Alaska's Secret Nature And Adventure Destination
Cordova, Alaska is a picturesque fishing community located slightly off the beaten path of mainstream tourism. Yet it is relatively easy to access, and it has a lot to offer the adventure traveler. A diversity of habitats including seacoasts, mountains, glaciers and the largest wetland in North America offer a variety of exploration opportunities. From river rafting to glacier trekking, mountain biking, hiking or sea kayaking, there’s something for everyone.
No trip to Alaska would be complete without a stop over in the quaint fishing village of Cordova. For years Cordova has been known as Alaska’s best kept secret. Although it’s not as secret as it used to be, it’s still unspoiled. With its no nonsense main street, you can be brought back in time to rural America in the 1950’s or perhaps earlier. There are no strip malls, only small shops that cater to the needs of the locals. There are no fast food joints, but there are some great restaurants that cook up savory local cuisine like Copper River Salmon, halibut and other local seafood. Cordova, with its rustic charm is a must see destination on any Alaska vacation.
This picturesque community is nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains, the eastern shores of Prince William Sound and on the boundaries of the Copper River Delta. These diverse natural habitats set the stage for some amazing exploration, either on your own or with some top notch local guides, like the Irving’s of Alaska River Expeditions. You can explore alpine tundra, temperate rainforests, coastal wetlands, glaciers or get out on the saltwater. There are opportunities for canoeing and whitewater rafting, glacier hiking, sea kayaking, or mountain biking. Or perhaps hire a guide for a multi-day wilderness float trip. Where ever you go, you will be treated to an incredible array of scenic beauty.
Don’t expect it to be “spruced up” like a resort town. This is a working fishing community. The scenic harbor is full of fishing boats like the small gillnet boats with their flat bottoms, well suited for the silt laden shallow waters at the mouth of the Copper River where they fish. The larger seine boats in the harbor are set up for plying the waters of Prince William Sound for salmon. Even larger are the tenders, proudly displaying the banners of the fish processing plants for which they are buying fish. It is common to see fisherman on the docks mending their nets, or tenders tied alongside one of the many processing plants adjacent to Cordova’s harbor as they offload fisherman’s catches. Although not groomed for tourists, you will not be disappointed in the natural beauty, which engulfs the downtown area, or the cleanliness of the area shops and streets, or the friendliness of the people you meet.
Commercial fisherman, artists, and scientists all come together in this small Alaskan community making it diverse and interesting. The natural resources of the area are a common thread that weaves this varied group together. For instance, as you wander down Main Street, take time to look down. Playful displays of swimming salmon are artfully embedded in the sidewalks. Colorful flags, designed by local artists hang from light posts, each depicting some aspect of the natural world surrounding Cordova. Take a walk out onto the end of the dock and visit the Prince William Sound Science Center where scientists are involved in on-going research about the greater Prince William Sound area, and simultaneously watch fisherman come and go.
Cordova is pleasantly off the beaten path of mainstream tourism, yet surprisingly easy to reach. Daily ferry service from Valdez and Whittier (just a short drive or train ride from Anchorage) is available on the Alaska Marine Highway. Or you can take a 45 minute commercial airline flight from Anchorage. You’ll be surprised at the number of high quality visitor services available. There are car rental companies, several great restaurants and cafes, fishing charters and great guide services. Although it is relatively easy to access the wilderness areas around Cordova on your own, we recommend that you use the expert guides like those mentioned above since they are intimately familiar with the unique hazards of Alaska. And while there are no 5 star luxury hotels, you can take advantage of some great hospitality from genuine, friendly hotel and bed and breakfast owners, like Mark & Robin at the Captain’s Quarters Lodging. (Be sure to check out www.alaskarafters.com or the Cordova Chamber of Commerce for a listing of visitor services available)
Robin Irving is a naturalist, environmental educator and co-owner of Alaska River Expeditions which has specialized in 1 to 10-day multi-sport soft eco-adventures based in Cordova, Alaska, located only 3 hours south of Anchorage by scenic ferry ride. She enjoys sharing information about great eco-tour destinations especially in Alaska. For free Alaska Nature Adventures newsletter with tips and Alaska travel specials, go to: www.alaskarfters.com
Alaska River Expeditions has been offering exciting one-day and multi-day Alaska vacation packages since 1995. The newly designed site offers useful information, which will help visitors plan their next Alaska vacation. http://www.alaskarafters.com
by Robin Irving
