Whittier is a small but important port town that is situated in the Chugach National Forest on the Prince William Sound. It was an important portage for the Native Chugach people, and later for Russian and American explorers and trappers. After World War 2, the military built a base there. A 2.5 mile tunnel was excavated (considered an engineering feat) that a train was able to pass through. In 1943, it became the port of entry for all US soldiers entering Alaska. In the early 2000’s cars were allowed to pass.

Upon entering Whittier (through the small one way tunnel) one is presented with a scene that might be reminiscent of a the Soviet era. All of the towns 200+ residents live in what was a tall concrete military apartment building. Another crumbling military operations building was deserted after the devastating 1964 earthquake, that took many lives, and cost 10 million dollars.

That being said, the view across the fjord is absolutely magnificent! Wildlife abounds. We took a smallish ship to the glacier and saw many aquatic birds and mammals. There is also a rich and interesting museum dedicated to explorers, World War 2 soldiers — both US and Japanese, and pictures of and stories about the “Good Friday” earthquake.

                               

We stayed on the top floor of Begich Tower                             Visitors can come by train from Anchorage

The town of Whittier from Begich Tower

 

Old passenger ship wreck

 

Whittier Glacier