WHITIER IS A UNIQUE TOWN, even by Alaska standards.And it was not even a town until the 1940s; Whittier was founded by the U.S. military during World War II as a secret supply port. Even today, unless you’re willing to cover the historic route, this port town is accessible by land only through a tunnel that alternately serves automobile and
rail traffic .

But modern-day Whittier has all the amenities you would expect from a bustling, charming, seaport town, including shopping, dining, a museum
and sightseeing activities. In addition, historic Portage Pass is a popular hiking trail that affords spectacular views of Whittier and Passage Canal to the south and Portage Glacier and Portage Valley to the north.
Historically, the Chugach Eskimos gathered here, and made treks over the mountains and through Portage Pass to trade with the Athabaskan Indians of Interior Alaska. Russian explorers, fur traders and gold miners used this same route for many years.

When the United States became involved in WWII, the military quickly
recognized this area as a strategically located, ice-free port that could provide access to Anchorage, the Interior and Alaska’s main rail line in Portage. By 1943, Whittier served as a primary debarkation point for cargo and military personnel, and supplies made their way from Whittier to the interior to support the war effort.

The base closed in 1960, and military activity in the town ceased, but evidence of the military’s presence is the backdrop of this seaside port. Two large concrete buildings that served as the barracks and officers’ housing still remain. The high-rising Begich Towers are now privately owned condominiums that house 90 percent of the town’s yearround residents, who number more than 200.

Today, Whittier is a growing tourist destination as well as a busy commercial- supply port. The railroad has always played an essential roll in transportation into Whittier, and until the last few years was the only way to gain overland access to the town. In June 2000, however, the Anton Anderson Tunnel re-opened to accommodate vehicle traffic and, at twoand-a-half miles long, is the largest highway tunnel in North America. The ease of access has brought a great deal more business to Whittier and has enhanced the town’s status as a travel destination.

Whittier now boasts coffee houses and restaurants that serve fresh Prince William Sound seafood. A museum primarily dedicated to WWII and Whittier’s role in the war has recently opened. There are numerous
hiking trails for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts—from short gentle walks to adventurous hikes that allow you to experience the lush rainforest that surrounds this town. This western side of Prince William Sound is home to a large concentration of tidewater glaciers, which are just a short cruise from Whittier. Wildlifesightseeing cruises, kayaking, fishing and SCUBA diving are other popular activities available in Whittier.