FREE www.petersburg.org PetersburgPetersburg Little Norway. Big Adventure.
2021
Viking Visitor Guide & Vacation Planner
2021 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page A-1 Information about this Visitor Guide
This guide is a hybrid version of our 2020 edition, which went largely unused during the pandemic plagued year which brought the visitor industry to a halt. With the cooperation of our advertisers, we are able to use the inside pages of last year’s publication and print a new cover section that includes space for new advertisers. See page B-1 for advertiser revisions.
ON THE COVER: Stellar Sea Lions at rest on the Red Can at the Sightseeing & intersection of Wrangell Narrows and Frederick Sound. The navigational buoy is a popular hangout for both mammals and birds like the Pelagic Cormorant, seen atop Transportation the structure. Throughout S.E. Alaska and Petersburg Area Photo by Carey Carmichael Case/Wild Iris Photography • SIGHTSEEING An official publication of the PETERSBURG -Devil’s Thumb CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, P.O. Box 649, Petersburg, Alaska 99833, Phone: (907)772-3646 -LeConte Glacier WEBSITE: www.petersburg.org -Wildlife
VIKING VISITOR GUIDE PUBLISHED SINCE 1979 by -Whales PILOT PUBLISHING, INC. Contents Copyright 2021. ABIN All photos in the Guide courtesy of Petersburg Pilot • USFS C unless otherwise noted. ACCESS • HUNTING TRIPS • FISHING TRIPS El Zarape • REMOTE LAKES FLY-IN • FREIGHT Mexican Food Tacos, Burritos, Nachos LOCATED Hamburgers & more AT LLOYD R. ROUNDTREE SERVING BREAKFAST SEAPLANE FACILITY EVERY DAY 7AM - 12 PM 907-518-1957 or 907-723-1053 Downtown Petersburg Email: [email protected] @Petersburg Flying Service LLC Summer Hours: Open 7 days a week 11a-8p Winter Hours: Open 7 days a week 11a-7p N. Nordic Dr. and Fram Street Petersburg Phone: (907) 518-1611 Flying Service, LLC Revised advertising to an ad on page 11 Page B-1 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide ADVERTISER REVISIONS
INGA’S GALLEY - Ad on page 31 New phone number 808-430-8019 Serving Thai Food by Wear Eide Providing special events with Live Music
EL ZARAPE - Ad on page A-1
HARBOR WAY PARTS, INC – Ad on page 43 Now under new ownership and operates as Take a walking tour of 12 trash High Tide Parts at the same location. cans inspired by historic labels of Petersburg area canneries. TAMICO – Ad on page 15 Many of the labels are special to No longer provides propane services. Petersburg, and showcase the strong civic pride Now provided by Alaska Fibre, Inc. locals share and family histories that helped build See ad on page A-44 this unique fishing community.
PACIFIC WINGS, LLC - Ad on page 4 Colorful, historic salmon Out of business can trash bins line streets
“One Family, Two Journeys” Over 40 Years of Experience! ZEUS CREWZ Together we can customize a 2-5 day trip for up to 5 people at a time, designed by you with our guidance. With a crew license you could become part of the Zeus Crew. ✦ COMMERCIAL FISHING ✦ BEAR/WILDLIFE VIEWING ✦ CAMPING/HIKING/KAYAKING ✦ HOT SPRINGS ✦ FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD ✦ FIVE FINGER LIGHTHOUSE VIEWING ✦ NATIVE HISTORICAL SITES POINT RETREAT ✦ GLACIER DINNER CRUISE ✦ SOLITUDE AT OUR RIVERFRONT CABIN This tour vessel provides a roomy, ✦ ECOTOURISM Call Captain Rob at 907-518-0265 heated cabin with elevated booth ✦ LOCAL SEAFOOD seating for 13 passengers. She has DELIGHTS AVAILABLE Email at [email protected] ideal deck space for sightseeing ✦ WATER TAXI and photography. ✦ COMFORTABLE USCG Licensed and Insured ✦ TOURS TO LECONTE GLACIER RESTROOM ✦ WHALE AND MARINE Book Online - MAMMAL TOURS SeekAK.com
Web: SeekAK.com Email: [email protected] Facebook and Instagram: Seek Alaska Tours MAKE US YOUR ALASKA FERRY HEADQUARTERS CALL NOW! 1(800) 327-2571 BELLA VISTA or visit us online at www.AlaskaFerry.com GARNET MINE Four Hour Excursions ~ PETERSBURG AND ALASKA TOURS ~ Garnets Guaranteed! • Whale Watching • LeConte Glacier Bay Boat and Air Tours • Families Welcome! For Reservations: • Helicopter Flightseeing & Glacier Walk • Call: 1 (703) 835-5714 • Half and Full Day Guided Kayak Tours • Anan Bear Trips • Email: [email protected]
~ ALASKA TRIP PLANNING ~ Last Minute Air Travel, Sightseeing Tours, Lodging and More
Let Viking Travel make your Alaska trip planning a breeze! VIKING TRAVEL, INC. 1(907) 772-3818 • 1(800) 327-2571 • PO Box 787 101 N. Nordic Dr. • Petersburg, AK 99833 www.AlaskaFerry.com
Last Minute Travel Specialists Since 1979
The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce welcomes you Please visit us at our website: www.petersburg.org VISITOR INFORMATION
• Maps • Visitor Guides • Activity & Tour Info • Answers to All Petersburg Questions • Public Restroom • Corner of 1st & Fram Sts.
Photo courtesy of Carey Carmichael Case / Wild Iris Photography PETERSBURG VISITOR CENTER P.O. Box 649 • Petersburg, Alaska 99833 Phone:907-772-4636 Page 2 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
Point of Interest on Mitkof Island ...... 25 Table of Contents LeConte Glacier ...... 30-31 Velkommen to Little Norway ...... 3 Bears ...... 32 Getting to Petersburg ...... 4 RVs Are Welcome ...... 32 Little Norway ...... 5 Cannery Park ...... 33 Petersburg Facts and Stats ...... 6-7 Walks and Hikes ...... 34-37 Community Events ...... 8 Commercial Fishing ...... 38-39 Churches ...... 8 Five Finger Lighthouse ...... 41 52 Things to Do in Petersburg ...... 9-11 Devil’s Thumb ...... 42-43 Attractions for Visitors ...... 12-15 Advertiser’s Index ...... 44 Restrooms ...... 13 Weather ...... 44 Norwegian Dishes ...... 16 PILOT PUBLISHING, INC. Wildlife Viewing Tips ...... 17 VIKING VISITOR GUIDE PUBLISHED SINCE 1979 Humpback Whales ...... 18-19 Phone: 907-772-9393 Walking Tour through Petersburg ...... 20-29 207 N.Nordic Dr. • P.O. Box 930 • FAX 907-772-4871 Petersburg Map ...... 22-23 email: [email protected] website: www.petersburgpilot.com Publishers Ron & Anne Loesch © Copyright 2020 Mitkof Island Map ...... 24 All photos in the guide included courtesy of the Petersburg Pilot, unless otherwise stated.
In Case You Need Us! BROWSE FOR BOOKS AND UNIQUE GIFTS Ambulance ...... 911 IN THE PETERSBURG BOARDING HOUSE Fire ...... 911 Visit our Police ...... (772-3838) 911 Alaska Room Hospital ...... 772-4291 • Local Art Borough Clerk ...... 772-5405 • Alaska books, cards Borough Manager ...... 772-5402 and maps • Native design Finance Director ...... 772-5401 products, ivory and Harbormaster ...... 772-4688 antler carvings Library ...... 772-3349 • Surprises around Power & Light ...... 772-4203 every corner Public Works ...... 772-4430 We sell stamps and ship purchases. Community Gym ...... 772-3392 LOCATED ON HISTORIC SING LEE ALLEY Swimming Pool ...... 772-3304 Sponsored as a public service by: Mon. - Sat. 9:30 to 5:30 Petersburg Sunday 10 to 4
Borough 772-4440 • FIND US ON FACEBOOK Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 3 Velkommen to Little Norway Welcome to Petersburg, known for its Norwegian heritage and evolved into Petersburg Fisheries Inc., now the largest seafood for harboring one of Alaska’s most prosperous fishing fleets. processor in town as measured by canning capacity. Petersburg Fishing began approximately 2,000 years ago northeast of Fisheries eventually developed into a major seafood-processing Petersburg at Sandy Beach. The beach area served as a fish camp corporation, Icicle Seafoods Inc. Their parent company is Cooke for local Natives of Tlingit heritage. Aquaculture, based on the East Coast of the U.S. The region turned into a year-round community around the turn Many of Petersburg’s residents can trace their heritage back to of the 20th century after a Nor- Norwegian ancestors, who fol- wegian, Peter Buschmann, eyed lowed Peter Buschmann to the the blue ice of LeConte Glacier. snowy mountains and fjords that Buschmann decided the north reminded them of home. At one end of Mitkof Island, with glacier time, Norwegian was commonly ice available nearby, would be an heard on the town’s wooden ideal spot for a cannery. streets and Norwegian Constitu- In 1897, construction began on tion Day is still celebrated during the new site for Icy Straits Pack- the Little Norway Festival each ing Co., for which Buschmann May. was manager. Icy Straits also built a sawmill to cut lumber for Fishing continues to be the backbone of the economy, with the building of the cannery, which was completed in 1900. some $45.1 million in seafood landed and processed. Tourism Docks, homes, warehouses and other businesses sprang up has replaced logging as a driver of the local economy. Small around the cannery and in 1910 the city of Petersburg was incor- timber harvests continue on a much more limited basis. porated. Ours is a busy, working fishing community that enjoys hosting Icy Straits, after changing hands several times, eventually summer visitors.
Waterfront Dining at an historic salmon cannery The restaurant features a wide selection of appetizers: ²Custom Processing of Your Catch ²Deliver your catch dockside
• STEAMER CLAMS • SEARED AHI ² Smoking and/or Canning & Shipping Mail Order Service/ • SHRIMP WONTONS • NACHOS ²Retail Seafood Products Available Year-round Shipping Main entrees feature: • Steaks • Seafood Other local 907-772-3662 • Fettuccine favorites www.tonkaseafoods.com Looking for nightly, weekly or monthly rentals? P.O. Box 1420 • Petersburg, AK 99833 We have those available also! 1200 S. Nordic Drive Just South of the Ferry Terminal
Downtown Petersburg Nordic Drive Tonka Seafoods
Coast Ferry Mitkof Call to Schedule - 772-3888 • 384 Mitkof Highway, Petersburg, Alaska Float Guard Terminal Cannery plane Email: [email protected] South Harbor dock Page 4 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Getting to Petersburg Getting to Petersburg is part of the adventure. To reach Mitkof Island, where Petersburg is located, you will have to fly or float. Many visitors arrive on Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Small cruise ships also bring guests to our shores. Alaska Airlines provides twice-daily jet service from Seattle or Anchorage and several smaller scheduled and char- tered air taxis serve Petersburg from throughout Southeast Alaska. And best of all, Petersburg is off the beaten path of the large cruise ships, keeping it less crowded than many tourist destinations. Petersburg hosts a growing flotilla of luxury yachts, owned and leased by the rich and famous. It is a popular port of National Geographic s Sea Bird makes an evening departure from Petersburg along Wrangell call for smaller cruisers from both Narrows. Photo courtesy of Troy Larson. Alaska and along the western coastline of the lower 48.
CELEBRATING OVER 25 YEARS IN PETERSBURG
FULL CHINESE MENU • QUALITY Cantonese Style • SERVICE Combination Every Night Egg Rolls & Fried Rice • CLEANLINESS Our Specialty ALL ARE #1 AMERICAN FINE DINING WITH US Hamburgers & LOCAL SEAFOOD Children’s Menu Beer & Wine Personalized, professional service
Open Tues. - Sat. 11:30 am - 8:00 pm FOR ALL TYPES OF CHARTERS Sunday 8 am - 8:00 pm CESSNA & DEHAVILLAND BEAVER • Transports • Wildlife & Scenic Trips Closed Monday • Glacier Flights • Photography Tours LOCATED ACROSS FROM FERRY TERMINAL • Commercial • Flightseeing • Freight Hauls 1103 NORDIC DRIVE • PETERSBURG, AK 99833
772-4221 OR 772-4222 [email protected] • www.pacwing.com TO GO ORDERS WELCOME P.O. Box 1560 • Petersburg, AK 99833 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 5 PETERSBURG Little Norway......
BIG SHOPPING: We’re a charter captains can take you to small town with a giant selec- view orcas, porpoises, hump- tion of goods and wares. You backs, sea lions and all species can buy colored shoelaces at our of sea birds. Try your hand at clothing store or a spool of inch- hooking and netting our famous thick wire rope at our shipyard. wily king salmon. Our art galleries feature the work of world-renowned artists BIG BOATS: Walk the 3- and the crafts of many locals. miles of floats in Petersburg’s Grocery stores here rival the se- north, south and middle harbors lection of the chain-owned and view nearly 700 vessels stores “down south,” while our from 12-ft row boats to mega- retail seafood processors will tenders that can haul hundreds pick-up and fillet your catch or of thousands of pounds of sal- serve your recently delivered mon back to the canneries. seafood, cooked to perfection. Often mega-yachts of the rich Men, don’t miss our hardware and famous tie-up here during stores. Home Depot and Lowes the summer. Sorry, no 2,000 have nothing on us. passenger cruise ships here. We Shop keepers joke: “if we lack the restrooms and amen- don’t have it, you don’t need it.” ities for that many guests.
