Traveler's Guide to Chitina, Alaska
Chitina, Alaska
Maps of Chitina and the region
Chitina is located at the end of the Edgerton Cutoff highway, which splits or cuts off from the Richardson Highway south of Glennallen and north of Thompson pass. The McCarthy road starts at the Copper River and leads into the Wrangell - St. Elias National park. There is an airstrip here which is used by alaska bush pilots to transport visitors in the backcountry of the national park. The copper river is the dominate feature of the town and many people visit here for Dip-net fishing for the world renown, Copper River Red salmon.
The history of the area is tied to the native population and the Copper River Northwest Railroad, the famous railroad that carried copper from the Kennicott mines to Cordova. Chitina was a railway stop and relatively large town during the boom years of 1910-1938.
Festivals and Events
The best way to see a place, anyone will tell you, is during a celebration. The townspeople are out and in the mood for fun. The air is light and happy, which make it easy for visitors to join in on the fun.
- Dipnetting Season - starts June 1st
- Fourth of July Parade
- Chitina Labor Day Cabbage Festival and Fair
Travel Details
Transportation
- Fly in!:
- RV
- Edgerton Cutoff
- McCarthy Road
Accommodation
-
Alaska Halfway House Bed & Breakfast , Cabin, Bunkhouse,
& Campgrounds
-
Chitina Guest Cabins -Alaskan Log Cabin
Lodging
- We specialize in international and adventure travelers... We invite you to settle into one of our custom made log cabins in Chitina, the gateway to Wrangell St. Elias National Park and experience an authentic taste of the last frontier.
-
Chitina House Bed & Breakfast
- Historical Northwestern Railway Bunkhouse and Cook House (907) 255-2298
- Gilpatrick's Hotel Chitina
- Historic 1914 hotel, fully restored and full service dining room and drinks (907) 823-2244
- Chitina Native Corporation
- RV Park, Convenience Store-groceries, soda, ice. laundry and shower (907) 823-2223
Tours and Activities
Chitina is a sleepy Alaskan town that is the gateway to the McCarthy Road and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- The Copper River
- The glacier slit gray waters of the Copper River slide past the town of Chitina. Here you can view the dip-netters in season or watch the fish wheels collect fish for subsistence fisherman.
- Spirit Mountain Artworks
- "Real art thrives in the shadow of Spirit Mountain", summer (907) 823-2222 winter phone (907) 235-1014
- Wrangell Mountain Air
- Scheduled flights and day trips to Kennicott-McCarthy from Chitina Airport, camping flyouts (907) 554-4411
Interesting Extras
- RENDEZVOUS AT CHITINA by Ralph Tingey
-
Tales of a rafting trip on the Copper River by the well known
alaskan adventurer, Ralph Tingey.
- Where the Hell Is Chitina? - Travel blog by Patti and Bill
-
You may know the famous "Wall Drug" bumper sticker.
Alaskans have there own version of a popluar bumper sticker.
"Where the hell is Chitina?". You'll notice it stamped on
rusted old subarus everywhere.
-
The Wrangell Mountains from Nabesna to
Chitina - August 2004
- Travel-log
Searches
- Google Search - Chitina, Alaska
- Flickr Search - Chitina, Alaska
- Wikipedia - Chitina, Alaska
- Youtube - Chitina
