Tyler Wynn
Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska, located on the south coast of Alaska, US. It is situated on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula and spans about 90 to 100 miles (145 to 160 km). The area is known for its natural beauty, including towering, snow-capped mountains, lush wilderness, icy blue glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Prince William Sound offers a range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, and is accessible from the towns of Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulf of Alaska, Alaska, U.S. |
| Area | 10,000 square miles |
| Terrain | Protected waterways, islands, fjords, glaciers, and rugged coastline |
| Wildlife | Humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, seals, black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, moose, and 30+ species of land animals and 220+ species of birds |
| Settlements | Valdez, Cordova, Whittier, Chenega, Tatitlek |
| Gateway Towns | Whittier, Valdez, Cordova |
| Activities | Kayaking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, trekking, rafting, glacier cruising, jet skiing, ice skating, skiing |
| Historical Events | 1964 tsunami caused by the Good Friday earthquake, 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill |
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What You'll Learn
Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska
The towns of Cordova, Valdez, and Whittier serve as gateways to Prince William Sound, offering kayaking, camping, fishing, and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Valdez, the largest port in the region, is a popular destination for glacier exploration and premier fishing. It is also the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Other settlements in the area include the native villages of Chenega and Tatitlek.
The region boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, seals, and over 220 species of birds. The rugged coastline and dense temperate rainforests are home to black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, moose, and Dall sheep.
Prince William Sound is surrounded by the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest national forest in the US. The area has a history of fishing, mining, and forestry, and was named by British navigator Captain George Vancouver in 1778 to honour the third son of King George III, Prince William Henry.
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It is located on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula
Prince William Sound is located on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. It is an irregular inlet of the Gulf of Alaska, spanning about 90 to 100 miles (145 to 160 km). The area is known for its natural beauty, including impressive tidewater glaciers and stunning fjords. It is home to diverse wildlife, such as humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, seals, and over 220 species of birds.
The Sound encompasses 10,000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, fjords, and around 150 glaciers. It is accessed from the gateway communities of Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova. Valdez, the largest port in the Sound, is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as cruising, hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the site of a major oil spill in 1989 when an Exxon Corporation tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef.
The towns of Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova offer opportunities for kayaking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing trips. Boat tours are available from Whittier and Valdez to view wildlife and cruise out to the face of tidewater glaciers. The Alaska Marine Highway provides year-round service to the three major coastal communities in Prince William Sound.
The area surrounding Prince William Sound is part of the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest national forest in the U.S. It is characterised by steep and glaciated Chugach Mountains, a convoluted coastline, and numerous islands and fjords. The principal barrier islands forming the Sound are Montague Island, Hinchinbrook Island, and Hawkins Island.
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The port of Valdez is the largest in Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is an irregular inlet of the Gulf of Alaska, located on the south coast of Alaska, U.S. It is situated on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula and spans about 90 to 100 miles (145 to 160 km). The area is characterised by a convoluted coastline, with numerous small islands, fjords, and around 150 glaciers. Prince William Sound offers a diverse habitat for marine life, including humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, and seals. The rugged landscape and dense temperate rainforests are home to a variety of land animals and bird species as well.
The port of Valdez has played a crucial role in the region's economy, particularly in shipping and fishing. However, the area has also experienced several natural disasters. In 1964, a magnitude 9.2 megathrust earthquake, known as the Good Friday earthquake, triggered a tsunami that caused widespread destruction in Prince William Sound. Port Valdez suffered a massive underwater landslide, resulting in the loss of lives and infrastructure. The town of Valdez was also significantly impacted by this disaster.
Today, Valdez remains an important gateway community to Prince William Sound, along with the towns of Whittier and Cordova. Visitors often use these towns as jumping-off points for kayaking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing trips in the area. Boat tours are available from Whittier and Valdez, offering full and half-day excursions to explore the region's wildlife and glaciers. The natural beauty of Prince William Sound attracts tourists, contributing to the economic development of the region.
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The area is home to diverse wildlife and marine life
Prince William Sound is a sound off the Gulf of Alaska on the south coast of the US state of Alaska. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife and marine life. The area encompasses 10,000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, fjords, and around 150 glaciers. The region offers habitat for diverse marine life, including humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, and seals. The rugged coastline and dense temperate rainforests are home to 30 species of land animals, including black bears, brown bears, mountain goats, moose, and Dall sheep.
Bald eagles are plentiful along treetops and shorelines. Among the estimated 200,000 seabirds that summer in the sound are marbled murrelets, black-legged kittiwakes, and glaucous-winged gulls. Puffins, kittiwakes, and murres nest along the cliffs and rocky shores, creating bustling colonies that contribute to the region's vibrant ecological tapestry.
The area is also home to brown bears, which roam their favoured lowlands to the east, including Hinchinbrook, Montague, and Hawkins islands. They are most often seen fishing when the salmon are spawning. Black bears are plentiful along the northern and western shorelines of Prince William Sound. Moose and mountain goats can also be found in the region.
Resident marine mammals include humpback, sei, fin, minke, and killer whales, as well as Steller sea lions, harbour seals, and sea otters, all of which reach some of their greatest numbers in Prince William Sound. The area's nutrient-rich waters support a thriving ecosystem, from microscopic plankton to majestic whales and every creature in between.
The towns of Cordova, Valdez, and Whittier serve as gateways to Prince William Sound and offer opportunities for kayaking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing trips. Boat tours are available from Whittier and Valdez for full and half-day excursions to view the area's wildlife and visit the tidewater glaciers up close.
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Whittier is the easiest way to access the Sound
Prince William Sound is a sound off the Gulf of Alaska on the south coast of Alaska, USA. It is accessible from gateway communities such as Whittier, Valdez, and Cordova.
Whittier, a small seaside town nestled between glaciers and lush mountains, is the easiest way to access the Sound. It is just a 90-minute drive from Anchorage, following the scenic Turnagain Arm and passing through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the largest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. Whittier is also accessible by rail, with the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train offering a round-trip schedule that allows for a day cruise. Alternatively, visitors can arrive by cruise ship, ferry, private boat, or even private plane or helicopter.
Whittier itself is a unique town, with most of its residents living in the same condo building - the 14-story Begich Tower. The town has a rich history, including two large buildings constructed by the Army after the war that still stand as landmarks. Visitors can explore Whittier's historic sites through a self-guided walking tour, which includes monuments and historic buildings. The town also offers hiking trails, such as the popular Portage Pass trail, which provides views of the Passage Canal and Portage Glacier.
As the gateway to Prince William Sound, Whittier offers easy access to the area's stunning natural attractions. Visitors can take day cruises to see tidewater glaciers, whales, sea otters, and seals. There are also jet ski tours and multi-day cruises that allow for a more intimate exploration of the Sound. In addition, Whittier serves as a base camp for those looking to venture further into the Chugach National Forest.
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Frequently asked questions
Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska, on the south coast of Alaska, U.S.
Prince William Sound encompasses 10,000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, fjords, and around 150 glaciers. The region is home to diverse marine life, including humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, seals, and over 220 species of birds.
The towns of Cordova, Valdez, and Whittier are the gateways to Prince William Sound.
Visitors to Prince William Sound can go kayaking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, glacier cruising, hiking, trekking, exploring, and even rappelling.
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