BIG WILDLIFE: Our BIG MARKETS: Peters- critters are well fed. From 500 burg fishermen brought an esti- lb. black bears to 30-ton hump- mated $45 million in income to backs to trophy moose, we have town in 2015, according to a it all. Early morning walks or NOAA Fisheries report. Peters- drives are the best way to view burg is ranked 26th in the nation The authentic Viking ship Valhalla sits on display next to the Sons of Norway Hall on Sing Lee Alley except when she is trailered down our wildlife on shore. Off-shore, by value of the 2015 landings. main street for the Little Norway parade each May.
Quality Rooms 800-665-8433
• Convenient Downtown Location • Conference Room • Wheel Chair Accessible Room • Free Airport & Ferry Shuttle • Highliner Car Rental • Free Wi-Fi • Complimentary Continental Breakfast • Kitchenettes Available • Sport Fishing Licenses • Friendly, Dedicated Staff 907-772-4288 P.O. Box 1048 • Petersburg, AK • 99833 Fax 907-772-4286 [email protected] • www.tidesinnalaska.net Page 6 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Petersburg facts and statistics at a glance • Population: 3,226 within the Petersburg Borough in 2019.
• Size: Mitkof Island is 23 miles at its longest point and about 16.5 miles wide at its widest point, covering 211 square miles. Much of the is- land s flat land is covered by muskeg bogs.
• Geography: The island s highest point is Crystal Moun- tain, which reaches an el- evation of 3,317 feet. Mitkof Island is separated from Kup- reanof Island by the 20-mile- The Time Bandit tied up at a Petersburg float for an overnight stay. The crab boat was made famous by long Wrangell Narrows, which, the reality show Deadliest Catch. Photo courtesy of John Havrilek in some areas, is just wide enough to accommodate the state ferries. The tide in the nar- percent Pacific Islander and 1.1 pital, is the largest employer in sors employ a total of about rows can vary as much as 23 percent other. the town, employing 30 percent 1,100 people during a busy feet in one day from high tide to of the workforce. summer season. low tide. • Vehicles & Boats: Ac- Fishing is the economic Behind fishing, tourism and cording to the State of Alaska, force that drove the creation of timber also drive the local • Annual Precipitation: The 1,740 passenger vehicles and Petersburg and continues to be economy. average annual precipitation is 1,447 pickup trucks are reg- a driving force in today s econ- • Education: About 80 per- about 120 inches. About half of istered within the Borough. omy. cent of the population over 25 that falls in September, Oc- Some 1,391 boats were reg- According to NOAA Fish- has at least a high school edu- tober, November and De- istered locally. eries, Petersburg generated cation. About one quarter have cember. In 2015 135.99 inches $39 million in fish landings, and a bachelor s degree or higher. of rain fell upon Petersburg. • Economy: Federal, state ranked 26th place by value in The Petersburg public school and local government, which the nation. system has just 461 students • Daylight: 17 hours and 50 includes the schools and hos- The town s seafood proces- Continued on page 7 minutes on the summer sol- stice; six hours and 46 minutes on the winter solstice. Petersburg Medical Center • Personal income: The es- timated median household in- come for the Petersburg/ Wrangell census area is $66,125. In Petersburg, private sector wages are paid to 51 percent of the workforce; 30 percent are employed by the government sector and 19 per- cent are self-employed.
• Demographics: Accord- ing to the 2010 Census, Pe- JOY JANSSEN CLINIC 772-4299 tersburg is 79.9 percent white; 7.9 percent two or more races; HOSPITAL 772-4291 7 percent American Indian and Alaskan natives; 3.2 percent 24-Hour Emergency Services Asian; 0.4 percent Black; 0.2 103 Fram Street Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 7
An aerial view of downtown Petersburg, overlooking the north boat harbor.
Continued from page 6 cal power to the borough. The power source is located at Creek reservoir. It contains a enrolled in grades K-12 and borough consumes approx- Crystal Lake on Crystal Moun- 52 million gallon water supply has a graduation rate of 91 per- imately 48,698,286 kilowatt tain south of Petersburg and that is treated and piped to 80 cent. The school district oper- hours (kWh) of power. The ma- generates @ 25% of the Bo- percent of the households. A ates on a $8.7 million budget jority of that came from the rough's power. Less than a mil- few homes use cisterns, wells annually. Tyee Hydro facility in Bradfield lion kWh comes from stand-by or have water delivered. Munic- • Electrical: Borough Canal connected by an 83-mile diesel generated sources that ipal sewage receives primary owned Petersburg Municipal transmission line. provide back-up power to the treatment. Power & Light provides electri- The local hydroelectric borough. • Total assessed val- • Garbage: The borough uation: About $323 million Bo- Welcome to Petersburg collects and ships about 2,000 rough-wide. tons of solid waste to the Roosevelt Regional Landfill in • Government: Petersburg Washington. Approximately Borough has a manager/as- 300 tons of recycled material is sembly form of government. shipped. The borough s annual general fund budget is $9.6 million. • Utilities: Petersburg s water is supplied by the Cabin
On the Cover…
Das Hagedorn Haus LeConte Bay as viewed from along a ridge on the north side I Alaska Baseball Hats Full Bed & Breakfast of the bay. LeConte Glacier is I Alaska Hat Pins Service seen at the left of the photo I Magnets and snow capped peaks and I Alaska Shot Glasses Pharmacy snowfields in the background I Post Cards extend into British Columbia. Home Photo courtesy I Wallets Health Care of Paul Killian I Collector Spoons Products Grant & Lila Trask, Hosts I Travel Mugs for Sale or Rent 400 Second St. N. An Official Publication of I Alaska Beanies PETERSBURG Petersburg, AK CHAMBER Hours: Mon-Sat. 9-6 Contact at: OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 1333 P.O. Box 649, Petersburg, PETERSBURG 1-907-772-3775 Alaska 99833 [email protected] Phone: 907-772-3646 On Main Street www.dashagedornhaus.com Or visit us at our website: Rexall Drug 772-3265 “We treat your family as we treat our own.” Good location, comfortable, affordable with www.petersburg.org www.petersburgrexall.com a touch of German/American hospitality. Page 8 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Community events throughout the year Little Norway Festival — the Chamber of Commerce; The third full weekend in May. 772-3646. Petersburg s celebration of Syt- Rainforest Festival — tende Mai — May 17, Norwe- Weekend after Labor Day. The Petersburg’s gian Constitution Day. This is festival is a non-profit event
Petersburg s biggest festival with the goal of bringing partic- Churches featuring food and crafts down- ipants closer to the natural See map on pages 22 and 23 town, parade, pageant, meld- world through education, ex- rama, dances and much more. ploration and the arts while 1. St. Andrew’s 8. Seventh Day Adventist Sponsored by the Chamber of learning more about our rain- Episcopal Church Bilingual & Living Hope Commerce; 772-3646. forest and the ocean that sur- 3rd & Excel Street 201 Noseeum Street King Salmon Derby — Me- rounds it. Events include 2. Petersburg Lutheran 9. First Presbysterian morial Day weekend. Four days lectures, walking tours, work- Church Church of fishing frenzy with more than shops, and visiting artists and Corner of 5th & Excel Corner of 2nd & Haugen $30,000 in prizes. Sponsored authors. 3. Petersburg Baha’i 10. Salvation Army Community Corner of 2nd & Fram by the Chamber of Commerce; Oktoberfest — October Call 772-3321 11. Bethesda Fellowship 772-3646. Cancelled for 2020. and November. A month of 4. Assembly of God Corner of 8th & Haugen Fourth of July — Peters- special events including music Corner of Aaslaug & Lake 12. Church of Jesus Christ burg s old-time Independence concerts, readings, arts and 5. First Baptist Church of Latter-Day Saints Day celebration with food con- crafts classes, gallery walk and Corner of 5th & Gjoa 904 Sandy Beach Road cessions and craft booths, a play. 6. Petersburg Bible Church 13. Petersburg Friends parade, carnival games, street Oktoberfest Artshare — 916 Sandy Beach Rd Meeting (Society of games, races and contests, October. The largest arts and 7. Catholic Church Friends) PO Box 1603, logging events and a fireworks crafts fair in Petersburg, featur- Corner of 3rd & Dolphin 772-3658 display at night. Sponsored by ing handmade items by artists and crafters from Petersburg as Sponsored by the Chamber of well as around the state. Quilt Commerce; 772-3646. show and auction, food booths Julebukking — Christmas and entertainment. Sponsored Eve. The streets of downtown by Muskeg Maleriers; 772-4453 Petersburg fill with shoppers Christmas Tree Lighting as, according to Norwegian tra- Ceremony — Friday after dition, merchants offer cus- Thanksgiving. Lighting of the tomers food and spirits in tree, music and benediction to appreciation for their business kick off the Christmas season. that year.
Fresh Food & Baked Goods 14 Harbor Way • 772-2665
• Monday Tuesday - Saturday, - Saturday, 5:30 am 6:30 - 3am pm - 4 pm • ForFor daily daily specials, specials, check check us uson on@thesaltypantry @thesaltypantry The U.S. Coast Guard color guard leads the July 4th parade down • • Nordic Dr. Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 9
52 Things to do in Petersburg
DESTINATION: 4. Pick Berries: Harvest PETERSBURG blueberries and salmonberries. Petersburg is a small town with a metropolis sized list of 5. Bird Watching: A large things to do. For more variety of species unique to information drop into the Southeast Alaska can be Petersburg Visitor Infor- sighted, the most popular being mation Center at 1st & Fram the bald eagle, raven, waterfowl St. or call (907) 772-4636. (Trumpeter Swans in winter), It is advisable to make shorebirds, and songbirds. reservations for specific tours before you arrive in town. Tours 6. Boat on a Lake: Enjoy a are sometimes fully booked on quiet day of rowing on one of specific days, especially in July our small lakes. and August. 7. Fish for King Salmon: 1. Adventure Tours: Local Blind River Rapids offers one of companies can provide wilder- the few opportunities in south- ness adventures by land, sea east Alaska to fish from shore or air. for King Salmon in June and July. Be aware of regulations. Slush and ice bergs make paddleboarding more fun in LeConte Bay. 2. Peruse Art Galleries: Photo courtesy of Jeremy Collison Galleries feature local and 8. Day Trip up the Stikine 9. Blind Slough Recreation 10. Go Swimming: Peters- Alaska artists of all media. River: Day Trip up the Stikine Area: Picnic and swim on burg Aquatic Center; fun for the 3. Go Beachcombing: River: Adventure up the long- warm summer days, or ice whole family. Search our rocky beaches for est, free-flowing navigable river skate during the brief winter Continued on page 10 shells, rocks, & marine life. in North America. freeze. Page 10 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
community pool for equipment 25. See Movie: A nonprofit 52 Things to do in Petersburg rental. student-run theater offers first- run movies from Thursday to Continued from page 9 cated along the Mitkof Highway 20. Go Kayaking: In our har- Sunday in the Wright Auditorium. 11. Explore the Clausen Me- are many streams, full of salmon bor and all around the island. morial Museum: Discover the and trout, just waiting for the avid 26. Performing Arts: The history and many cultures of the fisherman. Don t forget your fish- 21. Take a Nature Walk: The Mitkof Mummers, Mitkof Dance Petersburg area. See the unoffi- ing license. Evergreen Trail (corner of Dol- Troupe, Leikarring Dancers, cial world record king salmon! phin and 5th, next to the elemen- Seetka Kwan Dancers, and 16. Self-Guided Public Art tary school) and the 12th Street more all perform seasonally. 12. Fish Off the Public Tour: Wear comfortable walking Boardwalk next to the ballfield at Docks: Try your hand at fishing shoes. the end of Excel Street. Hike the 27. Take Photos: What better off one of our public docks. Catch trail from Sandy Beach Park to way to remember your vacation herring, Dolly Varden or maybe a 17. Check Your Email: Dur- City Creek. than with your own photo- passing king salmon. ing business hours, wireless ac- graphs? Take advantage of the cess is available at the 22. Visit the Crystal Lake wildlife, flora and panoramic 13. Work Out at the Com- Petersburg Library. Hatchery: Salmon eggs are views found in the area. munity Gym: Modern recreation raised and released to enhance complexes with a gymnasium, 18. Take a Hike: A full menu salmon stocks. 28. See Petroglyphs and racquetball courts, a fitness of easy, moderate or challenging Prehistoric Fish Traps: Found center and arts/crafts facility. hikes awaits you. The Three 23. Bojer Wikan Fish- at Sandy Beach Park. Tread Outdoor gear rentals are avail- Lakes Loop Trails and the con- ermen s Memorial Park: Our lightly! Once these nonrenew- able. necting Ideal Cove Trail are great community s tribute to loved able heritage resources are for families, and are favorites ones who have passed on, and gone, they re gone forever. 14. Go Flightseeing: Sight- among hikers. those lost at sea. seeing by floatplane or helicopter 29. Play!: There are several offers a personal tour of glaciers 19. Play Horseshoes: Pits 24. Stop and take in the sights conveniently located play- and coastal landscape by air. are located in Sandy Beach and sounds of South Harbor at the grounds throughout town, includ- Park. Inquire at the Parks and viewing platform and benches on ing Yeil Ka Chaak Park, Mort 15. Fresh Water Fishing: Lo- Recreation department in the the east end of the harbor lot. Continued on page 11
• Norwegian sweaters, hats, and blankets, & Scandinavian gifts • Camping Gear - Jet Boil stoves, fuel, sleeping bags, & dry bags • Outdoor clothing by Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, by Skog a Kust and Seal Line Fjallraven, Carhartt, and Grundens • Travel Gear - Eagle Creek and Dakine luggage, Hydro Flask, & Patagonia • Smartwool socks, baselayers, hats, and gloves, & Darn Tough socks and The North Face backpacks • Sportswear by prAna, Kuhl, Toad & Co, Aventura, and Beyond Yoga • Alaska designed clothing by Salmon Sisters and Ray Troll • Footwear for all ages- Keen, Merrell, Dansko, Sorel, Brooks, Birkenstock, • Xtra Tuf boots, deck boots, and shoes, and Salmon Sister Xtra Tufs and Chaco for women
Lee’s Clothing INCORPORATED 212 Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK • [email protected] • (907) 772-4229 • Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 11
52 Things to do in Petersburg
Continued from page 10 36. Go shopping Fryer Memorial Ballfield, and two playgrounds at the elementary 37. Take in a Game: From T- school. ball to adult softball leagues, there s always lots of action at 30. Charter A Boat: Avail- the Mort Fryer Memorial Ball able year round: harbor tours, Park. adventure touring, day and overnight fishing and expedi- 38. Catch a Sunset: Capture tions. the beauty on film.
