WrangellWrangell at a Glance
Costs: About $160 per day - remote-Alaska costs; travel and supplies increase daily expenses.
Safety: Safe, remote wilderness risks - generally safe town but remote; wildlife and weather are real risks.
Best Time: June-August (best weather and fishing) - best for fishing, wildlife viewing, and mildest weather.
Why Visit Wrangell?
Sitting on the Stikine River delta and accessible by ferry, this island community draws anglers, birders and history seekers to its Tlingit heritage sites and rows of carved totem poles. Salmon runs bring commercial and sport fishing, while town museums and guided cultural tours explain decades of Russian, Tlingit and early American frontier stories. Nearby fjords, tideflats and old-growth forests offer plentiful wildlife-watching and paddling opportunities.
Best Things to Do in Wrangell
Island
Wrangell Island
Forest-covered Alaskan island and fishing community
Island
Etolin Island
Remote Alaskan island in the Alexander Archipelago.
Wrangell Bucket List
Don't Miss
Wrangell Museum - Browse exhibits on Tlingit culture, Russian-American history, and local maritime traditions.
Chief Shakes Tribal House - See a restored Tlingit clan house with carved house posts and artifacts.
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site - Walk shore to see ancient petroglyphs and interpretive signs about early inhabitants.
Anan Wildlife Observatory - Boat trip to observe brown bears fishing at local salmon streams in season.
Hidden Gems
Stikine River boat excursions - Charter a boat for glacier views, wildlife, and dramatic fjord scenery nearby.
Fort Wrangell historic site - Explore remnants of the old military fort and learn about early colonial interactions.
Local cannery visits - Visit a small cannery or processing facility to learn regional fishing industry practices.
Day Trips
Prince of Wales Island - Ferry to Prince of Wales Island for hiking, fishing villages, and rainforest trails.
Stikine River delta boat trips - Take a boat trip to the Stikine River delta for birdlife and mudflats.
Best Time to Visit Wrangell
Visit Wrangell in late spring through summer for the mildest weather, long daylight, and best wildlife and fishing. Winters are wet and cool, with limited access and a very quiet local pace.
Winter
Cold, wet, and dark with frequent rain or snow; outdoor activities are limited, but dramatic storm-watching and quiet, isolated town life have a stark charm.
Spring
Thawing, increasingly long days bring migratory birds and abundant salmon runs; expect muddy trails, frequent rain, and excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Summer
Mild, mostly dry weather ideal for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife cruises; peak season for ferries, long daylight, and buzzing outdoor activity.
Wrangell's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 18°C. Heavy rainfall (2792 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 1° | -5° | 278 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 3° | -3° | 221 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 5° | -1° | 193 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 9° | 3° | 171 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 5° - 13° | 7° | 161 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 16° | 12° | 131 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 18° | 14° | 134 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 14° | 189 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 7° - 14° | 11° | 283 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.7 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 10° | 5° | 432 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 5° | -1° | 307 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 2° | -4° | 292 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
How to Get to Wrangell
Wrangell (Southeast Alaska) is primarily reached by regional flights or by ferry via the Alaska Marine Highway. Sea and air schedules vary seasonally, so plan and book ahead-ferries are a scenic, practical option for travel with luggage or vehicles.
Wrangell Airport (WRG): Wrangell has a local airport handling scheduled regional flights (air taxi and small commuter services) connecting to other Southeast Alaska communities. Flights land on gravel or paved strips depending on service; flights are short and schedules change seasonally.
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN): For more flight options travelers may route via Ketchikan (then continue by regional flight or ferry). From KTN you can connect with scheduled floatplane or small‑aircraft services to Wrangell; travel times vary by routing and conditions.
Train: There is no passenger rail service to Wrangell.
Ferry / Marine: The Alaska Marine Highway System (state ferry) and regional boat operators provide essential connections to Wrangell from other Southeast Alaska communities (e.g., Ketchikan, Petersburg). Ferries and commuter boats are practical for cargo and passenger travel-check Alaska Marine Highway schedules and book ahead in season.
How to Get Around Wrangell
Access to Wrangell is by regional air or ferry; both are dependable seasonally but subject to weather. Once on the island, walking, biking and short taxi trips cover most local needs.
- Regional scheduled flights / Air taxi (USD 100-300+) - Wrangell is served by regional carriers and air taxi services connecting to hubs like Ketchikan; flights are short and convenient for island hopping. Services can be subject to weather-allow flexibility and confirm schedules on the day.
- Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) (USD 20-150 (depends on distance/vehicle)) - The state ferry system links Wrangell with other Southeast Alaska ports-an excellent option for scenic travel and transporting vehicles or larger luggage. Ferries operate on published schedules but can be seasonal with limited sailings.
- Water taxi / Private boat (USD 50-300+) - Local water taxis and private charters provide flexible, often faster access between nearby communities; useful for bespoke transfers and sightseeing. Prices depend on distance and operator.
- Local taxi / Shuttle (USD 5-50) - Taxis and small shuttles serve Wrangell for airport and harbour transfers-handy for door‑to‑door trips. Availability can be limited out of peak season, so arrange in advance when possible.
- Bicycle (USD 0-20/day) - Wrangell is small and bike‑friendly for local trips; renting or bringing a bike is useful for short errands and exploring the waterfront. Terrain is generally gentle.
- Walking - Downtown Wrangell is compact and easily explored on foot-the most pleasant way to see the waterfront, shops and historical sites. Walking is the primary mode within town.
Where to Stay in Wrangell
Budget
Town center & harbor - $70-140/night
Wrangell is remote; budget options are basic motels and simple cabins. Availability fluctuates seasonally-book ahead in summer.
Wrangell visitor lodging listings - Local motels and simple cabins listed.
Regional listings & small inns - Basic inns serving ferry and fishing visitors.
Mid-Range
Near harbor - $140-240/night
Mid-range choices are locally run inns and lodges that cater to fishing, wildlife viewing, and ferry travelers-comfortable but rustic.
Wrangell Lodging & B&Bs (local) - Comfortable B&Bs with local hospitality.
Private inns and lodges - Regional lodges for anglers and travelers.
Luxury
Island & waterfront - $250+/night
There are no large luxury resorts in Wrangell; luxury travel relies on private charters, premium lodges, or upscale vacation rentals nearby.
Private upscale rentals (seasonal) - Top-end cabins and private homes.
Luxury Alaska lodges (regional) - Higher-end lodges reachable by charter.
Nightlife in Wrangell
Nightlife in Wrangell is low-key-local bars, community events and occasional live music make up most evening entertainment. The scene is friendly and informal rather than late-night or club-oriented. Summer brings more visitors and activities; winters are very quiet after dark.
Shopping in Wrangell
Shopping in Wrangell centers on local outfitters, general stores and Native craft vendors; expect supplies for fishing, boating and outdoor activities. Seasonal souvenir shops open near the harbor for visitors. For specialty items or a larger grocery selection, plan on ordering or traveling to larger hubs in Southeast Alaska.