Page 61 - Travel Guide Fly Alaska Edition

Tongass National Forest If travel plans can be arranged to visit
Wrangell during the last full week in July, you
Leave the hurried pace of Wrangell and will definitely want to check out Bearfest, which
enter the peaceful retreat of the Tongass bills itself as “an event dedicated to bears.”
National Forest. With a group of six or more, There are activities to please every member of
Alaska Waters can arrange a tour of this unique the family during this five-day celebration that
coastal temperate rainforest. An Alaska native was founded in 2010 as a tribute to the natural
guide will lead the group where participants environment and its bears. Bearfest hosts top
learn about the interconnectedness between scientists who conduct symposiums on topics
tidal, muskeg, alpine and deep forest ranging from black and brown bear research
ecosystems to discover a variety of edible and and management, to polar bears and climate
medicinal uses of local flora and fauna that change. Renowned photographers entertain
have and continue to be relied on throughout all with their exciting bear stories and images.
Southeast Alaska. You will leave the rainforest Families will love the art workshops, bear other specialties. Chefs also present a cooking
with a renewed appreciation of the beauty and and pooltime games, and “reading with a demonstration at the Saturday Community
richness of the land and how it has given life to ranger.” Native Tlingit cultural experiences Market, held at the Nolan Center. Dinner tickets
both people and animals. will engage the whole family. Adults can join for this popular event are available online, or
an educational rainforest nature walk, enjoy beginning in early July at Alaska Vistas.
LeConte Glacier the Saturday golf tournament on Wrangell’s The whole town gets into the spirit of
unique course, or attend workshops on bear Bearfest and visitors will find great deals
LeConte is the most southern tidewater safety or photography. Professional musicians throughout Wrangell, including luscious food
glacier in North America and resides in a 12- play and jam throughout the festival, which and drink specials A festival highlight is the
mile long fjord, which is a long, narrow, deep concludes on Sunday with a 5K, half-marathon fresh grilled salmon demonstration by Jake
inlet of the sea between high cliffs. Glaciers and full marathon Boston qualifier run. Be sure Harris of the Stikine Inn. Over 80 pounds of
are frozen rivers of ice that grow and recede to enter the raffle for 2 roundtrip Alaska Airlines sockeye salmon are prepared on a cedar plank
and dramatically change the surrounding tickets and the online photo contest. with tips on cooking and seasoning. Read more
landscape. Legend has it that the Tlingit Don’t miss the limited-seating fundraiser about salmon recipes and tips from Jake in his
named the glacier “Huti” after a mythical bird auction and fine dinner prepared by a major following interview. More information can be
whose flapping wings sounded like thunder, award-winning chef from local seafood and found at alaskabearfest.org.
which is exactly the sound of calving, when
enormous chunks of ice break away from
the glacier and plummet into the sea. Also,
because LeConte extends 500-700 feet below
the surface of the water, calving can happen
below the water which results in icebergs
rapidly ascending from the depths of the bay.
Along with icebergs, passengers can expect to
see bald eagles soaring overhead and seals
and their pups sunning themselves as they
float by on chunks of ice.
Many tour companies have guided trips
to LeConte Glacier which allow passengers
to get up close with this natural wonder and
possibility even reach out and touch an iceberg
and thousands of years of glacial history.

Because LeConte is close to Petersburg,
Alaska, several companies have combined
Petersburg and LeConte tours. Petersburg
or “Little Norway” was founded in 1897 by a
Norwegian pioneer. A true seafaring village,
Petersburg remains true to its Nordic roots and
several festivals are held throughout the year
celebrating this heritage.
Stikine River

The fastest free-flowing river in North
America, the Stikine River enchants visitors with
sweeping mountain vistas of lush rainforests,
majestic waterfalls, icebergs and glaciers.
Bears, moose, seals and eagles are some of
the wildlife frequently seen on the tours which
can be organized by Wrangell tour operators.

Festivals:

Alaska Bearfest, aka Bearfest, has been a big attraction in Wrangell for the past ten
years. It’s a grassroots festival drawing strength by focusing on the natural beauty
of the Wrangell area, in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Bears are at the
core of this town from the carving at the entrance to the Chief Shakes Tribal House 315
to the phenomenal bear viewing at Anan Creek. Wrangell celebrates its connection
to bears with this annual festival on the last full weekend of July. Festivities begin
on a Wednesday with safety workshops to teach visitors and locals alike how to
enjoy exploring and living in bear country, safely. National and Internationally
renowned bear experts and researches present lectures with a variety of topics – all
about bears. Children participate in fun and educational art workshops, bear games,
pool games and more. Professional musicians provide free concerts and work with
everyone at music workshops. Histories, traditions and culture of local Native
Tlingit clan is presented at the Shakes Tribal House – the Bear House. Friday
evening brings a white tablecloth fundraiser dinner with food prepared using local
seafood and more by world class chefs, who have also participated in Iron Chef
America and other national competitions. Previous chefs include James Beard
award winner Tamara Murphy of Seattle, Dana Tough who was named one of the
top 5 chefs in the country by Gayot and for 2020 Holly Smith and Lauren Thompson
of Seattle’s award-winning restaurant Café Juanita. Chefs also present a cooking
demonstration at the Saturday Market held at the local civic center – the Nolan
Center. Dinner is by ticket only with limited seating. Local florists and volunteers
decorate tables and the Stikine Inn main restaurant. Tables are set family style
encouraging everyone to interact and enjoy the evening with old and new friends.
Tickets are available at Alaska Vistas beginning July 6. Saturday is the busiest day of
BearFest with a market at the Nolan Center, workshops at the Nolan Center, a Golf
tournament at Muskeg Meadows, children’s programs throughout town, a smoked
salmon competition, all followed with live music at a local bar. Sunday morning
about 100 people turn out for the annual USTA certified BearFest Marathon, ½
Marathon and 5K. Local organizations and volunteers set up aid stations, register
participants, provide snacks and show all the best of living in a small town with
community. Note that this race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Celebrating the Bears of Alaska . PO Box 934 . Wrangell, AK 99929
Tel 907-874-2998 www.alaskabearfest.org fun@alaskabearfest.org