31. Camp at Ohmer Creek: 39. Watch the Aurora Borealis. A campground located in the National Forest. Popular with 40. Walk the Waterfront: campers due to its natural set- Bring your camera and enjoy a ting close to trails and fishing. walk on the waterfront. 41. Go Whale Watching. 32. Walk the docks: Peters- burg s public harbors are a pop- 42. Visit Eagle s Roost ular place to observe the fishing Park: Atop PFI Hill; walk down fleet. the stairs to the beach.
33. Visit the Public Library: 43. Hike Raven s Roost Trail. Four hikers make their way up to Swan Lake. Photo courtesy of Kendra The Public Library has a collec- Speh tion of rare Alaskan books. A 44. Falls Creek Fish Ladder: View salmon running up the Falls 47. View Rosemaled Store- fish local waters. popular location to get out of the fronts. See decorative Norwe- rain! Creek on their way to spawn in the summer. gian designs imprinted in the 51. See the Totem Poles: 34. Eat at a local restaurants. sidewalks. Historic canned sal- The Eagle and Raven totem
45. Walk the Loop: 4.7 miles. mon labels are wrapped around poles stand on the lawn of the 35. Lloyd Roundtree Me- public trash cans throughout the federal building at the corner of morial Seaplane Base: Sea- 46. See the Viking Ship Val- town. Haugen and Nordic Drive. planes provide charter flights to outlying areas. halla: Next to the Sons of Norway on Sing Lee Alley. 48. Van Tours: Island scen- 52. Visit Outlook Park: Lo- ery/wildlife/light hiking. cated on the beach side of Sandy Beach Road. The park and 49. Rent a Car: Cruise the is- gazebo offer public beach ac- Petersburg land for a day. cess, fixed binoculars, and a spectacular view of the Coastal Visitor Information Center 50. Rent a Boat: Explore or Range and often whales. A partnership between the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Petersburg Borough, and the U.S. Forest Service, Petersburg Ranger District. El Zarape
Located at the Corner of First and Fram Streets Mexican food in downtown Petersburg Open daily through the summer – limited winter hours. Tacos, Burritos, Nachos P.O. Box 649 • Petersburg, AK 99833 Hamburgers, & more www.petersburg.org Downtown Petersburg www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/ 907-772-INFO(4636) Summer Hours Open 7 days a week 11a-8p Call to request a Visitor Guide Winter Hours Open 11a-7p, Closed Tuesday N. Nordic Dr. and Fram Street Displays • Brochures • Video Presentations Phone: (907) 518-1611 Page 12 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Petersburg offers many attractions for visitors Petersburg offers a wide 2003, the park is located on the Ranger District about interpre- seen during the summer down- range of attractions for visitors beach side of Sandy Beach tive walks during the summer or river from the Swan Observa- There is no shortage of Road about 1.5 miles north of at the Visitor s Center to ar- tory in the shallow waters. places to see and things to do downtown. The park and range a tour. To protect the site, while visiting Petersburg – it s gazebo offer public beach ac- persons going on their own are Crystal Lake Hatchery — really a question of how much cess, fixed binoculars, and a asked not to move or remove Adjacent to the Blind Slough you can squeeze in before you spectacular view of the Coastal any of the stakes or rocks in the picnic area at Mile 17 Mitkof leave town. Range. A restroom, barbeques mud flats. Highway, the fish hatchery is and benches were recently operated by the Alaska Depart- WHAT TO SEE: added. Swan Observatory — Lo- ment of Fish and Game and the Clausen Memorial Mu- cated at Mile 16 of Mitkof High- Southern Southeast Aquacul- seum — Located on Fram Sandy Beach Fish Traps way, the wheelchair-accessible ture Association. Visitors are Street between Second and — For the archeology lover, observatory was constructed in welcome to walk the hatchery Third streets. The museum pro- remnants of 2,000-year-old 2008. The building provides a and ask questions between the vides a glimpse into Peters- Tlingit fish traps can be found shielded place to view trum- hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no burg s rich history. Outside the snaking their way across the peter swans, some of which tours are offered. museum is the fountain-sculp- mud flats of Sandy Beach dur- winter on Mitkof Island. Though ture “Fisk” — Norwegian for ing a low tide. 50 to 75 swans overwinter here, WHERE TO PICNIC fish. The 11-foot bronze work, The beach also includes a hundreds more of these large Eagle s Roost Park — Bald which depicts halibut, salmon rock in which ancient petro- waterfowl stop here between eagles are frequent visitors to and herring, was created by glyphs have been carved. The mid-October and early De- this park atop the hill by Peters- Karson Boysen and dedicated fish traps, easily overlooked by cember to rest and feed before burg Fisheries on Nordic Drive. in 1967. those unfamiliar with this type of continuing their migratory jour- fish trap, are best seen with the ney to the south. Be careful not Sandy Beach Picnic Area Outlook Park/Whale Ob- assistance of a guide. to disturb the resting swans. — This day-use picnic area is at servatory — Constructed in Inquire at the Petersburg Bears and salmon also may be Continued on page 13 Velkommen to PETERSBURG’S NEWEST HOTEL Petersburg Central downtown location • Car rentals • Conference room • Courtesy van • Complimentary continental breakfast • Barrier free • Wireless Internet • Non-smoking Reservations: 800-722-5006 P.O. Box 689 • Petersburg, AK 99833 Call: (907) 772-4281 • Fax: (907) 772-4301 www.scandiahousehotel.com Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 13 Attractions Continued from page 12 moving gravel for construction Green s Camp — A favorite four picnic areas and multiple the end of Sandy Beach Road of Mitkof Highway. location for family picnics and restrooms are available. and is about two miles from beachcombing, this camp- downtown Petersburg. Situated Ohmer Creek Camp- ground is directly on saltwater Wilson Creek Recreation in a small cove, the park has ground — A day use picnic 26 miles from Petersburg on Area — At Mile 27.9 Mitkof three enclosed shelters with area is provided at the camp- Mitkof Highway. 30 campsites, Continued on page 14 tables, two of them with large ground located 22 miles south stone fireplaces. There is a play of area for children and a sand Petersburg on Mitkof volleyball court is located near Highway. Watch for signs the beach. Restrooms and run- for parking and picnic loca- ning water are available. tions.
Blind Slough Recreation WHERE TO CAMP: Area — Drive 17 miles south Ohmer Creek Camp- of Petersburg along Mitkof ground — Located 22 miles Highway to this impressive rec- south of Petersburg on Mitkof reation spot. The picnic area Highway, this Forest Service includes tables, grills, two large campground has 10 sites suit- covered group shelters and able for tents or trailers up to wheelchair accessible rest- 32-feet long, but services in- rooms. It was constructed in cluding waste disposal and 2009. Swimming in the salt- water are no longer provided. water slough is permitted at the Campers should provide their risk of the swimmer. own contained waste system and bring water. No fee. Man Made Hole — Located The campground is set Green s Camp provides 30 camp sites, picnic areas and multiple restrooms. at Mile 20 Mitkof Highway, this along a trout and salmon fish- swimming hole is another pic- ing stream. Fishing is per- nic spot equipped with picnic mitted but licenses are tables and grills, trails and required. Please check on Restrooms shelters — perfect for a cook- local fishing regulations before out. The site was formed by re- dropping your line. It’s nice to know where they are Ferry Terminal – Restrooms can be found at the ferry terminal off of South Nordic Drive, south of South Harbor as you head out of town. The terminal also has a pay phone but is only open when a ferry is due in port. North Harbor – Toilets are right next to the harbormaster’s office. A hot shower can also be had for $1. South Harbor — In the South Harbor parking lot. Visitor Information Center – Just two blocks east of Nordic Drive sits the Visitor Information Center at the corner of First and Fram streets. Borough Gym & Pool – From downtown, take Nordic Drive and turn onto Dolphin Street. At Third Street, turn left. The public gym is on Charles W. Street between the high school and the elementary school. In addition to public toilets, there are showers available. Borough Ball Park — At the top of Excel Street, the ball park offers toilets during spring and summer months. Sandy Beach Park – For those on the north end of town, toilets are available at the park that can be reached after a scenic drive on Nordic Drive, the town’s main street, which eventually turns into Sandy Beach Road. Bathrooms are in the picnic shelter at the north end of the park. Another bathroom is located along the road at the South end of the park as well. Traveling South on Mitkof Highway — Restroom facilities can be found at Blind River Rapids Parking Area, Blind Slough Recreation Area, Man Made Hole, Green’s Camp, Wilson Creek Recreation Area, Banana Point and Blaquiere Point Boat Launch. Page 14 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Attractions Continued from page 13 The pan-abode style cabin Highway, this area has tables, sleeps six and is heated with a outhouses and turnarounds for wood stove. A rowboat is avail- trailers. able at the lake. Petersburg Lake drains into CABIN RENTALS: Petersburg Creek, an area with Twenty Forest Service ca- outstanding steelhead, Coho, bins are scattered throughout and sockeye fishing. Cutthroat the Petersburg Ranger District. trout and sockeye salmon can Most cabins are accessible by also be caught in the lake. In boat or floatplane only. Contact the fall, black bears can some- charter air companies in town if times be viewed in Petersburg you plan on flying to a cabin. Creek fishing for salmon. Each cabin includes tables, benches, bunks (without mat- Kah Sheets Lake Cabin — tresses), wood or oil stoves Located on Kupreanof (not suitable for cooking, bring Island, the Kah Sheets Lake your own fuel), an ax, a broom Cabin is approachable by float- and an outhouse. plane. The lake offers good You must bring your own sockeye fishing bedding and cooking gear. from the picnic platform or from Rain gear, rubber boots and the rowboats, which are pro- warm clothing are essential. In- vided at the cabin. A 2.5-mile sect repellent is often needed plank trail connects the lake during summer months. Water cabin to Kah Sheets Bay Swan Lake Cabin is just a speck in the distance past the muskeg and can be obtained from nearby Cabin. The trail also accesses Swan Lake. Photo courtesy of Kendra Speh streams, or lakes and should the creek for steelhead and be boiled for five minutes be- coho fishing, and views of the fore drinking. falls. Cabins can be reserved The cabin, picnic platform, through the National Recrea- and outhouse all meet Dealer for: barrier-free standards. The tion Reservation Service at 1- OUTBOARDS 877-444-6777, or at their cabin sleeps seven people. website www.recreation.gov. Information and assistance Raven s Roost Cabin — with cabin reservations can be Located on the mountain be- found at the Petersburg Visitor hind the Petersburg airport, the WOOLDRIDGE BOATS Center, the Petersburg Ranger cabin is accessible by trail or District office, or on the web- helicopter. Scenery is excep- site. tional year-round. The cabin sleeps six people. Petersburg Lake Cabin — The trail can be accessed POWER EQUIPMENT Located on Kupreanof Island, two ways – a trailhead across the Petersburg Lake Cabin is the street from Sandy Beach accessible by a short boat ride Park adds a half mile of flat, F300 ELECTRONICS or kayak paddle across the gravel trail walking through the 4-stroke, V6 Wrangell Narrows followed by muskeg onto the 4.2 mile trek. a hike or by floatplane. Or shorten the trek by parking Petersburg Lake is ice-free off Haugen Drive behind the from April through November. airport and look for trail signs The hike can begin from the that lead uphill. Kupreanof State Dock or is ac- The middle section of the cessible four miles up Peters- trail is very steep, and then burg Creek by boat or kayak. flattens along the ridge top. www.rockysmarine.com The hike is 10.5 miles from the Allow up to three hours one- Box 690, 245 Mitkof Hwy. • Petersburg, Alaska 99833 state dock and 6.5 miles from way for the hike. 907-772-3949 • Fax 772-3653 the upper trail. Continued on page 15 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 15 Attractions Continued from page 14 Water is typically available from muskeg pools, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own water, especially during dry conditions. Oil is provided.
