are strong and variable with a mean hourly wind speed of 10-15 mph. The strongest winds blow east and west along the axes of Passage Canal. Winds of 40 to 60 miles per hour are not uncommon and may generate waves from 4 to 6 feet in height in the center of Pas-sage Canal. A south wind from the Whittier Glacier can attain a speed of 30-50 miles per hour and persist for long periods of time. The winter storm winds are gener-ated out of the east/northeast over Billings Glacier with winds from 70 to over 100 miles per hour.

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 23

Does it Always Rain Here?Whittier gets about 16’ (feet)of rain a year (plus 20’ of snow), Anchorage gets 5-6’Amazon rain forest gets 9’ Seattle gets about 7’ of rain. So, yeah, rain is normal. But when the sun pops out, or the clouds lift, it is truly

AMAZING!

www.SidekickTours.com

Whittier SummerAverages Temp Precip. Daylight

May 45 F 15” 17:26June 53 F 10” 18:58July 56 F 11” 18:05Aug 55 F 15” 15:34Sept 48 F 21” 12:46

Fire & Ice

Volcanos, Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Northern Lights

Alaska is an amazing place. There are over 130 volcanos in Alaska which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. There is an average of 1 eruption per year.There are earthquakes all around the world every day. A significant num-ber of those are around the Pacific Plate(Pacific Ring of Fire). Tsunamis, however, are rare.Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, are best seen in a dark sky, when it is cold. Fall, winter, and spring are best.

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Fishing & Hunting

Alaska is world famous for it’s legendary fishing and the experi-ence of a lifetime. Whittier is one of several choice fishing locations around South Central Alaska. Halibut, salmon and other species are available. The best way to maximize your experience and chance for success is to hire an experienced boat & guide. The season is short in Alaska and there is a limited number of charter fishing guides so advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

Advice of a local travel planner will help you figure out the logistics and timing of the activities you want to include in your Alaskan Adventure. You may want to do a day of fishing in Whittier and another in Seward or Anchor Point or Homer. Weather, tides and the plans of your travel partners can all factor into the strategy to meet everyone’s dreams.

Sidekick Tours, Fishing & Hunting 30 years in AlaskaSeward-Whittier-Homer-Kenai- Soldotna-Anchor PointHalibut, Ling Cod, Rock Fish, Salmon,Oceans - Rivers -Fly In, ask us about trophy mounts, have your fish & mount it too!w w w . S i d e k i c k T o u r s . c o m

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 25

Sidekick Tours, Fishing & Hunting 30 years in AlaskaSeward-Whittier-Homer-Kenai- Soldotna-Anchor PointHalibut, Ling Cod, Rock Fish, Salmon,Oceans - Rivers -Fly In, ask us about trophy mounts, have your fish & mount it too!w w w . S i d e k i c k T o u r s . c o m

Hunting for Bear, Moose, Deer, Caribou, Goat or Sheep can be arranged

Some trips leave from Whittier by boat, others

leave by plane from other locations.

Fish Mounts to memorialize your trip

Fiberglass replicas allow you to keep your fish or catch & release. Quality products at a fair price

www.SidekickTours.com

The cost of a fishing charter may OR may not include other items. Always ask about and factor in:•Lunch•Parking

•Fishing license•Derby tickets•Fish cleaning•Tips•Packaging•Freeze & ship

Most charters provide all the gear, bait and tackle required. Many of them have coffee and water on board and most have on-board heads (toilets)

Fish On!

Call Marie at

623-703-8890

26 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Train & Plane ToursTravel via the Alaska Railroad is one of the most unique experi-ences. Although the railroad only runs as far south as Seward and north to Fairbanks, a great deal of Alaska can be seen by rail that can not be seen from the highway.

Food & beverage are available onboard.

Whittier doesn’t have a “depot” as such. During the summer a white canvas awning is erected to protect waiting passengers from wind & rain. It is not enclosed or heated. There is no attendant there. You can reach the railroad by phone, wait for it to arrive or contact your travel agent for more information.

Scenic Flights - Bear Viewing-Glacier Landing

by floatplanes, wheeled planes or helicopters are available from sev-eral locations not far from Whittier in Girdwood, An-

chorage, Moose Pass, Seward, or Soldotna. Glacier landing & dog sled tours atop nearby glaciers are also available. Weather is an important factor on what, where and how you can take advantage of a flight tour. It is wise to keep some “wiggle room” in you itin-erary to allow for weather delays.

S i d e k i c k T o u r s623-703-8890

www.SidekickTours.com

1-800-544-0552 • (907) 265-2494 • TDD (907) 265-2620 • ALASKARAILROAD.COM

Alaska’s premier year-round regularly scheduled public transportation service

THE BEST WAY TO SEE ALASKA IS ON THE RAILROAD

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 27

GrandView Train

They weren’t kidding when they named this area Grandview! The train is the only way to get into this remote, wild & beautiful area and yet it is just an afternoon trip from Whittier.

Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop & Hike

This is a remote area and an thrilling experience only acces-sible by train. A gravel path with benches and breathtaking scenic views leads from the train stop to Spencer Glacier Lake. You may chose to trek alone or join a Chugach National Forest Ranger for an informational tour. More ambitious hikers can take the 3.4 mile trail that takes you right to the face of the glacier.

How it WorksEvery day, conditions permitting, the Alaska Railroad, Glacier Dis-covery Train leaves Anchorage at 9:45 a.m. arriving in Whittier at 12:05 in time for visitors to enjoy a wildlife & glacier boat cruise or stay on board and depart at 12:45 for a quick trip back to Portage and then off to Spencer

& Grandview at 1:25. The train stops first at Spencer to drop off the hikers, campers & rafters then proceeds on up to Grand-view. Passengers are not allowed to disembark the train in that remote wilderness area. After a short interlude, the train re-verses and begins the trip back to Spencer to pick up the returning hikers. A little further down the line it stops again to pick up the folks that floated down the creek from Spencer Lake

Spencer Glacier Rail & Hike$64 from Whittier or Portage$103 from Anchorage

Grandview Train$85 from Whittier or Portage$110 from Anchorage

Into The Wilds

28 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

several dining options in triangle & other areasShort term parking allowedin triangle and boat harboror pay at Harbormaster o�ceDay cruise guests use Creeksideparking lot, resonalbe feePost O�ce is in the BTI on KenaiStreetPolice are at the BTI, 911 will getpolice or EMTs, they are a help-ful friendly bunch, but will writespeeding or other violationsWhittier Community Health Center at the BTIUnderground pedestrian tunnel connects Whittier St & Harbor Rd

CreeksideParking &Camping

BTI

Log Cabin Gifts

SchoolK-12

WWW.WhittierAlaska.info 29

several dining options in triangle & other areasShort term parking allowedin triangle and boat harboror pay at Harbormaster o�ceDay cruise guests use Creeksideparking lot, resonalbe feePost O�ce is in the BTI on KenaiStreetPolice are at the BTI, 911 will getpolice or EMTs, they are a help-ful friendly bunch, but will writespeeding or other violationsWhittier Community Health Center at the BTIUnderground pedestrian tunnel connects Whittier St & Harbor Rd

CreeksideParking &Camping

BTI

Log Cabin Gifts

SchoolK-12

30 Visit Whittier Alaska 2012

Airstrip landing info: www.airnav.com/airport/PAWRwww.faa.gov

Dept of Natural Resources, Marine Parks & Recreationwww.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/pwssmp/smppws.htm

Fishing & Hunting:Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute- www.alaskaseafood.orgAlaska Department of Fish and Game- www.adfg.state.ak.us

Highway Info:www.511.Alaska.govwww.byways.Alaska.gov

Geology/Climate:www.acrc.Alaska.edu Rainforest Centerwww.avo.Alaska.edu Volcano Observatorywww.aeic.Alaska.edu Earthquake Informationwww.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForcast Northern Lightsfairbanks-alaska.com Northern Lights Info

Reservations & Personal assistance:www.SidekickTours.comwww.PrinceWilliamSoundTours.com

RV Infowww.sanidumps.com/sanidumps_usamerica.phpTunnel:www.dot.Alaska.gov/creg/whittiertunnel/index.shtml

U.S. Forest Service Resources www.fs.fed.us/outdoors/naturewatchPrince William Sound Activity Book PDF www.PSW-activity book Begich Boggs Center in Portage Valley www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=stelprdb5251094

Whittier:www.WhittierAlaska.govwww.WhittierAlaska.infoWhittier Garden Club www.whittiergardenclubmyblog

Reference & Resources

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Important Phone NumbersAlaska Troopers-Girdwood 907-783-0972Alaska Wildlife Troopers 907-783-0970Church- 907-472-2483 WhittierCCC@gmail.comCity of Whittier 907-472-2327 Clinic-Whittier 907-472-2303 www.EATribes.orgClinic-Girdwood 907 783-1355 www.girdwoodclinic.comEmergency 911

Kenai Flight Service 24/7 flight plans & info 866-864-1737Police, Whittier 907-472-2340 Shoreside fuel dock 907-472-2314U.S. Coast Guard,Search & Rescue, chan 16 or 907-271-6769 Whittier Harbormaster . . . . . . 907- 472-2327

www.SidekickTours.com

Thanks to all those that made this publication possible, . . .

Phone Numbers

Forward Lookout by David Wagner www.DavidWagner.Smugmug.com