WHITTIER: Port is in fact a light at the end of a very long tunnel.
The small port town of Whittier, at the end of the longest highway tunnel in North America, can serve as a starting point for adventures on Prince William Sound but can well be a destination on its own.
"Whittier is basically a back door for people in Southcentral, it's so close to the Valley, Anchorage, and the Kenai peninsula. It's the gateway to Prince William Sound, and the best way to access the calm, protected waters," says Kelly Bender, vice president of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce.
The journey begins about an hour southeast of Anchorage with a two-and-a-half-mile trip through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a unique experience -- but drivers should always check the schedule (www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/schedule.shtml) before setting out to be sure their experience doesn't include long delays: Traffic through the tunnel is one way only and alternates directions hourly.
"The scenery is so spectacular once you come out of the tunnel; you're surrounded by mountains and the harbor," says Bender.
Many people arriving in Whittier head straight for the docks, but visitors who take time on land are rewarded with hiking trails, wildlife viewing and the natural beauties of glaciers and waterfalls.
The main attraction in Whittier, however, is the water.
"The water is really why we're here," says Bender.
Tour operators and fishing charters line the docks, ready to take passengers out for an unforgettable time on Prince William Sound.
Bender says there are several ways to enjoy the water: charter boats, wildlife and glacier viewing cruises, sea kayaking trips and private boat rental.
"Just get out on the water any way you can," she says.
The city's proximity to water is the key to its history. Chugach Natives used the location as a portage route for fishing. It was the quickest route to Cook Inlet for Russian and American explorers, as well as prospectors. The ice-free deep water port now favored by cruise ships was an asset to the U.S. Army during World War II and for many years after.
Today the town has fewer than 300 full-time residents, but the city says nearly 750,000 people visit every year.
Attractions
Whittier Museum
The city's first historical museum was created in 2005 and shows Whittier's role in shaping Alaska's military history and defending the state during World War II.
Where: Inside the Anchor Inn, 100 Whittier St.
When: Summer 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; winter 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Cost: Donations Accepted
Phone: 907-472-2354 or 877- 870-8787
Web: www.anchorinnwhittier.com/museum.html
Horsetail Falls
This boardwalk trail rises to a 1,400-foot elevation above the tree line to offer views of Passage Canal and breathtaking waterfalls.
Where: Follow Whittier Street past the cement barracks, turn right off the paved road and follow the dirt road up the hill. There will be a fork in the dirt road with a sign pointing the way to Horsetail Falls. The trail begins on the right side of the road at the top of the hill.
When: Year-round, weather permitting
Cost: Free
Portage Pass
This well-maintained 1.5 mile trail gives hikers a view from the other side of Portage Lake and Portage Glacier.
Where: Head west of town toward the tunnel. Turn left just before the tunnel and cross railroad tracks; signs will point the way. Parking at the trail head.
When: Year-round, weather permitting.
Cost: Free
Bike and Walking Path
The multi-use path begins at the tunnel and runs through town along the harbor and is a great place to take a walk or bike ride.
Where: Starting at the tunnel, the trails follow Camp Road.
When: Year-round
Cost: Free
Events
Halibut Derby
One of three derbies the Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this summer, the Halibut Derby starts Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day weekend. Monthly awards will be given and a jackpot for the biggest fish will be awarded at season's end. Derby tickets and regulations are available at businesses around Whittier.
When: May 31 to Sept. 5. Weigh-in from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Fee's Custom Seafoods on the Whittier Harbor Triangle
Where: Prince William Sound
Cost: $10 for a daily entry, $30 for the week and $100 for the season.
Web: www.whittieralaskafishderby.org
Silver Salmon Derby
A jackpot for the heaviest fish will be awarded at the end of the season. Tickets and regulations are available from Whittier businesses.
When: July to September. Weigh-in from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Fee's Custom Seafoods on the Whittier Harbor Triangle
Where: Prince William Sound.
Cost: $10 for a daily entry, $30 for the week and $100 for the season.
Web: www.whittieralaskafishderby.org
"Small Fry" Silver Salmon Derby
A salmon derby for kids 12 and younger. First, second and third prizes will be awarded to contestants for the heaviest fish. Tickets and regulations are available from Whittier businesses.
When: July to September. Weigh-in from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Fee's Custom Seafoods on the Whittier Harbor Triangle
Where: Prince William Sound
Cost: No tickets required as long as the angler is accompanied by someone over 18.
Web: www.whittieralaskafishderby.org
Walk to Whittier
The 2.5 mile Anton Anderson Memorial tunnel is closed to traffic but open to pedestrians on Father's Day, a great time to walk through North America's longest traffic tunnel.
When: June 19
Where: Anton Anderson Memorial tunnel, Portage Glacier Highway from Portage to Whittier
Cost: Free
Web: www.whittieralaskachamber.org
Old Fashioned Family 4th
Escape the crowds and celebrate a family-friendly Fourth with fireworks at midnight. Then the festivities begin at noon July 4 with children's games and a free barbecue.
When: July 3-4
Where: Downtown Whittier
Cost: Free
Web: www.whittieralaskachamber.org