Castle Flats Cabin — The Castle Flats Cabin lies on the edge of the mud flats of the Castle River in Duncan Canal. It is 30 minutes by air and 30 miles by boat from Petersburg. A 15-foot high tide is required for a plane to land or a 13-foot tide for a boat to anchor next to the cabin. Water is available from a small creek west of the cabin. Good steelhead fishing runs May to June, trout runs May to October, and excellent silver A humpback whale breaches the surface of Frederick Sound. Photo courtesy of Carli Byrer salmon fishing runs throughout August. good site for bird watching. A connects the flats cabin with in the district. The steep slopes The tidal flats in front of the rowboat is provided at the the Castle River Cabin and ac- are home to mountain goats cabin make this a particularly cabin. The Castle River Trail cesses the upper rowboat. The and alpine flowers. Rainbow cabin sleeps four people. trout are plentiful in the lake. Special cabin features in- Swan Lake Cabin — clude two rowboats and a boat- This A-frame cabin constructed house. The cabin sleeps five Welcome in 2005, is one of the district s people. most popular. Be sure to make cabin reservations early. West Point Cabin — This Visitors! Swan Lake is an alpine lake impressive modified A-frame is at 1,514 feet above located on the northern end of Norwegian, Gold Nugget, sea level on the mainland east Kupreanof Island. The cabin, & 14K Gemstone, Jewelry of Thomas Bay. The lake is ac- trail and outhouse are wheel- cessible by a 30-minute plane chair-accessible. Silver Jewelry ride from Petersburg. The cabin also provides ac- by Alaskan Artists The cabin is surrounded by cess to excellent beach hiking, Alaskan Gifts the steep peaks of the Coast saltwater fishing for king and Range, offering some of the silver salmon and viewing of Petersburg Alaskan most spectacular scenery and whales in Frederick Sound. Throws Souvenirs photo opportunities on any site The cabin sleeps six people. & Tote Bags Alaskan Ulus Beaded Moccasins Carved Antlers PROPANE Ivory Ohm Beads, • Propane by the gallon Soapstone Alaska Designs • Propane Accessories • Bottled Gases New Designs & Styles of Alaskan T-Shirts • Welding Supplies • Dockside Service Like us on Facebook! • Pick-up & Delivery available Specializing in Hand Crafted MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30-5:00 ALASKAN GIFTWARE 772-4585 est. 1987 LOCATED AT 400 MITKOF HWY On Nordic Drive 772-4858 PETERSBURG, ALASKA Page 16 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Norwegian dishes and fresh fish Nearly without exception, vis- itors seek out Norwegian pas- tries and fresh seafood when visiting Petersburg. Seafood, sometimes fresh, is readily available from local ven- dors who are willing to ship frozen products home for you. Don’t expect bargain prices. Seafood is a commodity sold worldwide, so expect to pay market rates. Visiting cruise ships, yachts and overnight excursion vessels often purchase fresh seafood items when in port and serve it onboard to their guests. The cheapest, freshest seafood is that which you catch yourself. Fishing charters will provide that opportunity. James Eastwood with daughter Roberta stand aboard the Charles T that was built in Bellingham, Wash- ington in 1919. The vessel is used mostly for long lining black cod and halibut as well as tendering for Norwegian baked goods may salmon. Eastwood continues to rebuild the century old boat as money and time allow. be available at catered events and are rarely offered at restau- pling of authentic pastries, meals and desserts when you re- shops feature a variety of cook- rants, except on special occa- cookies and open-faced sand- turn home. Bookstores and gift books. sions. During the Christmas wiches at their Kaffe Hus each holidays, Petersburg is famous May. The Sons also host pot- for its Julebukking. Merchants lucks for their members and set out trays of homemade deli- guests throughout the year in- cacies for their customers to cluding a lutefisk dinner and • Gas enjoy along with a variety of pickled seafood contest in De- • Diesel Fuel • Repairs beverages. The Little Norway cember. • Parts • Honda & Power Festival offers the best opportu- Another option is to select a • Towing Service Products nity for some Norske fare. The cookbook, purchase the required ASE Certified Mechanics on Duty Sons of Norway features a sam- ingredients and bake your own Petersburg Motors, Inc. 772-3223 Haugen Drive & 2nd Ave. Three reasons large cruise ships don’t visit Petersburg It is rare to see large 2,000 to 6,000 passenger cruise ships pull into Petersburg. Clausen Memorial Museum First, we don’t have enough public restrooms — or other amen- & Museum Shop ities for that matter. A ship offloading 3,000 people would quickly fill up the streets, sidewalks, stores and restaurants. 203 Fram Street Second, cruise ships cannot transit Wrangell Narrows. It’s too SummerSummer HoursHours: MonMon. – SaSat. 1010 amam - 5 pmpm shallow and in some cases not wide enough to keep the vessel within the channel. •P•Petersburersburg AArrea HisHistory Ships operating in Wrangell Narrows need 18-feet of water to •W•Worldrld RReecord Kinging Salmonlmon safely navigate the waterway. •F•Fresnelel LightLighthousehouse Lens Third, Petersburg is too far from the beaten path that large ships travel when moving to and from the larger port cities such as Ket- • MuseumMuseum ShoShop chikan, Juneau, Sitka and Skagway. Large cruise ships would lose • DisDiscovery CentCenterer too much sailing time getting into and out of Petersburg. A Peters- burg visit would require one to two additional travel days to make 907-772-3598 • Follow us on Facebook a stopover here. PO Box 708, Petersburg, AK 99833 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 17 Wildlife viewing tips Dawn and dusk are the best viewing times: If you arrive early or stay late, you are likely to see more wildlife. Learn feeding habits: Many shorebirds, marine birds and wa- terfowl follow the tides during their feeding cycle. Other wild- life such as bears, spend large amounts of time during the summer near salmon streams and berry patches. Blend-in: Wear natural colors and unscented lotions. Hide behind vegetation and rocks. Look for sign: Tracks in the mud and snow, unusual scents, scat and browsed vegetation pro- vide evidence of wildlife in the area. Use these clues to locate animals. Be patient: Allow enough time. Even in Alaska, where wildlife is abundant, it can take Two young fawns gaze toward the camera as they make their way along the roadway. years, if not a lifetime, to see all Photo courtesy of Jenny Annett / Jenny Annett Photography.
the species. grounds are sensitive areas. In- Don’t get too close: Give trusive visitors may cause par- wildlife plenty of space. Binocu- ents to flee, leaving young lars and spotting scopes allow vulnerable to the elements or you to view wildlife without get- predators. Stay on designated ting too close. trails. Approach wildlife slowly and Leave “orphaned” or sick quietly. Allow animals a route to animals alone: Young animals escape. left alone usually have parents View without changing waiting nearby. behavior: Avoid using calls or Don’t feed the animals: devices that attract wildlife. Don’t get wildlife hooked on Don’t throw rocks to make birds handouts. Some foods may even fly. Harassing wildlife is illegal. harm their digestive systems. Be respectful: Nests, den- Information courtesy of ning areas, rookeries and calving Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game
Alaska Weʼve got you covered! FLOORCOVERING
www.akfloorcovering.com 907.772.4333 Carpet • Tile • Clic Flooring • Bamboo Fax 907.772.4336 Cork • Countertops • Hardwood Laminate • Slate • Vinyl [email protected] Debra Johnson This lone male mountain goat was spotted by alpine deer hunters near PO Box 204 • 259 Mitkof Hwy. a mountain top. Photo by Logan Canton. Petersburg, AK 99833 Page 18 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
A single orca, playing in the water close to Thomas Bay. Photo courtesy of Alissa Anderson Area waters ideal for humpbacks One of the best places in the world for viewing
By Kelly Bakos the harbors or along North The marine environment Nordic Drive and Sandy around Petersburg is abun- Beach Road, where they can dant with sea life. The ecosys- often be heard while hauled Welcome tem is rich with plankton and out on buoy markers. Orcas to the fish, which makes it an ideal are sometimes observed summer feeding ground for cruising through the Wrangell Petersburg migratory humpback whales. Narrows. Of the estimated 22,000 With the waters prolific with Harbors humpback whales in the North marine activity, researchers, Pacific, approximately 5,000 – wildlife photographers, and Serving 7,000 spend the summer eco-tourists travel here to Commercial & feeding in Southeast Alaska. view and study these crea- Nearly half of those may pass tures. The Petersburg Marine Pleasure Boats Harbormaster Glo Wollen through and feed in Frederick Mammal Center (PMMC) is a Sound before taking the 2,800 non-profit organization provid- mile journey back to Hawaii in ing a link between the environ- the fall for the birth of their ment and the community, calves. This makes Frederick students, and visitors. PMMC Sound one of the best places supports traveling research- in the world for observing ers, delivers public education humpback whales. programs, and responds to Orcas, sea lions, seals, and local reports of stranded ma- porpoises also call the local rine mammals as an author- waters home. Harbor seals ized responder of NOAA can be seen swimming along Fisheries Alaska Marine Petersburg Borough Petersburg s coast line and Mammal Stranding Network. P.O. Box 1047, Petersburg, Alaska 99833 www.ci.petersburg.ak.us pupping on the ice near Le- PMMC s volunteers are At your service 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week Conte Glacier. Keep an eye trained to respond to a variety PHONE: (907) 772-4688 FAX: (907) 772-4687 (VHF-16, CB-9) out for Steller s sea lions at Continued on page 19 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 19 Humpback Continued from page 18 of situations whether it is in- jury, entanglement, disease, exposure to contaminants, or disorientation, and have spe- cial equipment for disentan- gling 40-ton free-swimming whales from marine debris, which is a dangerous job! If you see a stranded or en- tangled marine mammal, do not attempt to move, feed, or approach the animal. Often- times, animals that appear to be distressed are actually dis- playing normal behavior. Whales may quietly rest on the surface for long periods of time, and it is not uncommon for seal mothers to leave their Gulls escape the feeding frenzy from humpback whales during a bubble net feed. pups alone on the ice or beach while they feed. Marine mammals are protected under tion Act, and it is illegal to dis- rine mammals. to gather valuable data. Take the Marine Mammal Protec- turb, approach, or handle ma- But if a marine mammal is photos from a safe distance found sick, injured or dead, re- and record as much infor- porting the stranding is the mation as you can. Please re- best way to help the dis- port the event by calling the tressed animal. It also pro- Alaska Stranding Hotline at 1- vides biologists an opportunity 877-925-7773.
