- Wrangell is an island community of about 2,200; located about 90
miles northwest of Ketchikan and 150 miles southeast from Juneau at
the mouth of the Stikine River. Wrangell is accessible only by air
or water. The community is served by the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry
system on a scheduled basis. Alaska Airlines has two jet flights in
and out of town daily, one northbound and the other southbound.
- The climate of the area, and of southeast Alaska in general, is
wet, the yearly average precipitation is 79.16. Temperature average
minimum is 35.8 F, mean 42.3 F, and maximum, 48.7 F. Generally, the
days are overcast, cool, and wet; however, there are periods of time
when clear bright days may persist for several weeks at a time, both
summer and winter. Winters range from mild to very cold, little or
no snowfall to snow depths over 2 or 3 feet.
- Recreation opportunities in Wrangell include berry picking, hiking,
wildlife viewing, photography, rockhound activities, camping, boating,
sport fishing, and hunting. One needs a boat for most sport fishing,
however there are few lakes and hiking areas that are accessible by
automobile and trail.
- Wrangell's economy is dominated by use of the surrounding natural
resources: forestry, fishing and tourism-related industries comprise
the bulk of non-government employment. Services include two grocery,
hardware and sporting goods stores and a drug store, one clothing
store and several specialty shops, one Laundromat, 4 hotel/motels,
many bed and breakfast establishments, 4 eating establishments, two
aircraft charter outfits, and several boat charter operations.
- Wrangell has two municipal harbors, there are two boat ramps that
are tide dependent. There are 3 banks offering a variety of service,
including two ATM machines. Wrangell has 10 churches, the Baha'i and
Jehovah Witness congregations are also represented.
- There is a hospital with resident physicians as well as a visiting
physician program that regularly brings specialists into town. The
hospital also provides a physical therapist and a long-term care facility.
We have two dentists, a chiropractor, massage therapists, and a health
clinic with a nurse practitioner.
- In addition to the police department, we have a volunteer fire department,
EMTs, and volunteer search & rescue squad to serve public safety.
- The inconvenience of limited shopping facilities and complex travel
requirements associated with living on an island, combined with the
wet weather, can be very difficult for some people to adjust to. Others
find the simple, low key, relatively slow paced lifestyle of southeast
Alaska very refreshing. Living in Wrangell is truly an experience.
The public spirit and unique environment is long remembered by people
after they leave.
- The Wrangell community is very supportive of the local schools.
The elementary school has a student population of 262, the high school
134. There is an active sports and extracurricular program. Young
people travel all around "Southeast" via ferry and plane to participate
in a broad spectrum of school functions.
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