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Surrounded by the temperate rainforest of the Tongass National Forest, the town of Wrangell is known as the “Gateway to the Stikine River.” The Stikine is the largest mainland river that bisects the Coast Mountains that link Southeast Alaska to the interior of Canada. It is an incredibly important resource for the birds, wildlife, fish, and people of the area.
Both Wrangell Island and the Stikine River support a diversity of habitats that provide many birding opportunities, ranging from open ocean and rocky beaches to temperate rainforest and boggy muskeg. The community of Wrangell celebrates its diversity of birds each spring during the Stikine River Birding Festival with bird walks, lectures, and art workshops.
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General Area Overview Information Sources:
- Wrangell Chamber of Commerce
- City and Borough of Wrangell
- Wrangell Visitors Services
- Wrangell Visitors Services: Trails and Camping
- Wrangell Medical Center
- US Forest Service: Wrangell Ranger District
- US Forest Service: Wrangell Motor Vehicle Use Map (PDF)
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
Birding Trail Map for Wrangell (click on site names for details).
Sites in Wrangell
Anan Creek Bear Observatory
Anan is a world class bear viewing site.
City Dock
A diversity of gull species are often observed at this site.
City Park
Great place to view a variety of seabirds and shorebirds.
Ferry Terminal
A good location for birding the marine waters of Zimovia Straight.
LeConte Bay (Glacier)
Spot sea and shore birds and other marine mammals.
Mount Dewey Trail
Easily accessed by foot from downtown Wrangell.
Muskeg Meadows Golf Course
A favorite spot of local birders for early morning and late evening walks.
Nemo Loop Road
Watch for Orange-crowned Warbler, Pacific Wren.
Pat’s Creek Tidal Flats
Watch for Flocks of Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper and Dunlin.
Pat's Lake
Good habitat for a diversity of waterfowl.
Petroglyph Beach
View ancient rock petroglyphs created by Alaska Native people.
Rainbow Falls
Watch for American Dipper, Rufous Hummingbird, and Pacific Wren.
Sergief Island
Excellent spot during both the spring and fall migrations.
Shakes Island
Historic site of a Tlingit community house and totem poles.
Shoemaker Park
Watch for Surf Scoter, Surfbird, Black Turnstone.
Stikine River Delta
One to three million shorebirds stop here during spring migration.
Thoms Lake and Trail
A good spot for waterfowl and water birds.
Twin Lakes
Many species of warblers, thrushes and sparrows have been found here.
Volunteer Park Trails
Watch for Dark-eyed Junco, Hairy Woodpecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher.
Wrangell Town Center
Approximately 50 species have been documented in Wrangell.
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