An adult humpback breaches from the waters of Stephens Passage. Photo courtesy of Carli Byrer Page 20 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide A walking tour through Petersburg The following numbers cor- respond with the map on page 22 and page 23. 1. PETERSBURG FISHERIES — A division of Icicle Sea- foods Inc. of Seattle. Pilings were driven in 1897 for a pub- lic dock, now the site of the cold storage. Icy Straits Pack- ing Co. (Quadra Packing Co.), with Peter Buschmann as manager, built a sawmill where the Trading Union now stands to provide lumber for the cannery, which was com- pleted in 1900. Icy Straits Packing Co. packed 32,750 cases of salmon that season. In 1901, they sold to Pacific Coast and Norway Packing Co. Pacific American Fish- eries purchased it in 1929. Petersburg s Sons of Norway Hall continues to be a social gathering place. The building is listed on the PAF sold to Petersburg Fish- National Register of Historic Places. eries Inc. in 1965. In 1977 they changed their corporate Dave Ohmer Jr. remains as halibut, shrimp, crab, rockfish, bor has more than 700 stalls name to Icicle Seafoods, with general manager. The can- black cod, sea cucumbers for Petersburg s large com- Petersburg Fisheries as a nery merged with Silver Lin- and sea urchins. mercial fishing fleet and nu- subsidiary. In June 2016, ing Seafoods of Ketchikan in 5. PETERSBURG BOAT HAR- merous pleasure crafts. Cooke Aquaculture pur- January 1990, then merged BORS — The North Harbor Visitors boat moorage is on a chased Icicle Seafoods. with Lafayette Fisheries Inc. was originally constructed in per-foot basis. Public rest- Petersburg Fisheries cele- two years later to form Nor- 1958 and rebuilt in 2014. Mid- rooms and showers are avail- brated their 50th Anniversary Quest Seafoods Inc. It is now dle Harbor was built in 1972 able. Grids can handle boats in 2015. owned by Trident Seafoods. and the South Harbor was up to 70-80 feet long. Water 2. BUSCHMANN HISTORICAL The plant handles salmon, built in 1984. The entire har- Continued on page 21 MARKER — Placed in 1967, it marks the spot where Peter Buschmann, originally from Experience the Breathtaking Beauty of Alaska Norway, built a cannery in 1898. 3. CANNERY PARK — Learn GLACIER about Petersburg s cannery history. TOURS & 4. TRIDENT SEAFOODS, INC. — Founded in 1916 as Alas- CHARTERS kan Glacier Seafoods and later moved to the corner of (907) 772-4780 Main and Excel streets after a 1943 fire. The cannery was destroyed by fire again on Feb. 1, 1985. The oldest shrimp cannery in Alaska, it was founded by Earl Ohmer Operating under Special Use Permit from the USFS. EOE. and Karl I. Sifferman. Three generations of Kaino, Greinier LOCATED AT PETERSBURG AIRPORT and Ohmer families have 62 YEARS OF SERVING SOUTHEAST ALASKA taken part in the operation. Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 21 A walking tour through Petersburg Continued from page 20 and electricity are available on the floats. Children younger than 12 must be ac- companied by an adult and wear a personal flotation de- vice, which are available at the Harbormaster shed. Box 1047. Phone 772-4688. Standby on Channel 16 VHF and CB Channel 9. 6. OCEAN BEAUTY SEA- FOODS — Ocean Beauty is in a building built before 1912 by Citizen Wharf Co. for steam- ships. Alaskan Glacier Sea- food s original cannery was located on the dock, and then moved to its Harbor Way and Excel Street location following a fire in 1943. Chris Dahl next bought the dock and operated a crab cannery. In 1945 Dahl and Dean Kayler formed The creek flowing under the troll bridge at Sandy Beach rages during a heavy rainfall. Kayler-Dahl Fish Co. and
started canning salmon as cannery has been sold but the well. In 1946 the cold storage new owner has not been was built. Kayler-Dahl oper- made public. ated it until October 1969 7. SING LEE ALLEY AREA — when they sold to Whitney-Fi- Formerly called Indian Street, dalgo Seafoods, Inc. It was this was the center of early purchased by Chatham Strait Petersburg. The street con- Seafoods in April 1987, and tained the Variety Theater and next owned by Ocean Beauty skating rink (built in 1912), the Seafoods. The cannery no Salvation Army Hall, Enge longer is in operation and the Continued on page 26
A small art gallery and award-winning framing studio supporting and representing local and regional artists. Only handcrafted items made with love. • Located downtown at 211 Nordic Drive • Web: firelightgallery.com/ • Email: [email protected] Phone: (907) 772-2161 • See us on Facebook @FireLightGallery Art Gallery • Custom Framing • Gifts & Fine Jewelry FireLight Gallery & Framing Page 22 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
MAP A N Park Church See “Walking Tour” Pages - 20-29 Point of Interest Public Building
a r V Walking Trails D Baltic dic or N Eagle’s Roost Park N. Gauffin e 34 v 33 ll A e A ng a ra sl W a 4 u RV Service Station Petersburg Wrangell City Schools 8th Narrows 35 36 37 Petersburg Fisheries Cannery 1 Charles W. 2 Nature 38 Trident Seafoods Cannery Board Walk 3 Dolphin 7 North Harbor 4 1
20 2 6 22 Ocean Beauty Seafoods Cannery 19 21 39
Middl 10 e Harbor 8 18 5 5 1st 15 16 Haugen Dr. South Harbor Sing Lee 7-14 Library 17 9 11 Alley B ir Ira c Drive h 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th USCG 7th Seaplane Down Dock Float Kiseno Alaska Marine Highway Boat Kiseno Ferry Terminal Launch Lansing Dock St. PSG Cold Storage Marian Marine Park r. Tango Ha D Noseeum m c Surf rdi Neptune S me No lou r Tonka S. 8 gh
Seafoods Lumber W Odin Unimak Vesta Rambler Tango es Queen ley Scow Bay Pearl F S Bike Path k y Pearl la rk Ja Wa
y
Petersburg Cemetery
© Copyright 2020, Pilot Publishing, Inc. Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 23
Hungry Point 32
Approximate Distances USFS Ranger District office . . Mile 0 12th St. & Haugen Dr...... 0.5 mile Airport Terminal ...... 0.9 mile Sandy Beach Park ...... 1.6 mile M id Hungry Point ...... 1 mile d Sa le nd to y B Eagle s Roost Park ...... 0.4 mile H n e a ac rd h R Ferry Terminal ...... 0.8 mile er d K oen G igs a L 14th n 31 lve n L e st s ri o i Outlook Park y n w lk e a L V ke a Ln L lbin Phi Hungry Point Trail la u g S t Ln ny Jen Frederick
William Musson Trail Sound
S Ballfields a n d Excel y B e a c 10th h R Fram d Hallingstad Gjoa Peratrovich Gjoa 24 13th Center 14th
23 12th Howkan a II
25 Fire Hall U.S. Post Office 26 12 B i Ln ke nice P H er a a B th ug en D r. 6
Walking Trail
State Petroglyphs DOT-PF
H augen D Sandy Beach Park ames A. Johnson 28 30 r . Raven Trailhead Airport . n Dr uge City Creek Trail 27 Ha
Dog Park Frederick Dr
Landfill Baler Facility Baler Raven Trail Raven Page 24 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
City of Sasby Is. To Thomas Bay Kupreanof 38 Cascade Creek Hungry Pt. H MITKOF ISLAND Scenery Cove orn 1 C Petersburg Baird Glacier lifs Creek MAP LEGEND 11 Petersburg Borough 00 Recreation Area/Point of Interest 2 FR Sa 62 - - Forest Service Designated Roads ndy 4 Bea 5 ch T E Trail Creeks 9 3 rail D 6 E Paved Road Gravel Road 7 Frederick Point Frederick D R 8 rive IC Hungerford Hill K Raven Trail S 4 mi Scow O Bay U W N R 6207 M D it 10 A ko f H N ig Ravenʼs Roost h w G a Cabin y E L Twin Ridge L 14 6204 Ski Trail N 4.9 mi Mountain A Twin Creek 6205 12 09 Point R 62 Shelter 39 To LeConte Glacier ad R Ro ek O re
KUPREANOF ISLAND KUPREANOF C n Upper Twin 4 W wi 6210 0 T 13 Ski Trail 62 S Camp Is. 6209 reek 6212 in C Tw Frency Ridge Shelter 40 7 Mi 8 4000 62 Mainland 08 Green Mud Flats Pt. 4 Three Lakes Loop Road 20 (21 mile loop) 6 Grassy Is. 6235 6235 Coney Is.
15 10.75 Mi Fal ls C 16 11 Mi ree k 40227 Sand Lake Shelter Lake
15 Mi Is. Pocket r) Three Lakes a e Rec. Area 34 Cosmos Pt. . 7 ve s 2 (B I 6 e o n 2 k 2 Ideal Cov e 17 e C 6 35 3 Trail l d re 5 a id C Hill e H g d i Lake Id B a o 33 R
Woody Is. 36 2 k 3 e e 2 r Crane Lake 6235 6 C
oad n S R o Loop y Froot 40 n W Blind 000 a C O Pt. RAnchor DRY R Pt. 14 Mi 62 A 41 ISLAND 5 6233 3 D N 18 2 L 6 ry Str EL 40001 G B lind 16.25 Mi N S a A lough 19 17.25 Mi it R 21 W oad R Mud Flats
Loop River Stikine of Views 20 Range Coast and Keene Is. es loop) Dry Straits Road Lak ile 17.25 Mi ee m Crystal 22 Thr (21 B 20 Mi e Lake Trail k ec Crystal e P h e a e r 31 ss r Lake C Manzanita Peak r 32 Mi Blaquiere Pt. me 2481ʼ 40006 h End of Road O Crystal Mtn. Ohmer Creek Trail 3317 30 6246 WOEWODSKI IS. 23 Snake Ridge Road 46 62 6238 32 Ohmer Creek Campground 37 Woodpecker Cove Road 6245 24
6224 Sumner ands 6280 of sl s t I iew rai Pt. 5 V St East Sumner Mtn. Road 4 28 Mi Lockwood 2 6 27 28 December 29 6281 Wilson Pt. Islands 26 Mi . s I 26 6282 S BL 25 a Deception L d I n OUGHND y Pt. 6245 Sumner Pass Road R View of Greys
Wrangell Is.
6286
Woodpecker Cove View of Sumner Strait IT Demo Area A Point Woodpecker Cove Road and Zarembo Island TR SOKOLOF Alexander 6245 S IS. 6285 ER 32 N SUMN M ER ST Station Island U RA View of Sumner Strait S To Point Baker IT and Zarembo Island © Copyright 2020, Pilot Publishing, Inc. VANK IS. Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 25
Ohmer Creek Trail Three Lakes / Ideal Cove Trails
Maps courtesy of USDA Forest Service Points of Interest on Mitkof Island The first Mitkof Highway mile marker is located just beyond the Ferry Terminal parking lot and the first mile is measured from Wells Fargo Bank downtown. Cell service may be limited or non-existent outside of downtown Petersburg. *Bear spray recommended. 1. Hungry Point 22. * Man-Made Hole Lake: 20 Mi 2. Sandy Beach Park 23. * Ohmer Creek Trail 3. Dump Road - View of Frederick Sound 24. Ohmer Creek Campground: 21.75 Mi 4. Kings Row 25. South Mitkof Ferry Terminal: 25 Mi 5. Odin Road 26. Green’s Camp Public Use Area: 26 Mi, 6. Mill Road Picnic Area, Camp Sites, Toilets 7. Cornelius Road 27. Crescent Beach: 28 Mi 8. Lyons Road 28. Wilson Creek Rec. Area: 28 Mi, Picnic Area, Camp Sites, Toilets 29. Banana Point: 28 Mi, Toilets, Boat Launch 9. Raven Trail Head: 4 Mi 30. Blaquiere Point: 32.9 Mi, Toilet, Boat Launch 10. Raven’s Roost Cabin: (Permit Required) 31. End of Road: 33.8 Mi 11. Kupreanof State Dock: (Psg. Mtn. Trail & Petersburg Lake Trail Heads) 32. Woodpecker Cove: 21.5 Mi 12. Twin Ridge Ski Trail: 4.9 Mi 33. Three Lakes Rec. Area: 21 Mi Loop 13. Upper Twin Ski Trail 34. Shelter Lake: 15 Mi 14. Twin Creek Shelter 35. LeConte Glacier Overlook 36. Big Creek Bridge (Bear Creek) 15. * Falls Creek Fish Ladder: 10.75 Mi 37. To Duncan Canal through Beecher Pass: 16. Papke’s Landing: 11 Mi 17. Petersburg Shooting Range To Forest Service cabins, hiking, waterfalls, fishing and viewpoints. 38. Thomas Bay: To Forest Service cabins, Baird Glacier, hiking, 18. * Blind River Rapids: 14 Mi waterfalls, fishing and viewpoints. 19. Swan Observatory: 16.25 Mi 39. To LeConte Glacier: Icebergs, seals, mountain goats, 20. * Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery: 17.25 Mi and excellent views. 21. * Blind Slough Rec. Area 40. Frenchy Ridge Shelter Page 26 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide A walking tour through Petersburg
Continued from page 21 10. 15 N. SING LEE ALLEY ERMEN S MEMORIAL PARK — Area maps, woodcutting per- Building (built in 1901) hous- — Kinder Komfort Toy Store Located next to the Sons of mits and general information ing a restaurant and store, 11. 14 S. SING LEE ALLEY— Norway Hall the Bojer Wikan are available at the district of- and Sons of Norway Hall Enge Building Memorial Park, constructed in fice. Tlingit totem poles and a (built in 1912). The Peters- 12. 18 S. SING LEE ALLEY 1998, provides a commem- small park are located in front burg Trial Court s building is 13. 23 S. SING LEE ALLEY— orative memorial for those of the building. on the corner of Sing Lee Sons of Norway Hall – Fed- who have lost their lives at 16. MUNICIPAL BUILDING — Alley and Nordic Drive. relandet 23 – The hall was sea. Built in 1959, the building HISTORIC MARKER built in 1912 and declared a houses the police department LOCATIONS: National Historic Site in 1979. Turn left at intersection of (dial 911), the borough as- Bronze markers and photo Sons of Norway is an inter- Sing Lee Alley and Nordic sembly chambers and admin- interpretive plaques are dis- national fraternal organization Drive, go over the bridge and istrative offices. Box 329. played at several historic sites to preserve Norwegian her- you ll arrive at the corner of Phone 772-4425. The struc- listed below. itage. The building is built on Gjoa Street and First Street. ture was remodeled in 2016- 8. Gjoa & Nordic Drive— pilings over Hammer Slough. 15. FEDERAL BUILDING — 17 for $6.3 million. Centennial Park, Centennial Rosemaling on the exterior is Built in 1972, the building con- Plaque & “Bruno” Bear Sculp- a traditional Norwegian art tains the Petersburg Ranger Cross Nordic Drive, con- ture. form. Box 629. Phone 772- District office for the U.S. For- tinue two blocks up Haugen 9. 13 N. SING LEE ALLEY — 4575. est Service, which is open Drive and turn right. Helse Restaurant 14. BOJER WIKAN FISH- weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continued on page 27
Petersburg's Only Department Store Small enough to know you Large enough to serve you well www.tradingunion.iga.com Velkommen til Petersburg! Let us be your headquarters for Groceries Furniture Electronics • Fresh Produce • Couches • Movies • Fresh Cut Meats • Love Seats • Games Free Home and • Mattresses & Boxsprings • Cell Phone Accessories Harbor Delivery • Recliners & More • Memory Cards, Chargers and More FISH BOXES • Heavily Insulated • Airline Approved • 25# or 50# Capacity
Stop by and pick up your Housewares Clothing supplies at Alaska’s oldest • Fine Gifts Incorporated Retailer Department Fast, friendly service • Toys, Toys, Toys • Cooking Utensils • Xtra Tuff Boots 401 N. Nordic Drive • P.O. Box 489 • Dishes & Silverware Petersburg, AK 99833 • Souvenir T-shirts & Sweatshirts • Sport Fishing & Hunting Licenses [email protected] Keep warm, dry and comfortable Phone: 907-772-3881 From souvenirs to & take some home as gifts. Fax: 907-772-9309 basic supplies - we've got it. STORE HOURS • Phone Cards Available Grocery: Mon. - Sat. 7a - 7p, Sun. 8a - 5p • Upstairs: Mon. - Sat. 8a - 5:30p • Faxes • Western Union Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 27 A walking tour through Petersburg
Continued from page 26 17. PETERSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY — Built in 2013, this facility houses digital and print collections, computer ter- minals and public wifi, confer- ence rooms, and more. Backtrack one block west to First Street, continue one block. 18. JOHN HANSON HALL — Built in 1978. Center for tribal meetings, the Alaska Native Brotherhood and the Alaska Native Sisterhood. Available for all community activities. Box 1128. Phone 772-3636.
