Chitina Alaska

Gateway to Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve

Chitina, is a wilderness paradise hidden in the folds of a ghost town's cape.  We are nestled between two of the largest mountain ranges in North America; the Chugach Range, which stretches along the South Central Coast of Alaska and the Wrangell Mountains which are home to some of the tallest peaks and largest glaciers in the world.   An Alaskan secret for years, it is fast becoming a hot spot for those who wish to experience the Last Frontier at it's finest.

The surrounding lands were originally home to the Native Athabascan people of the Copper River.  The area  of "Tsedi Na" was originally home to several summer fish camps and a winter gathering area for the first people of  Alaska.  The town's name is a miss translated version of the Athabascan word "Tsedi Na" which means the river (Na) that flows like copper (Tsedi').      

Chitina itself became a booming supply town during the era of the Kennecott Copper Mine and the Copper River Northwestern Railway.   The construction of the railroad that couldn't be built was completed in 1911.   The town site of Chitina served as a supply center receiving goods via the railway from the sea port community of Cordova.  Supplies were shipped via the railway onto McCarthy/Kennecott, as well as onto the interior city of Fairbanks via the overland haul road.  In the first part of the 20th century it was predicted that Chitina would be the new capitol of Alaska.    With the decline in ore prices, the mine closed, and the last train departed in 1938.  What was once a thriving business community became a virtual ghost town.   The influences of both the rich Native history and the boom town history of the copper mine era both remain very evident today.

The Wrangell St Elias National Park is our back yard.  The largest national park in the United States the preserve encompasses 13 Million square miles and is home to 12 of the 15 highest mountain peaks in Alaska and some of the largest glaciers in the world.  Needless to say the panoramic scenery is breathtakingly spectacular any time of the year.  There are currently only two entrances allowing road access to the park, a northern route through Nebesna and the southern route through Chitina.  Please be mindful that the Wrangell St. Elias National Park remains enfolded in the 1900's era in relation to emergency services and modern amenities that are a standard in most other national parks.  The enormity of our wondrous world is felt by all who visit or live here. 

A visit to our part of the world is truly a step back into time and offers a taste of the real Alaskan Frontier.   Chitina's current population ranges from 100 unique residents in the winter, to 150 or so in the summer.  At present the community consists of  two small convenience store/gas stations, three gift shops, three lodging establishments, a post office, a seasonal National Park visitors cabin, a coffee shop & deli, bar, liquor store, fire hall, laundromat with showers, and a seasonal burger stand.  We are so very fortunate to live in and enjoy sharing our  peaceful, relaxing corner of the world. We live in Chitina year round and would be happy to visit with you anytime.

Whether you plan to drive the 4 hour journey to McCarthy and Kennecott Mine within the park or to fly, Chitina is the perfect overnight point.  The 60 mile gravel road into the park is laid over the original rail bed.  This  coupled with the extreme Alaskan temperatures and perm-a-frost tundra provides a narrow washboard pot hole filled surface.  (Yes, some are deep enough to loose a full size pickup in, it has been done!)  We recommend that you maintain a speed of no more than 30 miles per hour for your own safety and the best interest of your vehicle!    After the journey from Anchorage, Valdez or Fairbanks a restful night at Chitina Guest Cabins is  an ideal stop before you begin a leisurely journey into the park.  A morning departure from Chitina is the perfect beginning for  your  expedition into one of mother natures' most  spectacular panoramic mountain creations. 

For additional information on the history of the Copper River Northwestern Railway use the following link

www.crnwrailway.com

© by Kris Winter 2002