Wrangell is the Gateway to the Stikine River, or Stik-heen, which means ‘Great River’ in Tlingit

The Stikine River certainly lives up to its name. Winding 400 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia to its mouth near Wrangell, the river continues to carve a braided channel through glacial valleys and delta flats. The delta flats are 11,000 hectares (27,200 acres), and 16 miles wide, extending from the river mouth almost to the town itself and visible from the jet when landing at Wrangell airport.

The river is truly a photographer's dream. The delta is a haven for over 120 species of migrating birds in the spring and fall, including tundra (whistling) swans, Canadian geese, sandhill cranes, mergansers, waterfowl and over 150,000 shorebirds. In April, the second largest concentration of eagles in the world occurs when as many as 1,600 arrive to feast on the annual hooligan (or eulachon) run. In late April, 8-10,000 snow geese stop on their migration northward. The Stikine River Birding Festival is a fun time to celebrate the arrival of spring and birds! There is other wildlife such as otter, beaver, bear and moose.  There is also a large sealion haul out site at the mouth of the Stikine River during March and April, when you can hear them making a ruckus all the way from town!

Explore the river

Jet boat charters offer immediate access to glaciers, lakes, and sidewaters of the Stikine River. See the river and its glaciers and valley's by air, flying through the spectacular coastal mountains. For a more leisurely trip, canoes, kayaks, and rafts are available locally.

Wrangell is an excellent staging area for guided or personal float trips from Telegraph Creek in British Columbia. Telegraph Creek is a small historic town 160 miles upriver from Wrangell. Visit the Garnet Ledge, located at the mouth of the Stikine River. It is the site of a historic garnet mine. Wrangell's children dig the semi precious stones to offer as visitor souvenirs.

Local operators can custom design trips or provide a combination of boat and flightseeing opportunities. Go to the Travel Directory for links to operators providing excursions on the Stikine River.