Continue north on First Springtime wind and tidal currents sometimes push icebergs ashore near Sandy Beach Park. Street. 19. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR INFORMATION eral business and recreational kiosk. Box 649. Phone 772- canoe, the Cape Decision CENTER — On the corner of information available, includ- 3646. Bronze Historic Marker Lighthouse lens, fish-trap an- First and Fram streets. Gen- ing a Marine Mammal Center site. chors, and a stuffed 126.5- 20. PETERSBURG MEDICAL pound king salmon. On the CENTER — The hospital was grounds is “Land, Sea and built in 1983 and 1984, and Sky,” a wall piece designed dedicated in November 1984. and mounted by the Peters- The long-term care wing was burg Arts and Crafts Guild in Bearing renovated and incorporated 1977. Call for more infor- into the new hospital. The mation. Handicapped-acces- building housing the Joy sible. Phone 772-3598. Song & Janssen clinic was erected in 1994. The hospital is at 103 Turn right on Second Fram St. Phone 772-4291. Street and head south to Haugen Drive. Turn left on Gifts Turn right on Fram walking Haugen, heading 1/4 mile to past the Medical Center to the Twelfth Street. A paved walk- • Traditional Art from museum. ing path runs parallel to — Western Alaska 21. “THE FISK” — On the Haugen Drive beginning at • Handmade Gifts grounds of Clausen Memorial Eighth Street. Museum, this fish sculpture 23. Hallingstad Peratro- • Musical Equipment was designed and fabricated vich Center – Located on • Guitar & Ukulele by former Petersburg artist 12th Street, the building Karsten Boysen. houses offices of the Peters- Lessons 22. CLAUSEN MEMORIAL MU- burg Indian Association. SEUM AND MUSEUM STORE — 24. MOUNTAIN VIEW MANOR 203 Fram St. Opened in — Located on 12th Street off 1967, with the Heritage of the Haugen Drive. The borough- Sea addition added in 1976. owned facility features a 48- Petersburg-Kupreanof area unit apartment building for history and culture is repre- senior citizens. The grounds 223 South Nordic Dr. sented by a diverse collection include beautiful flower gar- 907-978-6365 of business, social and cul- dens and landscaping. The tural items. Special attractions include a Tlingit dugout Continued on page 28 Page 28 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide A walking tour through Petersburg Continued from page 27 building was doubled in size in 2004.
Head back to Haugen Drive & turn left. 25. PETERSBURG FIRE HALL — Petersburg s Fire Hall was completed in 2012 and is the headquarters for Petersburg s volunteer fire and EMS pro- viders. 26. U.S. POST OFFICE — Completed in 2000, the post office is open 24 hours for box holders. The post office win- dow is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 27. JAMES A. JOHNSON AIR- PORT — Built in 1969. The first daily jet service started in June 1977 by Alaska Airlines. The Alaska Airlines terminal was remodeled and ex- panded in 1991. The former Sea lions hauled out on the “red can” greet every boat passing through the mouth of Wrangell Narrows. gravel runway was paved in 1982. Private plane tie- downs, fuel and aircraft main- 29. SANDY BEACH PARK is now owned by their son. Continued on page 29 tenance, as well as helicopter MIDDLE SHELTER and fixed-wing air service are 30. SANDY BEACH PARK available. Careful scrutiny in NORTH SHELTER the area across from the air- 31. WHALE OBSERVATORY & Bring some port reveals the remains of a OUTLOOK PARK — View wild- three-plank boardwalk that life through mounted binocu- Local Culture people used to walk on to lars. Interpretive panels Sandy Beach over the mus- feature information on hump- home with you! keg before airport days. back and orca whales as well as other marine mammals • Native Art Continue past the airport which frequent Frederick • Fur on Haugen Drive eventually Sound. turning left towards Frederick 32. HUNGRY POINT VIEW • Paintings Sound. AREA — Where the Wrangell • Prints 28. SANDY BEACH RECREA- Narrows meets Frederick • Jewelry TION AREA— Daytime picnic Sound. Offers a great view of area. Low tides reveal abun- the Coast Mountains and • Apparel dant sea life and ancient pet- Devil s Thumb. • Home goods roglyphs and fish traps on the 33. STRAND S HOME — Built & more left-hand side toward the in 1902 by Peter and Laura point. The petroglyphs prob- Summer. Erling began fishing ably mark a heart-shaped fish with his uncle Peter in 1911 trap of long ago. and resided in this home until The Cedar Box Monday - Saturday 9:30am — 6pm his death in Oct. 14, 1984. 101 B Nordic Dr • 907-772-2666 Beach access is available The home is located at 806 akcedarbox.com • @TheCedarBox at the following locations: North Nordic Drive. The home Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 29 A walking tour through Petersburg
Continued from page 28 34. EAGLE S ROOST PARK— Atop Petersburg Fisheries Hill is a city park where bald eagles may be observed. The eagles perch and roost there while they spy for fish to feed in Wrangell Narrows. Photo interpretive sign shows histo- ric Ness Point. Turn left on First Street ac- ross from Eagle s Roost Park. 35. PETERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL - MITKOF MIDDLE SCHOOL - WRIGHT AUDITO- RIUM— The school district has strong vocational and academic programs. Many electives are offered, includ- ing foreign language, survey- ing and aquaculture. The 1952 building was remod- eled in 1986 to become the Passengers from a nearby small cruise ship at anchor explore icebergs at the entrance to LeConte Bay. middle school/junior high
school. The 1976 addition is 1969 and renovated in 2014 Come Relax and Enjoy the back building housing for kindergarten through fifth at the high school classrooms. The grades. 300-plus seat Wright Audito- Waterfront Bed & Breakfast rium is housed in the middle Walk through the parking school. Northern Nights The- lot side, walk to Dolphin ater, a student run movie Street. At the dead-end head theater, shows recent re- uphill on Fifth Street. At Fifth lease movies year round. and Excel is the historic Lu- The entrance is at 500 First theran Church. Street. 39. PETERSBURG LUTHERAN CHURCH — The cornerstone Turn uphill at Charles W. was laid in 1938 but the Street. church building was com- 36. PETERSBURG COM- pleted and dedicated in No- MUNITY GYM & POOL— Built in vember 1948. The education 1990 and 1991, it contains a building was completed and Our five rooms each have a private bath and are easily full basketball court, racquet- dedicated in 1963. In 1997 accessible with no stairs. We offer wireless internet access and ball courts, a weight room the education building was guests can enjoy our hot tub nestled in our gazebo. Summer rates and an arts and crafts room. cut in half and moved across start at $115.00 plus tax. 37. THE AQUATIC CENTER – the street. Holy Cross Features Olympic sized pool, House, the current educa- Open Year Round water slide, warming pool, tion/fellowship facility, was A stoneʼs throw from the ferry terminal. sauna, and exercise area. dedicated in November Sammy Parker & LeeRoy Newton Built in 2006. Call 772-3304 1998. www.waterfrontbedandbreakfast.com for the swim schedule. An Email: [email protected] RV service facility available Continue walking down at the rear parking lot. either Excel or Fram streets 907-772-9300 38. RAE C. STEDMAN ELE- and you ll arrive back on 1-866-772-9301 MENTARY SCHOOL — Built in Nordic Drive. Page 30 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide LeConte Glacier in nearly same location as in May 2018 Six Petersburg High School students that make up the glacier survey class deter- mined last May that one side of LeConte is in about the same location as it was in 2018, but the other side came out about 60 to 80 feet. Their instructor said the fast moving glacier can easily shift 100 feet in a day. “They have committed a lot of time and effort, so when they go over there, though they have fun don't get me wrong, it s serious,” said former instructor Victor Traut- man. “They take care of the business, and then we can have fun.” The program first started back in 1983 when PHS teacher Paul Bowen wanted to create a field study that would get the students en- PHS students stand atop a cliff of bedrock with the LeConte Glacier in the background. gaged. He was awarded a Photo courtesy of Tom Thompson federal grant for the study of dents on the south team were the movement of the LeConte flown to a location 4721.51 Glacier and received a spe- feet northwest on the other cial permit from the United side of LeConte Bay where States Forest Service to land the rest of the team was al- a helicopter in the area. Traut- ready waiting for them. The man got involved with the pro- group was able to triangulate gram in the early 1990s after each point on the glacier with the glacier moved back about the two points on either side a half of a mile, which resulted of LeConte Bay to determine $160 in the team having to create a the location of the face of the whole new set of points. glacier and how far it has The all day expedition in moved since the prior year s early May began with a boat survey. trip out to LeConte Bay in the “It s a lot of hard work, but morning and was followed by it s totally worth it when you a helicopter ride courtesy of get up there,” said PHS junior Temsco. The students were Jolyn Toyomura. then split up into two groups. Like the rest of the stu- One group was flown to a dents in the program, Toy- point on the south side of the omura spent her lunchtime bay. The south team selected every Wednesday practicing all the points on the glacier for the moment when she that the group was going to would get to survey LeConte measure, but the work had to Glacier. Some Wednesdays, be done quickly before the she said she even went with- glacier could calve and erase out lunch, but she was able to the points. make friends with a group of Once the points were se- people she may not have had lected on the glacier, the stu- Continued on page 31 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 31
Continued from page 30 the opportunity to bond with otherwise. Math teacher Tom Thomp- son assumes coordinator duties following Trautman s retirement. This is Thomp- son s third year being in- volved with the program. He first joined to help with the math that is involved with the surveying, but will now be the coordinator of the program. “I am going to be guiding the kids who will take over the program,” said Thompson. “The great thing about the kids is that they re such self motivated, self starters that the kids teach the kids.” Tons of ice drop into LeConte Bay each day as the glacier calves.
A Harbor Seal hauled out onto ice near the face of LeConte Glacier.
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Inga's offers catering services for charter boats, Icebergs travel with ocean currents, sometimes smashing up against parties, conferences, weddings, and more! the shore or getting caught in shallow waters. Page 32 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Be cautious when encountering bears On Mitkof Island, you’re likely to see only black bears. But the larger and more aggressive brown bears occasionally have been spotted on the island. While many bear stories are greatly exaggerated, it’s smart to fear these furry mammals. Statistically, however, the likelihood of being injured by a bear in Alaska is about one-50th that of being injured in a car on a state highway. With proper precautions, the odds get even better. The most important rule to follow is never feed the bears. In ad- dition to it being illegal in Alaska, feeding bears can lead to injury – to you or the bear. Cubs are cute and cuddly looking but potentially deadly because of their mother’s protectiveness. If you see a bear cub in the woods, move away quickly because the mother will be somewhere nearby. Placing yourself, even inadvertently, between a sow and her cubs is virtually inviting the mother to attack. Camping in bear country is a safe adventure if some simple rules are followed. Bears are attracted when food is left in accessible places. Food should be stored and eaten separately from where you plan to sleep. It also should be packed separately from clothing in case of spills or leakage. On other occasions, being a little noisy is a good idea. A surprised bear, especially one at close range, will often charge. Loud singing or talking is the simplest method of letting bears know you are there. Backpackers sometimes tie bells or a can of rocks to their packs. If you come into close range of a bear, do not turn and run. In- Bears may appear harmless, even cuddly, but keep a safe distance stead, back away slowly, without making sudden movements that away. A brown bear sow and her cubs were snoozing at Blind Slough could frighten the bear. last summer, when they were awakened and stood up, allowing pho- Startled bears often make a “whoosh” or “woof” sound as they tographer Matt Gerritts to capture the moment. Photo courtesy of Matt turn to run. If a bear runs away, don’t be alarmed. If a bear stands its Gerritts. ground and begins a series of woofs or teeth-popping, this is your invitation to leave, since the bear may charge.
More information on Alaska’s bears is available from the Peters- Serving Petersburg since 2000 burg Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service, the Visitor Infor- mation Center and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
RVs are welcome here See us online at Petersburg welcomes RV guests and has two private www.petersburgproperties.com parks to accommodate their visits. RV parking is available at the Ohmer Creek campground, operated by the U.S. For- est Service. Ohmer Creek has limited maintenance and no water or bathrooms. Recreational vehicles can find legal parking on most streets as long as posted signs are obeyed. George Doyle Sarah Holmgrain Leif Stenfjord Karna Cristina A water and service station is located at N. 3rd St. off 907-518-0639 907-518-0718 206-512-6505 206-554-1522 Wrangell Ave., behind the community gym and aquatic fa- cility. The service station fee is $10. Contact the front desk Phone: Give us a call today for at Parks & Rec to pay fee and receive the lock’s combina- 907-772-6000 your real estate needs in Central tion. Southeast Alaska! For additional information, contact the Visitor Infor- Serving Central Southeast Alaska with a mation Center at 2nd and Fram Streets or 772-4636. licensed full time, professional staff of Realtors with over 45 years of combined real estate sales experience. Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 33 Cannery Park honors past & present cannery workers Cannery workers, past and present are rec- ognized for their contribution to Petersburg’s seafood industry with a covered, open air gazebo that sits over a concrete slab with two benches on Main Street, next to the Trading Union, Inc. parking lot. On three walls of the structure are five panels that give a history of the canneries that have operated in Petersburg. One panel displays cannery workers through- out the years. Some are peeling shrimp by hand and others are using more modern tech- niques of processing seafood. Another panel shows a timeline of all the canneries that have operated in Petersburg. There’s also a map of the current canneries in Petersburg, and histo- ric labels from salmon and shrimp cans pro- cessed in town sits on a panel next to the map. The colorful panels detail the history of the various canneries that have operated in Petersburg Probably the most detailed panel shows the over the years. history of the Peter Buschmann Cannery. Decorative metal benches were designed & work is to be completed by this summer. their contribution to the industry,” said Wilson. produced by local welder Joseph Quinslet. Production workers have come from all over Their work is often overshadowed by that of Yet to be added to the project, are planters the world to work at Petersburg's various can- the fishermen. and cement bricks on either side of the struc- neries, and Petersburg’s Icicle Seafoods Gen- Another historic cannery panel is on display ture. There are also four mosaics that feature a eral Manager Patrick Wilson said, “They at the Clausen Memorial Museum that was do- salmon, shrimp, rockfish and crab that are to should be recognized.” nated by local historian and publisher Karen be placed on the concrete slab. The remaining “There’s usually not much mentioned about Hofstad.
