The tiny town of Yakutat in Southeast Alaska offers so much more than what you might initially expect. With only 650 year-round residents calling the area home, you might assume that it’s quite the sleepy area. That, however, couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yakutat is actually an outdoor mecca with world-renowned glaciers, lakes, rivers and the most unforgettable national attractions. On top of all that – it’s like this totally serene surfing sanctuary that attracts water babies from all around the globe. We would by lying if we told you this place didn’t completely blow our minds.
The strikingly stunning town of Yakutat is located on the Gulf of Alaska surrounded by the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Tongass National Forest.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Each year visitors from all around the world flock to the area to enjoy Yakutat’s panoramic scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Flickr - Jarrel Jimmerson
Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America, is one of the areas most epic attractions.
Flickr - Peter Flynn
What’s mesmerizing is that in 2002 Hubbard Glacier actually advanced across the mouth of Russell Fjord, which then created the world’s largest glacial lake.
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Today, you can have a once in a lifetime glacier viewing excursion via raft that will get you up close and personal with the magnificent frozen landmasses.
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Be on the lookout for wildlife! Huge brown bears are not uncommon in the area.
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Occasionally, you might even get one of em’ to stand up and pose for ya. 😉
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Hiking, backpacking and camping in the surrounding Tongass National Forest brings the most adventure-loving souls to the area.
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Freshwater fishing on the Situk River in Yakutat is popular for Steelhead Trout, King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon and Dolly Varden.
Flickr - Greg Miller
But what many people don’t realize about this tiny town with a population of roughly 650 residents, is that its beautiful beaches attraction a completely different crowd within itself.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Although the climate in the area is a mix of subarctic and subpolar oceanic, the beaches are actually filled with brilliant soft sand that appeals to wave-crashers from all over the globe.
Flickr - Peter Szczesny
Yakutat is home to sweet beach haven that is truly a rare gem in the surfing world. Large waves, soft sand and pristine rainforest views.
Flickr - mcav0y
Riding waves with views of Malaspina Glacier and the St. Elias Mountains in the background (aka) every avid surfers’ version of heaven on earth.
Flickr - MIke Kline
One thing we know for sure is that when the sun goes down, you’ll be falling in love.
Flickr - Peter Flynn
If you thought Yakutat was amazing, you’ll love this other tiny town that’s one of Alaska’s best kept secrets. Also, you might be surprised to learn that Alaska has a rainforest, and it’s the largest in the United States.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Flickr - Jarrel Jimmerson
Flickr - Peter Flynn
Flickr - Greg Miller
Flickr - Peter Szczesny
Flickr - mcav0y
Flickr - MIke Kline
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