Some of the best surviving examples of native artistic expression are petroglyphs found in southeast Alaska. Petroglyph is a word derived from the Greek "petra" and "glyphe" for rock and carving.

They are designs or symbols meticulously carved into rocks generally found on the shore just above or below mean high tide, usually near important salmon streams, habitation sites, or historic stops along a journey.

Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell has the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast and is easily accessible for exploration.

The beach area was designated a State Historic Park in 2000. There is an accessible boardwalk to a deck overlooking Petroglyph Beach, the Stikine River and Zimovia Straits. Replicas of several designs are displayed on the deck for visitors to make rubbings on. Access to the beach is available directly from the deck overlook. During construction of the interpretive facility, two new petroglyphs were unearthed, buried in the sand. One of these petroglyphs was long thought lost and its rediscovery was a delight to the local Tlingit natives and Wrangell residents.

We have no way to discern the true intent or motivation of the artists, nor do we know what the designs really meant to their makers and users. Based on what we know from the archaeological record and cultural stories, petroglyphs may be a form of writing, a method of communication, or a way to record events. There are a variety of possible interpretations: to commemorate victories in war; to document the transfer of wealth or territory in settlement of a feud; important potlatches; shamanistic exploits; or simply the work of visiting Tsimshian or of the Tlingit themselves. They may have a magic-religious significance, using petroglyphs as a ritual device to assure success of the hunt and to increase the supply of game. On the other hand, they may simply have no meaning beyond their artistic conception.

Petroglyph Beach is easily accessible from town (approximately half a mile from the ferry terminal) and allows direct access to this unique cultural collection. Most of the iconic symbols are to the right toward a tidal outcropping as you step onto the sand. Visitors enjoy searching for the more than 40 petroglyphs located on the beach. The whale petroglyph, very unique to Wrangell, is located along the grass line in front of the house - don't hesitate to go look for it.  But please, document your experience with photographs only, and step lightly in order to preserve this record for the future.

You might also notice the broken glass that lies in the tidewater area around all the rocks.  Much of this glass is old glass, a reminder of cultural lifestyles in the late 1800's early 1900's when trash was dumped directly into the ocean. Other glass may be newer, because Petroglyph Beach, located at the confluence of Zimovia Staits, Stikine Straits and Sumner Straits, can get battered by winter storms that washes ocean debris ashore as well as tree stumps, logs.  Sand from the Stikine River can also be deposited during the winter often times burying previously exposed petroglyphs, as is the case with the Sun Petroglyphs in the photo above.

Please make rubbings of the petroglyph replicas only. An extensive body of research has shown that constant rubbing of the petroglyphs contributes greatly to their accelerated deterioration. Leave what little of the past is left for the future. Enjoy your experience.

Petroglyphs and associated site components are under the protection of Federal Laws and State of Alaska Antiquities Laws.