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WALKS CLOSE TO TOWN Ferry Terminal to Town [15 minutes one way] Easy A left-hand turn out of the ferry terminal takes you on a quick walk to the heart of town. On the way you ll pass the floatplane dock and South Har- bor. To your left as you near town you ll see the historic Sons of Norway Hall with rosemaling on the shutters, and to the right the picturesque houses that line Frederick Sound reflects a colorful sunrise over the Coastal Mountains across from Outlook Park along Hammer Slough. Sandy Beach Road. Photo courtesy of Wild Iris Photography by Carey Carmichael Case Ferry Terminal to Scow Bay Loop Rd. the Wrangell Narrows until it parking area and walk until Twelfth Street Loop [45 minutes] takes you back downtown. reaching the harbor ramp. For [45 minutes] Easy Hungry Point Trail Loop those who have difficulty with in- Easy From the ferry terminal park- [40 minutes] clines, be careful of the steep Start off at Hammer & Wikan ing lot the walkway is indicated Easy harbor ramp at low tide. hardware store downtown and by highway stripes. About a mile From downtown, walk up the This is a pleasant and short walk up Excel Street past the Lu- of the walkway runs along the hill to the end of Excel St. Make jaunt past part of the Petersburg theran Church and to the base- Wrangell Narrows shoreline. a left hand turn just past the end fleet. On the way back, turn left ball field past Eighth Street. The Big Loop of the baseball field. Follow the on Sing Lee Alley to pass the Off to the right of the ball field [90 minutes] gravel road past the small t-ball Sons of Norway Hall and Sing is the William Musson Memorial Easy field and enjoy this quiet trail that Lee Alley, which takes you back pathway, which runs briefly A favorite with Petersburg bisects the town. Muskeg and downtown. through the muskeg and hooks walkers, this loop swings up past mountain views are all around; Beach Walk up with 12th Street. In the the airport around muskeg, with blacktail deer can also often be [20 minutes one way] summer, the flowers around an excellent view of mountains in seen. The trail exits to Sandy Easy Mountain View Manor retirement every direction. Beach Road. Turn left and take Eagle s Roost Park north of home can be enchanting. Head up the hill by the totem the sidewalk back to town along Petersburg Fisheries includes a Take a right off of 12th and poles at the corner of Haugen Wrangell Narrows, or take one of stairway onto the beach. you re back on Haugen Drive. Or and Nordic drives until you reach the stairwells down to the beach. From there, at low tide, you turn left to walk to Sandy Beach. the walking and biking path adja- South Harbor Loop can walk along the Wrangell Nar- While you re in the area, there cent to the road to the airport. [25 minutes] rows all the way to Hungry Point, is a nature boardwalk at the end Follow Haugen Drive all the way Easy where the Narrows meets Fred- of Dolphin Street, next to the ele- to Sandy Beach Park. Then turn From downtown, follow Nordic erick Sound. It s a good way to mentary school just a few blocks left and take Sandy Beach Road Drive south over Hammer Slough check out the eagles. Occa- toward town from the ball field at to Nordic Drive. Follow it along toward the ferry terminal until you sionally, whales also can be seen Eighth Street. The nature board- reach South Harbor. Enter the from the point. walk is a shortcut to Eighth Street Hammer Slough and goes through forested wet- [10 minutes round trip] lands for about 900 feet. Easy Sandy Beach to City Creek The Birch Street boardwalk Trail Glacier Laundry (across the street from the police [1 hour one way] department) is the first left off of Easy (some mobility nec- Coin-op Laundry & Showers Nordic Drive after Haugen Drive, essary to step up and down) if you re coming from downtown. Trail starts at the troll bridge at Located Downtown It s a short but picturesque walk the south end of Sandy Beach up the slough, past old homes Park. Walk can also be started at OPEN 8 AM – 8 PM • O 8 – 8 • 772-4144 and warehouses. Continued on page 35 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 35
It takes around two hours to hike to the first lookout on Raven s Roost Trail. Kupreanof Island is to the right and the Suokoi Islands in the background. Walks & Hikes Continued from page 34 the bridge along Frederick Sound Drive that goes over City Creek. Trail winds through the woods following the beach with a couple overlooks. If timed right, hikers may see or hear whales in Frederick Sound. Petersburg Indian Association has upgraded portions of the trail to be handicapped accessible. Raven Trail [3 1/2 hours one way] Strenuous The trail can be accessed by a new trailhead across the street from Sandy Beach Park. The beginning of the Raven Trail is gravel and Three Lake trail is mostly boardwalk planks over gradual uphill terrain, connects to a Borough Service Road for a distance of 1/2-mile. Across but does have steep sections. There are trailheads for short hikes to the service road, the trail continues for another 4.1 miles. About half each lake, each of which is connected to the 4½-mile loop. of the trail is boardwalk and other parts have somewhat steep sections that are a good workout. approximately one-quarter-mile long, and the loop is one-half-mile. The view from the top offers outstanding views of Petersburg, The trail passes through a muskeg bog before reaching the popular Frederick Sound and Wrangell Narrows. The Trail accesses the fishing hole at the rapids. Raven s Roost Cabin. Restrooms are provided near the parking lot, and a shelter is avail- able near the trail s end. Handicapped accessible. HIKES OUT THE ROAD Man Made Hole Blind River Rapids Boardwalk [20 minutes] [30 minutes round trip] Easy Easy Enjoy a quiet stroll in the woods around the swimming hole off Mit- Located 14 miles from downtown on Mitkof Highway, this trail leads kof Highway at mile 20. Handicapped-accessible. Restroom and a to one of the most popular fishing spots in the area. picnic shelter are available. The trailhead sign is highly visible from the road. A large parking lot can accommodate motor homes. The boardwalk to the rapids is Continued on page 36
Boat Rentals For: Fishing Trips View Southeast from the air with • Wildlife Viewing • Hunting Trips Aircraft Charters: Flightseeing (Glaciers, Whales) Aerial Surveys NORDIC AIR, LLC Remote drop locations Pilot: Doug Riemer email: [email protected] Photography www.NordicAirFlying.com John Jensen, Owner All Southeast locations, 907-772-3535 office: (907) 772-4635 [email protected] P.O. Box 681 land or sea Petersburg Airport cell: (907) 518-0121 Petersburg, Alaska 99833 Page 36 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Walks & Hikes Continued from page 35 and fall. Ohmer Creek Trail Three Lakes Loop Trail and [1 hour from Woodpecker Ideal Cove Trail Road to Snake Ridge Road] [30 minutes from the trail- Easy to moderate head to any one lake; two Located off Mitkof Highway at hours from the Crane Lake mile 21.5. This one-mile trail is trailhead to the Sand Lake adjacent to the Ohmer Creek trailhead] Campground, and follows Ohmer Easy Creek through mature rain forest This trail is located 21 miles and muskeg and over a beaver from downtown off Mitkof High- pond. way. The first quarter-mile of the To get there, drive past Crys- trail is wheelchair-accessible and tal Lake Hatchery onto the road, accesses a fishing platform and past Man-made Hole and take the second part of the trail is the first left onto Three Lakes plank and native tread. The trail Loop Road. The total length of provides anglers with access to the Three Lakes trails and Ideal the creek and adjacent ponds, Cove Trail is about 5.4 miles. providing fair to good trout and Wildflowers and berries abound salmon fishing in late summer along most of the trail and all four lakes offer trout fishing.
The Petersburg Mountain Trail heads north along an old roadbed.
Rowboats and picnic tables trailhead up Petersburg Creek provided at all three lakes. for a 6.5-mile hike. Both trails An Adirondack shelter is pro- follow the creek, with access to vided at a small lake between trout and salmon fishing, wild- Sand and Hill Lakes. Rowboats, flower meadows and great op- fishing platforms, and picnic portunities for photographers. tables are available at all three The Petersburg Lake Trail lakes. construction is primitive and sometimes difficult to locate due HIKES ON KUPREANOF to mud and brush. Hikers are ISLAND advised to contact the Peters- Petersburg Lake Trail burg Ranger District on trail con- [Eight to twelve hours ditions prior to hiking. round trip] The trail also traverses a por- Moderate tion of the Petersburg Creek Located on Kupreanof Island and Duncan Salt Chuck Wilder- across the Wrangell Narrows ness. from Petersburg, the trail is ac- The Petersburg Lake Cabin, cessible only by boat or kayak. located at the end of the hike is Hikers have a choice of get- available for rent from the Pe- ting onto the boardwalk trail at tersburg Ranger District. Access to the Petersburg Lake Trail on Kupreanof Island requires a two separate locations: Kuprea- Petersburg Mountain Trail boat or kayak trip to the Kupreanof Dock, located across the Wrangell nof State Dock trailhead for a [Six hours round trip] Narrows from Petersburg. Map courtesy of USDA Forest Service. 10.5-mile hike, or the high tide Difficult Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 37
Crystal Mountain is the highest point on Mitkof Island. View shows Wrangell Narrows in the background. Walks & Hikes Continued from page 36 the saddle. To get to the trailhead, boat The last quarter-mile is a very across the Wrangell Narrows steep scramble over rocks to the from Petersburg to the Kuprea- 2,750-foot summit, which pro- nof State Dock. vides one of the best views of To the north (right), the trail Petersburg, coastal mountains goes to Petersburg Mountain. and glaciers. The trail extends 3.5 miles one- way. The first mile is an easy Veteran walker Susan walk through the community of Erickson and U.S. Forest Serv- Kupreanof. The trail climbs fairly ice staff contributed to this ar- steeply for the next 2.5 miles to ticle.
WORLDWORLD FAMOUSFAMOUS PIZZAPIZZA • MILKSHAKES • ICE CREAM • CHICKEN • BURGERS • FRIES • WRAPS PIZZA BY THE SLICE 219219 NorNordicdic DriveDrive Sunset at the Greens Camp. There are several large campsites with 772-3727 papabpapabearspspizza.zza.cocom picnic tables and fire pits near the water with great views. Photo cour- tesy Jenny Annett Photography Page 38 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Fishing and ‘catching,’ is the Petersburg way of life Petersburg is home port netters use just one or two- for approximately 600 man crews, seiners usually commercial fishing vessels. have four or more on deck Petersburg fishermen hold and one piloting a skiff. over 1000 fishing permits They catch large quantities for a variety of fisheries of salmon, mostly pink sal- conducted statewide. mon — called humpies — Following is an illustra- the primary product in the tion of how various fish- canned salmon market. eries are conducted. Once a school of fish is found, fishermen set out Longliners the open net with the skiff Bottom dwelling fish towing one end off the such as halibut and black stern of the seiner and the cod are caught much the seiner motoring away hold- same way — with long ing the other. After a short lengths of line — hence the period the two boats close Seiners name longliners — using a in a circle and close, or series of hooks strung out ‘purse’ the seine, trapping across the ocean floor. the salmon. Seine boats are typically Seiners 58-feet in length and While trollers and gill- among the largest vessels
in the harbor. They can be or coho, which usually spotted by the power skiff bring a good price and re- in the back and the net, turn to their spawning with corks and lead line, grounds somewhat later in piled in the stern. the season than kings. Trollers should not mis- Trollers takenly be called ‘trawlers.’ Five types of Pacific sal- mon are caught in the re- Gillnetters gion: kings (or Chinook), Gillnetters target sockeye Coho (silvers), sockeye (reds), chums (dogs) and (reds), humpies (pinks) and occasionally Coho Longliners chums (dogs). Kings, or (silvers). In this region, Chinook, are the big money gillnetters use 150-fathom fish, caught primarily by driftnets. The nets are set trollers who run multi-hook and as fish swim into them, lines from poles lowered they become tangled and out over the water as the are pulled into the boat. vessels move through the Gillnetting can become an fishing grounds. art form as fishermen con- Trollers also catch silvers Continued on page 39 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 39 Fishing Continued from page 38 pots weighing around 45- stantly work the net to keep pounds for dungeness crab, them from tangling in sea- and over 500-pounds for weed, logs, or on the rocks. the tanner and king crab Gillnet fish are sold for (red, blue, or golden) fish- restaurant and specialty eries. Crab boats use booms use. Their price per-pound and power blocks to lower is higher than that of and raise the heavy crab seine-caught fish, but not pots to the ocean floor, marking the location of quite as high as troll-caught Crabbers salmon. their pots with buoys. Pots Gillnet boats can be contain bait jars to attract spotted by the hydraulic their crustacean prey. Fresh reel at the rear of the boat. crab and ‘live-crab’ have The reel is used to free- become a ‘must-have’ for wheel out the net while set- restaurants worldwide and ting and to wind in the nets Alaskan crab are rated as that catch salmon. There the finest. are roughly 86 permits in Petersburg. Dive Fisheries Dive fishermen are the Crabbers newest kids on the block, Crews of two or more use marketing wise, but also
some of the most talented lone, Sea Cucumber, Geo- and ingenious. Swimming ducks and Sea Urchins in down in scuba gear (or the past. The species are sometimes with umbilical plucked from between diving gear) and often rocks or sandy sea floors among sea lions, sea otters, and placed in bags, and other aquatic life, dive buckets, or netting and fishers have targeted Aba- raised to the surface.
