Whittier, Alaska - A town hidden beyond the tunnel

Whittier, Alaska- My Alaska experience

Whittier, Alaska, is a unique and picturesque city nestled on the western shore of Prince William Sound in the Chugach National Forest. With a population of around 200 residents, Whittier is known for its stunning natural beauty, maritime activities, and distinctive living arrangements.

The driving distance from Anchorage to Whittier is approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) and from Seward it is approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers).

The drive to Whittier is mainly on the Seward Highway (Alaska Route 1) and Portage Glacier Road. This route leads to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the only road access to Whittier. As you travel along the Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Road, you'll pass through some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes, including forests, mountains, and coastal areas. We traveled in July 2024, and the scenic drive was breathtaking.

A little about Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel:

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a significant engineering marvel, it serves as the primary road access to Whittier, Alaska, and is the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America, stretching 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) through Maynard Mountain. Originally constructed during World War II to provide a supply route, it was later converted to accommodate both vehicle and train traffic. The tunnel operates on a strict schedule, alternating directions for road vehicles and accommodating rail traffic, with tolls varying by vehicle type. 

If you want to explore more on Seward Highway, check out my other blog: https://travel-learn-repeat.blogspot.com/2024/09/alaskan-highways-tourists-experience.html

Waiting at the tunnel for our turn:

After driving on the beautiful scenic Seward highway, while driving on Portage Glacier Road finally we approached the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the gateway to Whittier. For our car, we paid a $13 toll for a round trip. After making the payment, we waited in line for the tunnel to open for traffic traveling from the Anchorage side to Whittier. There are multiple lines, and depending on when you arrive, you may be assigned a specific line to wait in until the tunnel opens. We arrived around 5:15 PM and waited in line for about 15 minutes. 

and our turn came to continue our journey through the tunnel...

Once the tunnel opened, vehicles started to pass through, beginning with line 1, then moving to line 2, and so on. We were in line 2, so once we got the green signal to move forward we continued toward the tunnel. It was an amazing experience while passing through the tunnel. 

After emerging on the opposite side of the tunnel...

Behold as soon as we pass through the tunnel we find ourselves in Whittier- a small, picturesque town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Driving within Whittier, Alaska, was a unique and enjoyable experience.  The roads were well-maintained, and the town was so small that we could easily explore it in a short time.

Activities await at Whittier:

Whittier offers a variety of activities, such as taking a cruise to experience tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound. If you're looking for an adventurous day, you can go paddle kayaking, jet skiing, or hike trails like Portage Pass and Horsetail Falls. We had booked a day trip cruise from Seward for the next day, so we decided to skip the cruise in Whittier. It was windy, cold, and a little drizzly, so we decided to spend just a few minutes walking around before heading back to Seward.

Food and accommodation:

There are a few restaurants and coffee shops in Whittier if you want to grab some refreshments. In terms of accommodation, there aren’t many hotels in this small town. If you plan to spend a day or two here during the peak season from May to September, I recommend booking a hotel, cabin, or Airbnb in advance.

Interesting fact about Whittier- Begich Towers:

Begich Towers in Whittier, Alaska, is a 14-story building that serves as a unique hub for nearly all of the town’s residents. Originally built in the 1950s by the U.S. Army as part of a military base, the structure was designed to withstand Alaska’s extreme weather conditions. After the military left, the building was repurposed into a residential complex.

The tower houses not only private apartments but also essential services, making it a self-sufficient community. Inside, you'll find a post office, grocery store, police station, and even a health clinic, all under one roof. This setup is particularly beneficial in Whittier, where winter weather can be harsh, with heavy snowfalls and strong winds making it difficult to get around.

Here is the video of my Whittier trip:

That’s all from me about Whittier, Alaska!

Let's go places..