petroglyph beach

will1494

Great in any weather. Fun for little kids. Lots of beach treasures to explore and find. We even made friends with a local pooch while ambling along the rocks at low tide. Totally worth the time. Probably the best place in Wrangell for all-around family fun and it's FREE!

CryPal

We headed out while it was raining and made for perfect spotting weather. The rain helped make the petroglyphs pop. Recommend going at low tide and be warned parking allows for two cars at a time and it feels like you're invading on someone property as you take the boardwalk steps down to the beach.

571ClydeM

Well the petroglyph's can only be seen at low tide so be sure what time that is before you go. there's supposed to be 64 carvings but I could opnly find 10, most are in a poorly perserved state. Worthwhile? If you are interested in primative people's lifestyles I would say yes

Wassyfem

Petroglyph Beach is named for the incised designs of ancient and mysterious origin that can be found among the large rocks on the beach. Also there's plenty of beach glass. Fun for kids to look for the petroglyphs.

G7443

The other contributors below have captured the mood very well. The site is a short stroll, on level ground, from the ferry terminal and you can choose to spend only a short time there if that's all you have - you'll certainly see some of the petroglyphs.The exhibition on the platform above the beach is of reproductions of the original carvings. Go down the stairs and turn right to start looking for the real thing. Once you spot one, you'll find that you start to see others. Quite a few are badly worn by the tides. We found it a restful and enjoyable way of spending time in Wrangell - and do talk to the other people you'll find doing the same thing, it helps to make it a party.Also spare a thought for the people who carved them so many years ago and what their lifestyles must have been like.

outdoorjunkies

Only about a half mile outside town and an easy walk. It was neat and we had almost complete solitude on this self-guided outdoor "museum".

aquaH2Omama

The Petroglyph Beach is amazing, but with dramatic tide swings (16 feet or more each day) the sand is sanding away these ancient carvings in stone. There needs to be some kind of intervention to preserve them. We did notice some tagging in a couple of spots.

RuthSanDiego

It took a little while to find the petroglyphs. We had taken pictures of the reproductions in case we didn't see real ones. Didn't need them. Go at low tide (obviously).

Alaska4Ever

Take an easy walk from downtown Wrangell to Petroglyph Beach. There is easy beach access via the observation deck using either stairs or ramp. Even if not low tide you can still see some of the petroglyphs. You really need to hunt and look. Some are easy to spot and others are very faint and eroded. If you are lucky enough to see a tour from the cruise ships at the beach, lend and ear to hear the stories and watch where they visit for quicker spotting. Pretty views from this beach, quiet, and relaxing too, although we didn't stay long because the rain continued to get heavier as time passed.

PortlandTraveler1969

Easy walk from Stikine Inn, lots to see and understand history of natives. Access is very easy and good. Have some petroglyph's that are easy to see on deck, other's you need to go down onto the beach. Quiet beach, relaxing area.

Jujiigirl21

A quaint beach with hidden treasures all around! After reading the info on petroglyphs, we went on to the rocky beach in search of more petroglyphs left in their natural element. We searched and searched and was ready to give up, when we finally saw one. It became much more easy to find and was truly a fun treasure hunt! It would be a great fun for a family with kids of all ages.

652Lyn

While it felt amazing to see these ancient rock carvings they were hard to spot as over thousands of years the sea has eroded them

luv2travel102014

Make the Petroglyph Beach a stop on your visit to Wrangell, Alaska. Here you can search for the many rock carvings scattered along the beach. Many locals frequent this beach and enjoy friendly conversation about the area they call home. Very enjoyable and the scenery spectacular from here!

Jules8Perkins

The petroglyphs are very interesting to see but not so easy to find. It's a 30 minute walk (a bit over 2 km) from the harbour, north along Evergreen Avenue - just follow the road above the shore. There's a signpost to the left eventually and where this meets the beach is a wooden platform with an informative display. Go down to the beach and walk to the right, past the wreck and abour 50 metres or so beyond, stand and take a long hard look among the black rocks in the sand. Finding them is half the fun. As soon as you see one, you'll start to spot others - depicting animals and other things. By the time you get back to Wrangell, you'll be ready for a coffee or a beer to talk it all over with.

NomeMan

This beach is totally worth a visit if you have time. Try to make sure you get there during low tide for the best beachcombing, but even at high tide you can still see some of petroglyphs. There are a very friendly dog and cat who life in the house right next door that make the visit that much more interesting. Be warned though that if you throw the Lab's ball, he won't leave you alone. Anyway, its a fun stop solo or with the family. Very easy access.