Gillnetters Page 40 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Pilot Publishing Publications
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207 North Nordic Drive • P.O. Box 930, Pe- tersburg, AK 99833 • [email protected] 772-9393 • www.petersburgpilot.com Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 41 Lighthouse soon to be accessible to visitors On a three-acre island 45 miles north of Petersburg, sits the Five Finger Lighthouse. It was the first and last manned light- house in Southeast Alaska. The names of the men who manned the lighthouse through winter storms are scrawled on the under- ground walls of the structure, and their stories are recorded in log books. Located at the confluence of Stephens Passage and Freder- ick Sound, the historic Five Finger Lighthouse stands 68 feet tall. There aren’t any mammals on the island, but there are plenty of birds, including bald eagles, songbirds and nesting seabirds. Sea lions, harbor seals, harbor porpoise and sea otters can be seen swimming off shore, while nearby killer whales keep a close watch. Humpback whales are often found feeding on the abun- An overview of Five Finger Lighthouse showing the island s helipad and terrain. Photo courtesy of Thomas dance of krill and herring that Cumps. surround the area. The Five Finger Lighthouse Lighthouse Society (FFLS), speeds in the open waters to the tain the historic structure and to was built in 1902 and was which is based out of Petersburg. west of the island. make the site accessible to the manned by the United States The 118-year-old lighthouse After remodels are complete, public in order to increase the Coast Guard. The original may have seen better days, but FFLS hopes to have a full-time awareness of the significance wooden structure burned down in FFLS is working towards up- lighthouse keeper who will live and educational value of the Five 1935, but the lighthouse was re- grading the facility and provid- onsite several months out of the Finger Lighthouse,” said built and still stands today. The ing regular maintenance. year. The lighthouse keeper will Thomas Cumps, vice president USCG operated the lighthouse Because of the remote location maintain the lighthouse and greet of the FFLS board. until 1984 when it went fully of the lighthouse, it can some- visitors. FFLS may even turn the The facility has a base of op- automated. The lighthouse is cur- times be hard to access. Rocks lighthouse into a bed and break- eration for many whale research rently leased from the USCG and surround the island, and winds fast in the future, so visitors can organizations. maintained by the Five Finger can pick up to storm-force experience Southeast Alaska Anyone wanting more infor- from one of its lighthouses. mation about the lighthouse can “Our objective as an organi- visit its website at www.fivefing- TheThe TTrreesees RV Parkark & GenerGeneralal StStorore zation is to preserve and main- erlighthouse.com LarryLarry & LarineLarine DDunhamunham Milepost 10.2 Mitkof Highway Convenience Store, Liquor Store & Espresso Showers, Bathrooms, Laundry Water, Electric & Sewer 13 Wooded RV Sites 2 Cabins Computer Repair, Marine Electronics & Shirts (907) 772-2502 907-772-3100•907-772-3100• wwwwww.homeportelectronics.com.homeportelectronics.com [email protected] 223223 NorthNorth NordicNordic Drive.Drive. Petersburg,Petersburg, AKAK Page 42 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Devil’s Thumb: Saltwater to Summit in 8 Days Excerpts from Patrick Fowler’s account of his Devil’s Thumb ascent in 2019 with fellow climber Alex Jahn, both Petersburg residents.
By Patrick Fowler On July 28 we departed Pe- tersburg with a short boat ride to Thomas Bay and the terminus of the Baird Glacier. With one pack- raft and one kayak we paddled, portaged and climbed through several large islands of ice sep- arated by moats of water to ob- tain the contiguous glacier. The lower Baird Glacier was a labyrinth of crevasses, requiring us to move back and forth until we found a bridge of ice or walls of each crevassed narrowed enough to allow a crossing. On day three we walked into the Witches Cauldron under overcast skies, the thundering sounds of rock and ice falling from all sides and a lone seagull screeching a warning above us. The terrain was tough to move through, essentially an ice cube covered in gravel and boulders of all sizes amongst large moats of standing water. On day five we started up the icefall on the southern aspect of Devil s Thumb, where the Stikine Icecap at 6,500 feet elevation flows 4,000 feet down into the Patrick Fowler crossing Baird Glacier. Photo courtesy of Patrick Fowler Witches Cauldron (2,500 feet). At 1,700 feet we avoided the lapsing ice urged us to move fast most hazardous terrain and to exit that terrain. After a very gained approximately 500 feet in tense day, we topped out onto the elevation before things got tricky. Stikine Icecap near the 6,500-foot While the terrain was not con- level. sistently steep, several bands of On the morning of day seven, heavily crevassed sections we started our ascent of the com- barred upward progress. Rockfall and the consistent noise of col- Continued on page 43
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View of the distant Mt. Burkett in Canada following an early morning email: [email protected] sunrise at the 8,900 foot level. Photo courtesy of Patrick Fowler Near Petersburg, Alaska on Kupreanof Island Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page 43
View from the Devil s Thumb summit looking towards Petersburg. Mitkof Island and the runway are barely visible. Photo courtesy of Patrick Fowler Devil’s Thumb
Continued from page 42 canister. plete east ridge direct with an al- For the descent, we reversed pine start and bivied on a low-an- course along the summit ridge to gled dome around the 9,000 foot an existing rappel station. Some- level. where around 13 rappels (45 to Following a glorious red sun- 60 meters) with some traversing rise from our high vantage point, and downclimbing brought us we strolled along the summit back to the snow. ridge to the highest point (9,077 Upon arrival at our base camp feet) and looked out over South- we gorged ourselves with snacks east Alaska and deep into Ca- and decided to helicopter out to nada. We located the register left avoid the unnecessary risk of by the British Mountaineering traveling through icefall and cre- Club and added our own note to vasses. The Temsco helicopter the three others that were in the picked us up the next morning.
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AAA • Batteries • Towing Equipment & Accessories Member Discount • Tools & Supplies • Welding Supplies • Hydraulic Hoses • Racor Filters • Auto, Marine & Industrial Filters • RV Supplies & ATV parts 772-3440 • 114 Harbor Way Rappeling down to the Stikine Icefield following the journey to the RECYCLE YOUR BATTERIES HERE summit. Photo courtesy of Patrick Fowler Page 44 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Rainy days, mild Advertiser’s Index Alaska Floorcovering ...... 17 Alaska Passages Adventures ...... 9 temperatures ALPS Federal Credit Union ...... 21 Petersburg has average ture also moderate the tempera- Bearing Song & Gifts ...... 27 recorded temperatures of 53.6 tures. This makes for mild Borough Phone Numbers ...... 2 degrees in June, 58.3 degrees in winters and cool summers. Even Breakaway Adventures ...... 30 July and 57.4 degrees in August, in the coldest month, January, Chamber of Commerce ...... 1 according to National Weather temperatures rarely fall below Clausen Memorial Museum ...... 16 Service data. freezing. Das Hagedorn Haus ...... 7 Despite being wetter than nor- People who live in this cli- Diamanté Gift Shoppe ...... 15 mal, the summer was reflective mate adapt. The essential piece El Zarape ...... 11 of Petersburg's typical weather of rain gear, either on sea or land, Firelight Gallery & Framing ...... 21 patterns which bring a lot of rain. is a good pair of rubber boots, First Bank ...... 13 The average annual rainfall for sometimes called “Petersburg Glacier Laundry ...... 34 the area is about 130 inches ac- sneakers.” Style takes a back seat Hammer & Wikan ...... Back Cover cording to data from the National to the comfort of dry feet, and it Harbor Way Parts, Inc...... 43 Weather Service. Compare that is not out of place to wear these Homeport Electronics ...... 41 to an annual average of just 15 brownish-red boots on almost Inga's Galley ...... 31 inches in Anchorage or 11.3 any occasion. Jensen Boat Rentals ...... 35 inches in Fairbanks and the On the other hand, umbrellas Joan Mei Restaurant ...... 4 weather in Petersburg may look are uncommon, and serious out- Lee's Clothing ...... 10 inhospitable. door work or play is more com- Majestic Eagle Lodge ...... 42 But the same ocean con- fortable in a good waterproof Nordic Air, LLC ...... 35 ditions that bring in all the mois- rain jacket and rain pants. Pacific Wings, LLC ...... 4 Papa Bears Pizza ...... 37 Petersburg Harbors ...... 18 Petersburg Medical Center ...... 6 Petersburg Motors ...... 16 WEATHER NUMBERS Petersburg Properties ...... 32 W N Petersburg Pilot Newspaper ...... 40 Petersburg Rexall Drug ...... 7 Petersburg Sportfishing ...... 19 Petersburg Visitor Information Center ...... 11 Rocky's Marine ...... 14 Salty Pantry ...... 8 Scandia House ...... 12 Sing Lee Alley Books & Gifts ...... 2 Average Daylight: Hours Tamico ...... 15 7 9 12 14 17 18 17 15 13 10 8 7 Temsco Helicopters, Inc...... 20 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC The 420 ...... 33 The Beachcomber ...... 3 The Cedar Box ...... 28 Average High Temperature: °F Tides Inn ...... 5 35 39 43 50 57 62 64 62 56 48 40 36 Tongass Kayak ...... Inside Front Cover JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Tonka Seafoods ...... 3 The Trading Union ...... 26 The Trees RV Park & General Store ...... 41 Viking Travel ...... 1 Waterfront Bed & Breakfast ...... 29 Whale Song Cruises ...... Inside Back Cover Average Monthly Precipitation: Inches EATHER
11.9 3.6 11.8 11.1 2.7 7.5 8.7 13.9 15.216.0 9.3 9.2 NOAA W The next Visitor Guide will be JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC distributed in February 2021. Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide Page A-44
Inga's Galley ...... 31 REVISED Jensen Boat Rentals ...... 35 Joan Mei Restaurant ...... 4 Advertiser’s Lee's Clothing ...... 10 Majestic Eagle Lodge ...... 42 Nordic Air, LLC ...... 35 Index 2021 Pacific Wings, LLC ...... 4 Alaska Fibre Inc...... A-44 Papa Bears Pizza ...... 37 Alaska Floorcovering ...... 17 Petersburg Flying Service ...... A-1 Alaska Passages Adventures ...... 9 Petersburg Harbors ...... 18 Alaska Seaplanes ...... B-44 Petersburg Medical Center ...... 6 ALPS Federal Credit Union ...... 21 Petersburg Motors ...... 16 Bearing Song & Gifts ...... 27 Petersburg Parks & Recreation . . . B-44 Borough Phone Numbers ...... 2 Petersburg Properties ...... 32 Breakaway Adventures ...... 30 Petersburg Pilot Newspaper ...... 40 Chamber of Commerce ...... 1 Petersburg Rexall Drug ...... 7 Clausen Memorial Museum ...... 16 Petersburg Sportfishing ...... 19 Das Hagedorn Haus ...... 7 Psg Visitor Information Center ...... 11 Diamanté Gift Shoppe ...... 15 Rocky's Marine ...... 14 El Zarape ...... A-1 Salty Pantry ...... 8 Firelight Gallery & Framing ...... 21 Scandia House ...... 12 First Bank ...... 13 SeekAlaska Tours ...... B-1 Glacier Laundry ...... 34 Sing Lee Alley Books & Gifts ...... 2 Hammer & Wikan ...... Back Cover Tamico ...... 15 Harbor Way Parts, Inc...... 43 Temsco Helicopters, Inc...... 20 Homeport Electronics ...... 41 The 420 ...... 33 The Beachcomber ...... 3 The Cedar Box ...... 28 Tides Inn ...... 5 Tongass Kayak . . . . . Inside Front Cover Tonka Seafoods ...... 3 The Trading Union ...... 26
Propane The Trees RV Park & General Store . . . . . 41 Available 6-days/week Viking Travel ...... 1 Monday - Friday: 8a - 5p • Saturday 8a - 4p Waterfront Bed & Breakfast ...... 29 WE PROVIDE PICK-UPS & DELIVERIES TO THE BOAT HARBORS Whale Song Cruises ... Inside Back Cover ALASKA FIBRE INC. 2.74 Mile Mitkof Hwy. • AkFibre.com • 772-2173 Page B-44 Petersburg Viking Visitor Guide
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Great connections to more of SE Alaska through JNU
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772-9393 • [email protected] • whalesongcruises.com Full Service Grocery • Dairy • Groceries • Natural Foods • Fresh Produce • Organic Produce • USDA Choice Meats • Fresh Bakery/Deli 1300 Howkan St. Mail and phone orders welcome Free Dockside Pickup (907) 772-4246 Fax (907) 772-2295 P.O. Box 249 • Petersburg, AK 99833 and Delivery Since 1921 (Minimum Purchase Required) Website: www.hammerwikan.com Courtesy phones on docks Summer Hours: Open Seven Days A Week: 7am-7pm, Sunday 8am-7pm
Hammer & Wikan Hardware Marine Hardware Commercial & Sportfishing Gear Hunting & Camping Gear Souvenirs & Gifts 218 N. Nordic Drive Phone: 907-772-4811 Fax: 907-772-3642 www.hammerandwikan.com
Summer Hours: Open Monday through Saturday 7 AM - 6 PM; Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM. Sandwiches, C-Store Sodas, Lille Hammer & Wikan Located on 216 N. Nordic Next to Hardware Snacks, Open 7 Days a Week Groceries Hours: SUN. - THUR 6:00 AM - 9 PM, FRI.- SAT. 6:00 AM - 10 PM