The Quiet Fishing Town In Alaska That Seems Frozen In Time
By Courtney|Updated on January 09, 2024(Originally published October 07, 2016)
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Courtney
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Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
The quiet, isolated village of Cordova, Alaska is the perfect place to go if you want to escape the crowds and submerge yourself in an area that flourishes with old-fashioned charm. The prolific salmon runs from the Copper River will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more! And the majestic panoramic beauty of the mountains will steal your heart in a way that you never dreamed imaginable. There is no place in the world like Cordova – you’d be crazy not to visit this charming fishing town in Alaska!
The incredibly gorgeous town of Cordova is located at the head of Orca Inlet, on the eastern side of Prince William Sound and near the mouth of the Copper River.
This gorgeous fishing village in Alaska is rich with natural resources, warm hospitality, and stunning natural beauty. The town itself, however, seems to have been frozen in time. The buildings are quaint and historic, and everyone likes it just the way it is. No one seems to be too concerned with the 'status quo' and everyone bands together to help each other out when needed. It's one of the most unique places in the entire state of Alaska, and it's sure to hold a special place in your heart after just one visit.
One of the most charming aspects about Cordova is its remote location. Visitors can access the enchanting area via plane or ferry.
The 290-mile long Copper River is known for it's known for its extensive delta ecosystem as well as the incredibly renowned Copper River Salmon. As some of the most prized salmon in the entire world, people flock to this area to take advantage of the prolific salmon run.
Fishing in Alaska is always top-notch, but the freshwater fishing in Cordova is some of the best in the world; it truly makes the community shine with pride. In addition to the freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing is also very popular in the town. You can go after all five species of salmon, dolly varden, char, steelhead, cutthroat trout, big halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.
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The town was originally founded as a mining town, most for the Kennecott Copper Mine. Today the mine is no longer in operation but still exists as a popular tourist attraction offering ghost tours.
There is no quicker way to take your fishing up a notch than to reel in a massive salmon or halibut with abundant views of glaciers in the background. Childs Glacier is a main attraction in the area. Its sheer size is certain to make your jaw drop.
Now, when we say 'frozen in time,' we don't mean that literally. However, this quaint fishing town definitely gets its fair share of renowned Alaskan extremes.
The yearly average rainfall in Cordova is 89 inches with around 125 rainy days out of the year. The snowy months are generally between December and March, with an average of 127 inches of snow per year. The low temps in the winter months average about 15 degrees and the average high temps in the summer months are around 70 degrees.
If you don't like the rush of the city and prefer a simpler way of life, you'll love it here. You'll even be able to count the number of stop lights in the entire town on just your hands alone. This tiny town has an annual population of only 2,200 people.
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Even the restaurants are frozen in time - at least on the outside! On 'Taco Tuesday' at Baja Taco, there is simply nothing better than tacos made with fresh, wild Alaska halibut (or salmon) caught right in town.
The town may be frozen in time, but the outdoor activities are truly limitless in this isolated area. If you love experiencing breathtaking vistas, hiking with your pups, or spending your days getting up close and personal with nature, you'll be in heaven in Cordova.
Fancy chasing some powder? Mt. Eyak ski area operates a single chair ski lift and rope tow or you can go deep into the Chugach Mountains and chase summits with the best of em'.
While residents may be relatively few, the wildlife is plentiful!
If you love quiet, rustic fishing towns, you’ll definitely agree that Cordova, Alaska is charming and GORGEOUS for a day trip, no matter the season. What are your favorite sights, stops, and eats here?
If fishing is your favorite way to enjoy Alaska’s great outdoors, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fishing camps to check out this season. Or, how about a stay in one of the most scenic cabins in Alaska? (As a matter of fact, why not do both??)
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Cordova, Alaska
Jennifer|January 08, 2024
What are some must-see glaciers in Alaska?
The Last Frontier boasts numerous breathtaking glaciers, each jaw-droppingly stunning and larger-than-life in their icy glory! Here are just a few must-see glaciers in Alaska:
Matanuska Glacier: This glacier is the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska and is located just 2.5 hours from Anchorage. You can take one of the pullouts all along the highway to see the glacier or drive near the glacier’s edge for up-close photos. Access to the glacier is on private land, so to get on the glacier you must join a guided tour. Options include a glacier walk/hike or even take an ice climbing class!
Mendenhall Glacier: This glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska. You can take a guided tour to explore the glacier’s ice caves, or you can hike the trails to get a better view of the glacier from above.
Portage Glacier: This glacier is located in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska and abuts the calving face of Portage Glacier at its southern end. You can take a boat tour to see the glacier up close, or you can hike the trails to get a better view of the glacier from above.
Where can I find glaciers in Alaska?
Alaska is breathtaking no matter which corner (or which natural wonder) you're exploring, but there are certain spots where glaciers are more easily accessible and/or prevalent. for an unforgettable adventure spent glacier-hopping, here's where to start:
Prince William Sound: This sound has more tidewater glaciers than anywhere on Earth, and it’s one of the easiest places to take a glacier cruise.
Glacier Bay National Park: This park is renowned for its remarkable glaciers and diverse wildlife, including whales, seals, sea lions, and various species of birds. You can take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or you can hike the trails to get a better view of the glaciers from above.
